Save 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 always delights my family during the holidays and makes for a memorable dessert experience.
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.
- Add snowy effect:
- 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 Our family gathers around every winter to enjoy this festive treat together creating lasting memories.
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 This delightful platter adds a magical touch to any winter celebration.
Recipe Q&A Section
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use one 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 for the nose.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream work well for a dairy-free version, and cookies can be replaced with brownies or gingerbread.
- → How do I prevent the hot chocolate from boiling?
Heat the milk and chocolate mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until smooth and steaming, then keep warm on low heat without boiling.
- → What additional flavors can enhance this hot chocolate?
A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can add a warm, spiced hint to the chocolate base.
- → What treats can I serve alongside the hot chocolate?
Serve with sugar cookies shaped like bear paws, peppermint sticks, candy canes, or sprinkles for dipping and stirring.