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.
I first enjoyed serving this to friends during a holiday party and the polar bear toppers were a huge hit with both kids and adults alike.
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 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 around the polar bear for a snowy effect:
- Add sprinkles or edible pearls for decoration.
- Serve on a platter:
- With cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes on the side for dipping and stirring.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this treat has become a beloved family tradition, bringing smiles and warm memories during cold winter nights.
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 delight guests and add a magical touch to your winter gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use large marshmallows for the heads and attach mini marshmallows as ears with a dab of whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and white chocolate buttons for noses.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What chocolates work best for the hot chocolate base?
A combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate creates a balanced, rich flavor complemented by cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
- → How can I create a snowy effect on the platter?
Sprinkle shredded coconut around the marshmallow bears and add white, silver, or blue edible pearls or sprinkles for a festive look.
- → What treats can I serve alongside the hot chocolate?
Cookies shaped like bear paws, peppermint sticks, candy canes, or alternative options like brownies or gingerbread work well for dipping and stirring.