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.
I first served this at a holiday party and everyone loved the playful polar bear marshmallow toppers and rich hot chocolate base.
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.
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Gathering around this platter always creates joy and warmth with family and friends as we share stories and sip hot chocolate.
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.
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This polar bear hot chocolate platter is sure to be a festive hit that brings warmth and whimsy to your winter celebrations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use one large marshmallow as the head and attach two mini marshmallows as ears with a dab of whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button with a chip nose.
- → Can I use plant-based milk for the hot chocolate?
Yes, plant-based milk like almond or oat milk can replace dairy milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut whipped cream as a topping.
- → How to achieve the snowy effect around the marshmallows?
Sprinkle shredded coconut around the polar bear toppers to create a snowy landscape effect on your hot chocolate.
- → What variations can I add to the hot chocolate base?
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a spiced twist on the classic hot chocolate flavor.
- → What treats pair well with this hot chocolate platter?
Cookies shaped like bear paws, peppermint sticks, candy canes, brownies, biscotti, or gingerbread are excellent options to serve alongside.