Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Warm up on chilly evenings with this indulgent Polar Express Hot Chocolate. Creamy, chocolatey, and topped with extra whipped cream, it’s a cozy treat perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting night in.

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chopped dark or milk chocolate
• 2-3 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream, plus more for serving
• Flaky salt, a pinch

Instructions

1. Stove Method: Add the milk, chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky salt to a small pot. Place over medium-low heat and stir frequently until the milk is hot and steaming but not boiling. Stir in 1 cup of whipped cream and whisk well. Pour into mugs and top generously with additional whipped cream. Enjoy immediately.
2. Microwave Method: In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup, combine the milk, chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and whisk thoroughly, then stir in 1 cup of whipped cream. Microwave an additional minute or until steaming. Pour into mugs and add plenty of whipped cream on top. Serve right away.
3. Crockpot Method: Place the milk, chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky salt into the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Switch to warm and keep for up to 2 more hours. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup whipped cream. Ladle into mugs and garnish with extra whipped cream. Sip and savor.

Tips & Variations

• For a non-alcoholic version, substitute hazelnut liqueur with hazelnut syrup or a splash of almond extract.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use full cream whipped cream for the richest texture and flavor.
• Try topping with mini marshmallows instead of whipped cream for a classic feel.

Storage

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often to maintain smoothness. Whipped cream is best added fresh just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate bars instead of chips?

Yes, finely chopped chocolate bars work well and melt smoothly, just be sure to adjust quantity to taste.

Is hazelnut liqueur necessary?

Hazelnut liqueur adds a lovely nutty depth, but you can omit it or replace it with a non-alcoholic hazelnut syrup if preferred.

Polar Express Hot Chocolate Recipe

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4.4 from 73 reviews

This Polar Express Hot Chocolate recipe offers a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink perfect for cozy winter evenings or special holiday celebrations. Made with a luscious blend of milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, and a hint of hazelnut liqueur, it’s topped with an abundance of whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With multiple cooking methods including stovetop, microwave, and crockpot, this recipe is versatile and easy to prepare.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (stovetop), 2 hours (crockpot), 2 minutes (microwave)
• Total Time: 15 minutes (stovetop), 2 hours 5 minutes (crockpot), 7 minutes (microwave including whisking time)
• Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids

• 4 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk
• 2–3 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Chocolate

• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chopped dark or milk chocolate

Toppings and Seasoning

• 1 cup whipped cream, plus extra for serving
• Flaky salt, pinch

Instructions

1. Stovetop Method: Add the half and half or whole milk, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped dark or milk chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky salt to a small pot. Place the pot over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the milk is hot and scalding but not boiling. Stir in 1 cup of whipped cream to add richness.
2. Once the mixture is steaming hot, whisk the hot chocolate thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly. Pour the hot chocolate into your favorite mug, then top generously with extra whipped cream. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky salt, then enjoy your comforting drink.
3. Microwave Method: In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup, combine the milk, mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla, and a pinch of flaky salt. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then whisk to combine well and add the whipped cream. Microwave again on high for another minute or until steaming hot.
4. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug, top with a generous amount of whipped cream, sprinkle with flaky salt, and enjoy.
5. Crockpot Method: Place the milk, chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, hazelnut liqueur, vanilla extract, and a pinch of flaky salt into the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and the flavors blend.
6. After 2 hours, switch the crockpot setting to warm and keep it covered for up to 2 more hours until ready to serve. Before serving, stir in 1 cup of whipped cream for creaminess. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs, add an extra dollop of whipped cream on top, sprinkle flaky salt, and savor your warm drink.

Notes

• You can choose either half and half or whole milk depending on your preferred richness.
• If hazelnut liqueur is not available, you can substitute with hazelnut extract or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
• The whipped cream added inside the hot chocolate creates an ultra-smooth texture, but it’s optional if you prefer a lighter version.
• Keep a close eye on the stovetop method to avoid boiling the milk, which can alter the flavor and texture.
• The recipe makes about 4 to 5 servings depending on mug size.
• To make it kid-friendly, simply skip the hazelnut liqueur.

Keywords: Polar Express, hot chocolate, holiday drink, creamy hot cocoa, festive beverage, winter drink, chocolate recipe