introduction
This easy recipe shows how to make Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate at home. It gives clear steps and simple tips so you can enjoy a rich, creamy hot chocolate that tastes like the one in the park. Read each short section and follow the directions for a warm, cozy drink.
If you like simple dessert recipes, you might also enjoy this chocolate chip cookie cake recipe for a sweet treat to serve with your drink.
Why You’ll Love This Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
You will love this hot chocolate because it is thick, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor. It uses whole milk, cream, cocoa, grated chocolate, and sweetened condensed milk. Those ingredients give the drink a smooth mouthfeel and a sweet, rich taste that feels like a treat. This recipe is simple to follow and does not need hard-to-find items. It recreates the warm, indulgent cup you can buy at Disneyland, right in your kitchen.
This drink warms you on cold nights and brightens a slow afternoon. It also makes a good dessert drink after a simple meal. The whipped cream and cinnamon on top add a nice finish. Children and adults both enjoy it, and you can easily make it for a small group.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a special cup of hot chocolate that is richer than plain cocoa. The use of sweetened condensed milk removes the need for extra sugar and gives a dense texture. The grated milk chocolate adds depth to the cocoa and helps the flavor feel more like real hot chocolate from a shop. You can make it in about 15 to 20 minutes, and most steps are hands-on but easy.
This is a good recipe to try on holidays, at a small party, or for a movie night at home. It is also a nice way to recreate a memory if you miss Disneyland. Once you make it a few times, you can adjust the sweetness or thickness to match what you prefer.
What You Need for Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
You do not need fancy tools. A medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan helps the milk heat evenly and prevents burning. Use a whisk for mixing the cocoa and chocolate. A small bowl is useful to make a smooth chocolate paste before adding it back to the hot milk. Heat-resistant mugs keep the drink warm and are safe to hold.
If you want to be precise, use a measuring cup and spoon for the milk, cream, and vanilla. Use a grater or knife to grate the milk chocolate. For serving, keep a can of whipped cream or make your own whipped cream ahead of time. A small spoon for chocolate shavings or a fine grater works well for the final touch.
How to Make Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
Follow each step in order and watch the heat. Heat the milk and cream just until you see steam and little bubbles at the edges. Do not let the milk boil, because boiling will change the taste. Mixing cocoa with a small amount of hot milk first makes a smooth paste and stops lumps.
After you return the chocolate paste to the pan, add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Stir well so everything melts and blends. Lower the heat and keep stirring while it simmers for a few minutes. The drink will thicken slightly and coat the spoon. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the texture you like. Serve hot with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and add chocolate shavings for an extra treat.
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, Ground cinnamon, Chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions:
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. Watch carefully and never let it boil, as this can scald the milk and create an unpleasant taste.
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tablespoons of grated chocolate. Add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to this bowl and whisk until completely smooth. This prevents lumps in your final hot chocolate.
Slowly pour the chocolate mixture back into the saucepan while whisking constantly. Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk and ⅛ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until completely combined and smooth.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.
Ladle the hot chocolate into heat-resistant mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Add chocolate shavings if desired. Serve while hot for the authentic Disney park experience.
Best Ways to Serve Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
Serve this hot chocolate very hot in mugs that keep warmth. Top with a big dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of ground cinnamon. The whipped cream melts slightly into the drink and gives a soft, creamy contrast. Chocolate shavings on top add texture and make each cup look special.
Pair the drink with a small baked good. A cookie, a slice of simple cake, or a light biscuit balances the rich drink. If you want to match the feel of a park snack, serve with a warm pastry or a toasted marshmallow on the side. For a fancy touch, use a glass mug so guests can see the layers of drink and cream.
How to Store Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on low heat and stir often so the mixture warms evenly. If the drink thickens while cold, add a little milk when reheating to regain the right pourable texture. Do not bring the mixture to a boil during reheating.
If you want to store the base without the whipped cream, keep it in a jar or tight container. You can reheat and serve later. The cocoa and condensed milk hold up well in the fridge, but fresh cream and whipped topping are best used right away.
Easy Tips to Make Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Use good quality cocoa and milk chocolate. Better chocolate gives a fuller flavor.
- Whisk the cocoa with a small amount of hot milk first to avoid lumps.
- Do not boil the milk. Heat gently and stir.
- Adjust sweetness by using slightly less or more condensed milk. Taste as you go.
- If you like a thinner drink, add more milk until you reach the right texture.
- For a richer drink, use the full 2-3 cups milk range and keep the cream.
A helpful pairing for dessert after this drink is a simple chocolate cake. Try a flourless chocolate cake recipe for a dense slice that matches the hot chocolate’s rich flavor.
Try These Variations of Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
You can change the flavor to match your mood. Add a pinch of salt to bring out the chocolate notes. Stir in a small amount of instant espresso for a mocha twist. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a deeper flavor. Add a dash of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract for a seasonal twist.
For a lighter option, swap half the whole milk for low-fat milk, or skip the heavy cream and use 3 cups milk. For a grown-up version, stir in a splash of liqueur after you remove the pan from heat. These small changes let you keep the same basic method while creating many different drinks.
Common Questions About Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
Common Questions About Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe
Q: Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use non-dairy milks like oat or almond milk, but the texture will change. The drink will be less creamy. Use a full-fat non-dairy milk if you can.
Q: How can I make this less sweet?
A: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly and taste as you go. You may need to add a little sugar if you remove too much sweetened milk.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
A: Yes. Use a larger pot and heat slowly. Keep to the same method: heat milk and cream, make the cocoa paste, then combine and simmer gently.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: You can, but watch the temperature. Use low heat and stir often. Do not let the mixture boil.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly and add milk if needed for the right texture.
Final Thoughts
This Disneyland-style hot chocolate is a simple, warm, and tasty treat. It uses few steps and common kitchen items. The result is a rich cup that feels special and easy to make. Share it with friends or keep a mug for a quiet night in. Small changes let you make it your own.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your milk, cream, cocoa, and the can of sweetened condensed milk. Follow the step-by-step directions and enjoy a hot chocolate that brings the park feeling home. Make one cup or a few — either way, this recipe will give you a smooth, chocolatey drink that feels like a small celebration.
Conclusion
If you want to compare versions and see another clear copycat of the Disneyland hot chocolate, check this helpful guide: Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Copycat – Onion Rings & Things.
Print
Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a rich, creamy hot chocolate that recreates the delightful experience of Disneyland’s famous beverage right in your kitchen.
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
- Ground cinnamon
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- 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 steaming.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup cocoa powder and 1-2 tablespoons grated chocolate. Add about ½ cup of hot milk to the bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour the chocolate mixture back into the saucepan while whisking. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk and ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Ladle hot chocolate into heat-resistant mugs and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add milk if necessary to regain the pourable texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg