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 reminds me of joyful family winter nights spent sharing warmth and laughter over delightful hot chocolate treats.
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 shredded 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 platter always brings our family closer as we share smiles and stories around the warm mugs on cold winter evenings.
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 the perfect cozy treat to brighten up winter days and warm your heart.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I create 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. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button combined with a chip for the nose.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version of the hot chocolate base?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy-based cream to keep it dairy-free.
- → What types of cookies pair well with this platter?
Bear paw sugar cookies complement the theme, but brownies, biscotti, or gingerbread can also add delightful variety.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the hot chocolate?
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can introduce warming spices that elevate the drink's richness.
- → What’s the best way to serve this platter at a winter gathering?
Arrange the hot chocolates in mugs topped with the polar bear marshmallows and whipped cream, surrounded by cookies, peppermint sticks, and sprinkles on a large serving platter for an inviting display.
- → Are there allergen concerns to keep in mind?
This dish contains milk, soy from chocolate, and gluten from cookies; marshmallows may include gelatin. Check labels carefully for cross-contamination risks.