# What you'll need:
→ Hot Chocolate Base
01 - 4 cups whole milk
02 - 7 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Polar Bear Toppings & Treats
08 - ¾ 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 - 1.75 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 the milk, semi-sweet and white chocolates, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk continuously until the chocolates melt and the mixture is smooth and steaming without boiling. Stir in vanilla extract and keep warm over low heat.
02 - Assemble each polar bear by using one large marshmallow for the head and attaching two mini marshmallows as ears with a dab of whipped cream or melted white chocolate. Add two mini chocolate chips for eyes and one white chocolate button topped with a mini chocolate chip as 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 place a polar bear marshmallow topper carefully on each mug.
05 - Sprinkle shredded coconut around the polar bear toppers to create a snowy effect and decorate with sprinkles or edible pearls.
06 - Serve on a platter alongside sugar cookies and peppermint sticks or candy canes for dipping and stirring.
