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.
I love serving this platter to friends and family during the holiday season because it brings smiles and playful fun to the table.
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:
- 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 Sharing this treat has created many joyful memories with my family during chilly 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
Nutritional Information
Calories 420 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 7 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This platter is a delightful way to warm up any winter gathering with charm and taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → What chocolates are used for the hot chocolate base?
Semi-sweet and white chocolates are combined with cocoa powder to create a rich and balanced hot chocolate base.
- → How are the polar bear marshmallow toppers made?
Large marshmallows form the head, mini marshmallows make the ears, with mini chocolate chips and white chocolate buttons added as facial features using whipped cream or melted chocolate.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy whipped cream.
- → What toppings are served alongside the hot chocolate?
Shredded coconut, sugar cookies shaped like bear paws, peppermint sticks, and edible pearls or sprinkles enhance both flavor and presentation.
- → Are there any recommended spices to add a twist?
Cinnamon or chili powder can be added for a warming or spicy variation to the hot chocolate base.