# Components:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 33.8 fl oz whole milk
02 - 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 3.5 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 - 6.8 fl oz 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 - 1.8 oz shredded coconut
14 - 6 sugar cookies (bear paw or round shapes, optional)
15 - 6 peppermint sticks or candy canes
16 - Sprinkles or edible pearls (white, silver, or blue)
# Method:
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 without boiling. Stir in vanilla extract and keep warm over low heat.
02 - Form each bear topper by using one large marshmallow as the head, attaching two mini marshmallows as ears with a small amount of whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and a white chocolate button with a mini chocolate chip for the nose, using a toothpick or melted chocolate as adhesive.
03 - Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and set aside.
04 - Pour hot chocolate into mugs, top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then carefully position a polar bear marshmallow topper on the surface.
05 - Sprinkle shredded coconut around each polar bear topper to create a snowy effect and decorate with sprinkles or edible pearls.
06 - Serve on a platter accompanied by sugar cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes for dipping and stirring.
