Pin A whimsical and cozy assortment of hot chocolates served with playful polar bear-inspired toppings and treats—perfect for winter gatherings or a festive dessert board.
This recipe brings warmth and fun to our family gatherings, sparking joy with each cute polar bear topper.
Ingredients
- Hot Chocolate Base: 1 liter whole milk, 200 g semi-sweet chocolate chopped, 100 g white chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Polar Bear Toppings & Treats: 200 ml heavy cream whipped, 12 large marshmallows, 12 mini marshmallows, 36 mini chocolate chips, 12 white chocolate buttons or candy melts, 50 g shredded coconut, 6 sugar cookies (bear paw or round shapes optional), 6 peppermint sticks or candy canes, Sprinkles or edible pearls (white silver or blue)
Instructions
- Prepare the hot chocolate base:
- In a saucepan over medium heat combine the milk semi-sweet chocolate white chocolate cocoa powder sugar and salt. Whisk continuously until the chocolates are melted and the mixture is smooth and steaming (do not boil). Stir in the vanilla extract. Keep warm over low heat.
- Make polar bear marshmallow toppers:
- For each bear use one large marshmallow as the head. Attach two mini marshmallows as ears using a dab of whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add two mini chocolate chips as eyes and one white chocolate button with a mini chocolate chip as the nose. (Use a toothpick or melted chocolate for glue.)
- Whip the cream:
- Whip the cream to soft peaks and set aside.
- To serve:
- Pour hot chocolate into mugs. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream then carefully place a polar bear marshmallow topper on each mug.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut around the polar bear for a snowy effect. Add sprinkles or edible pearls for decoration.
- Serve:
- Serve on a platter with cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes on the side for dipping and stirring.
Pin This recipe always brings a festive spirit to our family celebrations and makes winter moments extra special.
Notes
Use plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version Swap cookies for brownies biscotti or gingerbread Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a spiced variation Pair with a sweet dessert wine or rich black tea
Required Tools
Saucepan Whisk Mixing bowl Electric mixer (for whipped cream) Serving platter Mugs
Allergen Information
Contains milk soy (chocolate) and gluten (cookies) Marshmallows may contain gelatin Always check labels for allergens and cross-contamination
Pin This hot chocolate platter is sure to delight guests and create lasting winter memories.
Recipe Q&A
- → What chocolates are used in the hot chocolate base?
Semi-sweet and white chocolates combine with cocoa powder to create a smooth, rich base.
- → How are the polar bear toppers made?
Large marshmallows form the bear heads with mini marshmallows as ears. Chocolate chips and white chocolate buttons create eyes and noses.
- → Can the whipped cream be substituted?
Yes, coconut whipped cream makes a great dairy-free alternative to the traditional heavy cream topping.
- → What festive touches enhance the platter?
Shredded coconut mimics snow, while sprinkles, edible pearls, cookies, and peppermint sticks add color and texture.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly though marshmallows may contain gelatin; alternatives are available.
- → Are there suggested flavor variations?
Adding cinnamon or chili powder introduces warming spice notes to the hot chocolate base.