If you’ve ever strolled down Main Street, U.S.A. on a cozy winter evening, Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate is the warm hug in a mug you remember fondly. This magical treat is ultra-creamy, rich, and laden with chocolatey goodness that’s somehow comforting and indulgent at once. Now, you can recreate that Disney magic in your own kitchen with just a handful of pantry staples, and the result is every bit as decadent as the original. Whether it’s a snow day, movie night, or just a Tuesday that needs a lift, this hot chocolate will turn any moment into a celebration.

Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate is all about using simple ingredients that work together to create something truly luxurious. Each component makes a difference, so don’t skip around—these details are key to that signature rich and velvety flavor.

2% Milk: The base of your hot chocolate; using 2% offers both creaminess and a lighter texture than whole milk.

Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds body and a luscious, silky texture so the drink is ultra-satisfying.
Cocoa Powder (*): For that deep, intense chocolate flavor—make sure it’s good quality.

Sugar: Just a touch to balance out the bitterness of the cocoa and enhance the chocolatey notes.
Milk Chocolate, Grated: This melts into the drink for a lighter, creamy layer of sweetness (grab a good chocolate bar for best results).

Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret to Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate—it brings creaminess, sweetness, and that signature richness.
Vanilla Extract: A hint of warm, floral flavor that rounds everything out.
Whipped Cream for Topping: The classic finishing touch for a true Disneyland-worthy mug.

Ground Cinnamon for Topping: A sprinkle takes the aroma (and nostalgia) to the next level.

How to Make Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Cream

In a medium saucepan, pour your 2% milk and heavy whipping cream. Set it over medium-high heat and watch closely—no wandering away for this part! You want the mixture to heat through until small bubbles form around the edges, but don’t let it boil or scald. This gentle approach ensures your base is creamy and smooth, not grainy.

Step 2: Mix the Cocoa and Chocolate

While your milk is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, and grated milk chocolate; this creates a uniform blend, making it easier to dissolve into the hot milk later. Slowly sprinkle this chocolatey trio into your steaming milk mixture, stirring as you go, until everything is married into a rich, blended base.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Reduce your heat to medium so nothing scorches. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk—the not-so-secret weapon that gives Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate its unforgettable richness and sweetness. Add the vanilla extract too. Stir patiently until every bit is dissolved and the liquid looks glossy and unified.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about five minutes. This short rest time allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to become dreamy and thick. Give it a final stir, watching for that telltale sheen that means it’s ready.

Step 5: Serve and Top

Remove your heavenly hot chocolate from the heat. Carefully pour it into individual mugs—clear glass mugs show off that gorgeous, rich color! Top with clouds of whipped cream, a dusting of ground cinnamon, and if you’d like, a few extra shavings of chocolate for the full Disneyland effect.

How to Serve Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate

Garnishes

To really capture the spirit of Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate, don’t skimp on the toppings. A generous swirl of whipped cream gives that iconic look and texture. Then, a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and extra chocolate shavings makes every cup feel like a treat straight from the park. For a little fun, try colored sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel if you’re serving kids.

Side Dishes

Pair your hot chocolate with a plate of freshly baked cookies (classic chocolate chip or snickerdoodle hit just right), fluffy marshmallows, or even a warm croissant for dipping. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, buttery shortbread or biscotti are also perfect partners that elevate the experience into a true dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar for movie night or gatherings, complete with toppings like mini marshmallows, peppermint sticks, toffee bits, and chocolate curls. Serve Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate in festive mugs or mason jars tied with colorful ribbon to make it extra special—especially lovely for holiday mornings or birthday breakfasts. For that magic touch, add a Mickey-shaped marshmallow on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate (which is rare!), let it cool to room temperature. Pour it into a tight-sealing container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir before reheating, as the chocolate may settle at the bottom.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, this hot chocolate can be frozen. Pour cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or silicone molds for single servings. Freeze for up to two months; when ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well to restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching and to bring back that velvety smoothness. You can also microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Just take care not to overheat, as it can cause the dairy to separate.

FAQs

Can I make Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based options such as almond or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. Look for high-quality cocoa and vegan chocolate to keep the taste spot on.

Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, if you love a bolder, less sweet hot chocolate. Grating some dark chocolate into the mix will give a deeper flavor profile. Adjust the sugar to taste if you find it a bit too intense.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a crowd?

Definitely! Prepare Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving and set out a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own perfect cup.

What’s the best cocoa to use for Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate?

Choose a high quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest, most authentic flavor—Dutch-process is ideal if you want extra smoothness, but classic natural cocoa also works beautifully. Taste as you go to suit your preferences.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Yes! Kids can help whisk the dry ingredients, add toppings, and of course, enjoy stirring up extra whipped cream. For safety, adults should handle the stovetop steps, but there’s plenty of room for fun family teamwork with topping and serving.

Final Thoughts

Making Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate at home is like bottling a little piece of magic to enjoy anytime you wish. It’s comfort, nostalgia, and celebration all in one mug, and it’s so easy you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe on every chilly evening. Give yourself a dose of Disney happiness—stir up a batch, kick back, and savor every creamy, chocolatey sip!

Disneyland’s Hot Chocolate Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warm and comforting taste of Disneyland’s famous hot chocolate right in the comfort of your home. This rich and creamy hot chocolate recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of magic to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Chocolate:

2 cups 2% milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup cocoa powder (*)
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon milk chocolate, grated

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

whipped cream

ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, pour milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium-high heat (be sure to watch it carefully – you don’t want it to boil or scald!).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, sugar, and milk chocolate. Slowly add this dry mixture to the milk mixture until completely combined.
3. Reduce heat to medium.
4. Add in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, and stir until completely combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and serve in individual mugs.
6. Top with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and additional chocolate shavings, if desired.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Simmering

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320

Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g

Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Disneyland hot chocolate, hot chocolate recipe, homemade hot chocolate