# Components:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 4.2 cups whole milk
02 - 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Polar Bear Toppings & Treats
08 - 3/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
09 - 12 large marshmallows
10 - 12 mini marshmallows
11 - 36 mini chocolate chips
12 - 12 white chocolate buttons or candy melts
13 - 1.75 oz shredded coconut
14 - 6 sugar cookies (bear paw or round shapes, optional)
15 - 6 peppermint sticks or candy canes
16 - Sprinkles or edible pearls (white, silver, or blue)
# Directions:
01 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk continuously until chocolates melt and mixture is smooth and steaming; avoid boiling. Stir in vanilla extract and keep warm over low heat.
02 - For each polar 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 for eyes and a white chocolate button with a mini chocolate chip for the nose. Use a toothpick or melted chocolate to secure.
03 - Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and set aside.
04 - Pour hot chocolate into mugs. Top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream and carefully place a polar bear marshmallow topper on top.
05 - Sprinkle shredded coconut around the polar bear marshmallows to create a snowy effect. Decorate with sprinkles or edible pearls as desired.
06 - Serve on a platter alongside sugar cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes for dipping and stirring.
