Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Warm up with this rich and creamy version of Disneyland’s famous hot chocolate. It’s a decadent treat made with real cocoa, milk chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk for a perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

Ingredients

• 2-3 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup high-quality cocoa powder
• 1-2 tablespoons grated milk chocolate
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour 2-3 cups of whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream into a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until steaming with tiny bubbles around the edges, being careful not to let it boil to avoid scalding the milk.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and grated milk chocolate. Add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to this bowl and whisk until smooth to prevent lumps.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour the chocolate mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined and smooth.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if desired.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately in heat-resistant mugs. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and chocolate shavings if using.

Tips & Variations

• Use a good-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the texture will be lighter.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel or add a splash of coffee liqueur.

Storage

Store leftover hot chocolate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling during reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this hot chocolate dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Keep in mind that the texture will be less rich, but the cocoa and chocolate flavors will still shine.

Why shouldn’t the milk boil?

Boiling the milk can cause it to scald, developing a burnt flavor and ruining the smoothness of the hot chocolate. Heating just until steaming with small bubbles ensures a creamy, pleasant taste.

Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe

Print Recipe

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Enjoy the rich and creamy Disneyland-style hot chocolate, a luxurious blend of whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa, milk chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk. This indulgent drink is topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and optional chocolate shavings for the perfect cozy treat.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Milk Base

• 2–3 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Chocolate Mixture

• ½ cup high-quality cocoa powder
• 1–2 tablespoons grated milk chocolate

Sweetener & Flavor

• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the milk base: Pour 2-3 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of heavy cream into a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is steaming and tiny bubbles form around the edges. Be careful to avoid boiling to prevent scalding the milk, which can alter the taste negatively.
2. Prepare chocolate mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tablespoons grated milk chocolate. Add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to the cocoa mixture and whisk until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the hot chocolate.
3. Combine ingredients: Slowly pour the smooth chocolate mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk while whisking constantly. Add the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and ⅛ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth.
4. Final simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer the hot chocolate for 3-5 minutes while stirring frequently. The mixture should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust the thickness by adding more milk if desired.
5. Serve immediately: Ladle the hot chocolate into heat-resistant mugs. Top each serving with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Add chocolate shavings on top if you like an extra chocolatey touch. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Do not boil the milk mixture to prevent scalding and bitterness.
• Using high-quality cocoa powder and milk chocolate enhances the flavor.
• Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if the hot chocolate is too thick.
• For extra richness, feel free to add additional whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
• Heat-resistant mugs are recommended for safe serving.

Keywords: Disneyland hot chocolate, creamy hot chocolate, cocoa drink, winter beverage, dessert drink