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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/polar-express-hot-chocolate-recipe/