Holiday Hot Chocolate Board with Snowman Scotcheroos

Merry, Bright, and Oh-So Yummy

I love gathering with family over the holidays, sharing warm drinks and simple treats that make memories. This Hot Chocolate Board with Snowman Scotcheroos is one of those projects — cozy, cheerful, and delightfully sweet. With hot chocolate, salty pretzels, zippy peppermint, and plenty of candy, the board offers something for everyone. And those little snowman scotcheroos? Totally adorable and surprisingly easy to make.

Set out a variety of mix-ins and let guests build their own mugs while they nibble on the snowmen — dunking one in hot chocolate is highly encouraged. Below you’ll find everything you need and clear steps to make both the scotcheroos and the assembled hot chocolate board.

What is a Scotcheroo?

Scotcheroos are chewy cereal bars made from crispy rice cereal bound with a sweet syrup mixture, then coated with chocolate. In this version we use white chocolate for the coating and combine peanut butter and butterscotch for rich, nostalgic flavor. Light corn syrup is key to the chewy texture, and a little salt and vanilla help round out the taste. The bars are easy to shape and decorate, which makes them perfect for transforming into playful snowmen.

Ingredients and Tools

Basic Ingredients for Scotcheroos

• Light corn syrup — 1 ½ cups
• Granulated sugar — 1 cup
• Creamy peanut butter — 1 cup
• Butterscotch morsels — 1 cup
• Crispy rice cereal — 8 cups
• White chocolate chips — 4 cups
• Canola oil — 1 tablespoon (for smoothing melted chocolate)

Decorations & Extras

• Red licorice pull-n-peel (for scarves)
• Pretzel sticks (for arms)
• Brown candy-coated chocolate pieces (for eyes and buttons)
• Mini candy corn (for noses)
• Chocolate caramel candies (for hats)
• Additional light corn syrup (about 1/4 cup) to glue pieces if needed

Tools

• Large saucepan
• Large mixing bowl
• Greased 16.5 x 11.5-inch pan (or similar rimmed baking sheet)
• 2-inch and 2.5-inch round cookie cutters
• Spatula and small offset or butter knife for spreading chocolate

How to Make Snowman Scotcheroos

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the light corn syrup and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat.
• Stir in the creamy peanut butter and butterscotch morsels until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Place the crispy rice cereal in a large bowl. Pour the syrup mixture over the cereal and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
• Transfer the coated cereal into a greased 16.5 x 11.5-inch pan and press firmly to create an even layer.
• Melt the white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon canola oil over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly, or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth. Spread the melted white chocolate evenly over the cereal layer. Cool for about 45 minutes, or until the white chocolate has just set.
• Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut 15 small circles from part of the sheet. Then use a 2.5-inch round cutter to cut 15 larger circles from the remaining sheet.
• Press one smaller circle next to one larger circle so they stick together as a snowman shape. If needed, use a small dab of corn syrup to adhere pieces.
• Peel two thin strands from a red licorice pull-n-peel and twist them together to make a scarf. Wrap and press the licorice where the two circles meet.
• Break pretzel sticks in half and press the halves into the sides of the bottom circle to form arms.
• Use tiny dabs of corn syrup to attach two candy-coated pieces for the eyes, a mini candy corn for the nose, and several small candy-coated pieces for the mouth and buttons.
• Dip the bottom of a chocolate caramel candy in corn syrup and press it on top of the snowman as a hat.
• Repeat until all snowmen are decorated and set aside on a tray until ready to serve.

How to Build the Hot Chocolate Board

• Make the Snowman Scotcheroos first and set them aside to place on the board just before serving.
• On a large round or rectangular serving board, arrange a bed of mini marshmallows down the center to create a snowy path for the snowmen.
• Place two pots or small slow cookers on either side of the board for prepared hot chocolate and hot milk, plus a small bowl for whipped topping.
• Fill small jars and bowls with butterscotch morsels, caramel bits, brown candy-coated chocolates, chocolate caramel bites, small milk chocolates, pretzel sticks, hot cocoa mix, marshmallow bits, and crushed peppermint. Arrange these items on either side of the marshmallow center.
• Place toasted vanilla marshmallows near one pot and candy cane marshmallows near the other. Position red licorice pull-n-peel along an edge for easy grabbing.
• Include a small squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup on the board for drizzling and a ladle or two for the hot liquids.
• Arrange the Snowman Scotcheroos along the marshmallow path. Fill the serving bowl with whipped topping and set out mugs so guests can build their hot chocolate creations.
• Garnish the board with peppermint candies, chocolate peppermint stirrers, or snowflake marshmallow toppers for a festive touch.
• Serve and enjoy — guests can nibble the snowmen while sipping their customized hot chocolate.

More Christmas Cookies

If you’re planning a cookie exchange or want more festive ideas, try mixing in a few classic holiday cookies with this board setup. A variety of cookies, candies, and toppings keeps the table lively and gives guests plenty of options to pair with their hot chocolate.