Save to Pins 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 platter has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted, delighting kids and adults alike with its playful polar bear marshmallow toppers and rich hot chocolate.
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 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 Pins My family always gathers around this platter with smiles as the kids eagerly build their own polar bear toppers while adults sip the rich 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.
Save to Pins This playful platter brings warmth and joy to any winter celebration, making your dessert table unforgettable.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the polar bear marshmallow toppers?
Use a large marshmallow as the head, attach two mini marshmallows as ears using whipped cream or melted white chocolate, add mini chocolate chips for eyes, and finish with a white chocolate button and chocolate chip nose.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy whipped cream to keep it dairy-free.
- → What is the best way to keep the hot chocolate smooth and warm?
Heat the milk and chocolates gently over medium heat while whisking constantly until melted and steaming, then keep warm on low heat, avoiding boiling to maintain smoothness.
- → Are there variations to the toppings or treats?
You can swap cookies for brownies, biscotti, or gingerbread, and add cinnamon or chili powder for a spiced version to personalize your platter.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this dish?
A saucepan, whisk, mixing bowl, electric mixer for whipped cream, a serving platter, and mugs are essential for making and serving this treat.