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 is always a hit at our winter parties. Everyone loves the creative marshmallow polar bear toppers—they add a playful and charming touch to the hot chocolate 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 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 This treat has become a beloved family tradition. We gather and make the marshmallow polar bears together which makes the experience even more special and fun.
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 Enjoy this playful and delicious dessert board that brings warmth and joy to any winter gathering.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use a large marshmallow for the head, attach two mini marshmallows as ears with whipped cream or melted chocolate, then add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button with a chip for the nose.
- → Can I use dairy-free alternatives in this platter?
Yes, replace whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream to keep it dairy-free while maintaining rich flavors.
- → What is the best way to melt the chocolates for the hot chocolate base?
Gently heat milk and combine with chopped semi-sweet and white chocolates over medium heat, whisking constantly until smooth and steaming without boiling.
- → How can I add a spiced twist to this hot chocolate?
Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the base while melting the chocolates to introduce a warm, spicy note.
- → What treats pair well with this hot chocolate platter?
Cookies shaped like bear paws, peppermint sticks or candy canes, and sprinkles or edible pearls complement the platter beautifully for added texture and festive flair.
- → Are there allergen considerations to keep in mind?
This dish contains milk, soy (in chocolate), and gluten (if cookies are used). Marshmallows may contain gelatin. Always check ingredient labels for allergies.