# Ingredient List:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 4 1/4 cups whole milk
02 - 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 3 1/2 oz white chocolate, chopped
04 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Polar Bear Toppings & Treats
08 - 3/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
09 - 12 large marshmallows
10 - 12 mini marshmallows
11 - 36 mini chocolate chips
12 - 12 white chocolate buttons or candy melts
13 - 1 3/4 oz shredded coconut
14 - 6 sugar cookies (bear paw or round shape, optional)
15 - 6 peppermint sticks or candy canes
16 - Sprinkles or edible pearls (white, silver, or blue) for garnish
# Directions:
01 - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, semi-sweet and white chocolates, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk continuously until chocolates melt and mixture is smooth and steaming but not boiling. Stir in vanilla extract and keep warm over low heat.
02 - Form each bear by attaching two mini marshmallows as ears to a large marshmallow head using whipped cream or melted white chocolate as adhesive. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and one white chocolate button with a mini chocolate chip for the nose utilizing a toothpick or melted chocolate for glue.
03 - Use an electric mixer to whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then set aside.
04 - Pour hot chocolate into mugs. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then carefully place a polar bear marshmallow topper atop each mug.
05 - Sprinkle shredded coconut around the polar bear topper for a snowy effect and scatter sprinkles or edible pearls as desired.
06 - Serve the hot chocolate mugs on a platter accompanied by sugar cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes for dipping and stirring.
