Polar Express Hot Chocolate
I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Craving a warm, cozy drink? You’ll love this Polar Express hot chocolate recipe! It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for cold winter nights. This easy recipe makes 6 servings of delicious hot chocolate in just 40 minutes.

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this festive treat. The secret is using sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream for extra richness.
Add some bittersweet chocolate chips and vanilla, and you’ve got a drink that tastes like it’s straight from the North Pole! Top it with whipped cream or marshmallows for the full Polar Express experience.

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical Polar Express hot chocolate:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 1⁄2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For toppings, you can add:
- Whipped cream
- Marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint
- Chocolate syrup
These ingredients will make about 6 servings of hot chocolate. Each serving has around 350 calories.
You’ll need a large saucepan to mix everything together. A whisk or wooden spoon is handy for stirring. Don’t forget mugs for serving!
Remember, you can adjust the richness by adding more milk if you want. The cooking time is about 35 minutes, but it’s worth the wait for this creamy treat.

Instructions
You’ll love making this yummy Polar Express hot chocolate! Start by grabbing a big saucepan. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and chocolate chips. Add the vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt too.
Put the pan on your stove over low heat. Now comes the fun part – stirring! Keep mixing gently for about 35 minutes. This helps the chocolate melt smoothly without burning.
Watch the mixture turn into a rich, creamy treat. When it’s all smooth, give it a taste. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk.
Time to serve! Pour the hot chocolate into mugs while it’s nice and warm. Want to make it extra special? Top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or crushed candy canes.
Remember, this recipe makes enough for 6 people. Each cup has about 350 calories. It takes just 5 minutes to get ready, then 35 minutes to cook. Perfect for a cozy movie night!

Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out some ingredients in this Polar Express hot chocolate recipe. Here are some tasty options:
Milk alternatives:
- Almond milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
Sweeteners:
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Agave nectar
For the chocolate, try these:
- Milk chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate chunks
Want to mix up the flavors? Add these:
- Peppermint extract
- Almond extract
- Orange zest
Toppings can be fun to change too:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Caramel sauce
- Coconut whipped cream
Remember, these swaps might change the taste and texture a bit. But that’s part of the fun! You can create your own special version of Polar Express hot chocolate.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can make this Polar Express hot chocolate more diabetes-friendly with a few simple changes. Start by using unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk and heavy cream. This swap cuts down on sugar and calories.
Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative. You can find these in most grocery stores. If not, use unsweetened coconut milk for a creamy texture without added sugars.
For the chocolate, pick a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. Dark chocolate has less sugar and more antioxidants than milk chocolate. Use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Skip the sugary toppings like marshmallows and chocolate syrup. Instead, try these tasty options:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
- A dash of sugar-free vanilla extract
- A small dollop of sugar-free whipped cream
Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian before making big changes to your diet. They can help you figure out the right portion size for your needs.
With these tweaks, you can enjoy a cozy cup of Polar Express hot chocolate without worrying about your blood sugar levels. It’s a great way to join in the holiday fun!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Stir your hot chocolate mix often to prevent it from burning. Use a wooden spoon for the best results. Keep the heat low and be patient – rushing can lead to a grainy texture.
For extra richness, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
Make a big batch and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour into a saucepan and warm over low heat. Stir gently until hot.
For a fun twist, try serving your Polar Express hot chocolate in festive mugs. Add candy cane stirrers for a minty touch.
If you like your hot chocolate less sweet, use dark chocolate chips instead of bittersweet. You can also cut back on the sweetened condensed milk.
Remember to have all your toppings ready before serving. This way, everyone can customize their drink while it’s still hot.