If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of that magical hot chocolate moment from your favorite holiday movie, you’re in the right place. Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause is the ultimate cocoa treat: luxuriously rich, cloud-soft from melting marshmallows, and topped with a crown of whipped chocolate cream. Every sip is pure nostalgia and comfort, perfect for warming up cold winter nights or turning any evening into a celebration. This recipe brings the warmth, sweetness, and just a touch of holiday magic right to your kitchen.

Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause so special is how every ingredient adds its own note of decadence. These aren’t just simple kitchen staples — each one is essential for achieving that movie-magic texture and taste.

Dark chocolate chips (8 oz, semi-sweet): Melt down for that deep, smooth, cocoa base everyone craves in a real hot chocolate.
Fluffy mini marshmallows (4 cups): These don’t just float on top; melting them right in boosts the creamy, almost silken body of every mug.
Full-fat milk (2 cups): Delivers a creamy richness; resist the urge to swap for low-fat versions for the full experience.
Canned evaporated milk (12 oz): Adds a signature thickness and old-fashioned flavor that just hugs your taste buds.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Don’t skip this; vanilla is the secret behind the round, mellow finish.
Pinch of sea salt: Enhances the chocolate, making every other ingredient taste bolder and more balanced.
Chilled heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Essential for achieving the floaty, dreamy whipped topping layer.
Cocoa powder (1 teaspoon): Whisked into the cream for an extra-chocolaty edge, making each topping spoonful irresistible.
Warmed chocolate fudge sauce (2 tablespoons, smooth and pourable): Adds another dimension of chocolatey richness (tip: microwave gently until pourable, not hot).
Cold whole milk (¼ cup): Helps the whipped topping reach that perfect, spoonable consistency.

How to Make Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Milk

Start with a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the full-fat milk and add the dark chocolate chips. Stir slowly and patiently — the chocolate melts best when you give it a gentle, constant motion. In just a few minutes, your kitchen will already smell amazing as the chocolate blends smoothly into the milk.

Step 2: Stir in Evaporated Milk, Vanilla, and Salt

Once your chocolate has fully dissolved, pour in the canned evaporated milk and keep stirring. You’ll notice the mixture turning extra creamy and a little thicker. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, mixing until everything is a silky, cozy blend.

Step 3: Incorporate the Marshmallows

Now for the fun part! Measure out the generous four cups of mini marshmallows and add them right into the hot pan. Keep stirring as they magically melt away, boosting the texture and sweetness of the hot chocolate to dreamy new heights. In a few minutes, you’ll have a glossy, rich, foamy hot chocolate waiting for the best part — the topping.

Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Cream Topping

While the chocolate is bubbling away, grab a chilled bowl and your hand mixer. Whip the cold heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Next, gently fold in the cocoa powder and the warmed, pourable fudge sauce. Splash in the cold whole milk and continue to whip until you reach stiff peaks — a cloud of pure chocolate perfection ready to float on each mug.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your hot chocolate into big mugs, then dollop a towering swirl of your homemade chocolate cream on top. Finish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a handful of mini marshmallows for a touch of whimsy. Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause is at its best when served immediately, piping hot, with friends and memories close by.

How to Serve Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause

Garnishes

To capture that festive, cozy feel, go wild with the toppings! Dust with a little extra cocoa powder, add a generous pile of mini marshmallows, or even drizzle more warm fudge sauce over the whipped cream. Colored sprinkles, peppermint sticks, or a cinnamon stick for stirring can transform each mug of Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause into a treat that looks as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun. This rich hot chocolate begs for something a little crunchy or chewy on the side. Classic choices like buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti are always winners. For a fun twist, try dunking a slice of panettone or some chocolate-dipped pretzels — they play beautifully with every chocolate-swirled sip of Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause in clear glass mugs to spotlight the contrast between chocolate and cream. Try mini “taster” glasses for dessert flights, or rim your mugs with crushed peppermint before pouring. For a party, set out a DIY topping bar so everyone can personalize their cup — endless marshmallows, chocolate curls, caramel syrup, you name it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Store the whipped chocolate cream separately in the fridge to keep it fluffy and fresh.

Freezing

Hot chocolate itself freezes surprisingly well. Pour any cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Whipped chocolate cream can technically be frozen too, but its luscious texture is best when freshly whipped.

Reheating

To bring back that steamy magic, reheat Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause gently in a saucepan over low heat, whisking frequently to prevent scorching. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first before warming on the stove. Add a splash of milk if the chocolate seems especially thick, and top with a fresh swirl of whipped chocolate cream right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely — it will just be a bit sweeter and less intense. If you love milk chocolate, go for it! You can also mix half dark and half milk chocolate chips for a balanced, velvety version of Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer for the cream?

Don’t worry, a sturdy whisk (and some elbow grease) will get you there! Chill your bowl and beaters (or whisk) for the best results, and keep whipping until the cream can hold soft then stiff peaks for that perfect Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause topping.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite full-fat dairy-free milk (like coconut or oat) for both regular and evaporated milk. Use a dairy-free whipped topping, and check your chocolate chips and fudge sauce to ensure they’re dairy-free. Your version of Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause will be just as magical.

Can I prepare the hot chocolate ahead of time for a party?

Definitely — Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause is a party superstar. Make the hot chocolate base a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then gently reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker when guests arrive. Whip the cream just before serving for the freshest flavor and fluffiest texture.

Is the fudge sauce mandatory?

Not at all, but it does add a decadent twist! If you’re in a hurry or out of sauce, just use extra chocolate chips or a bit more cocoa powder in the whipped cream. Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause will still delight everyone.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about cozying up with a mug of Judy’s Hot Chocolate The Santa Clause — it’s a sip of nostalgia and celebration in every cup. Whether you’re sharing with family, serving at a holiday party, or making a quiet night at home extra memorable, this recipe always brings smiles. Try it once and it’s guaranteed to become your cold-weather classic!