Pin It 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 fun dessert always brings smiles and warmth to our family celebrations.
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.
Pin It This platter has become a beloved family tradition during the holidays.
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 It This delightful hot chocolate platter makes winter moments sweeter and more memorable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use one large marshmallow as the head and attach two mini marshmallows for ears with whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button with a chip for the nose.
- → Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?
Yes, plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream can replace dairy for a dairy-free version, and cookies can be swapped with brownies or gingerbread for variety.
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolates evenly?
Gently heat milk with chopped semi-sweet and white chocolate, stirring continuously over medium heat to melt everything smoothly without boiling.
- → How can I add a festive touch to this hot chocolate?
Sprinkle shredded coconut around the marshmallow bears for a snowy effect and add edible pearls or sprinkles in white, silver, or blue for decoration.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this assortment?
A saucepan for heating, a whisk to blend ingredients, a mixing bowl and electric mixer for whipping cream, plus a serving platter and mugs are essential.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains milk, soy from chocolate, and gluten from cookies. Marshmallows may contain gelatin. Always check product labels carefully.