Save to Pinterest 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 was a hit during my winter party, bringing warmth and fun to everyone involved.
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 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.
Save to Pinterest This recipe created many joyful family moments around the holiday season.
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.
Save to Pinterest This polar bear hot chocolate platter is sure to enchant guests and warm up any winter celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use a large marshmallow as the head, attach two mini marshmallows as ears with whipped cream or melted white chocolate, then add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button with a chocolate chip for the nose.
- → Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream to keep it dairy-free while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What chocolate types are used in the base?
The base combines semi-sweet and white chocolate melted together with cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla for a rich and balanced flavor.
- → How is the snowy effect achieved?
Sprinkling shredded coconut around the polar bear marshmallow toppers creates a snow-like visual on the hot chocolate surface.
- → What are some suggested pairings?
Serve with sugar cookies, peppermint sticks, or candy canes for stirring. It also pairs well with sweet dessert wines or robust black teas.