Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bombs

Featured in: Late-Night Cravings

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups feature smooth, melted chocolate shells filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Made in cupcake liners, they chill to a firm state before carefully being removed for assembly. Once served in hot milk, the chocolate melts and marshmallows float on top, creating a rich, creamy drink ideal for cozy evenings or gift-giving. Options for added chocolate chips or peppermint make them festive and fun.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:05:00 GMT
Warm, rich Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, filled with marshmallows, ready to melt into warm milk. Save
Warm, rich Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, filled with marshmallows, ready to melt into warm milk. | williesnack.com

Rich, creamy hot chocolate meets playful fun in these easy, budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups. Perfect for cozy nights, gifting, or entertaining kids, each cup melts into a decadent drink with a burst of marshmallows.

I love serving these hot cocoa bomb cups during winter gatherings because they bring smiles and warmth to everyone.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Shells: 400 g (14 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars chopped
  • Filling: 8 tbsp hot cocoa mix (1 tbsp per cup)
  • Filling: 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Filling: Optional 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies
  • Assembly: 8 small paper or silicone cupcake liners (muffin size)
  • Assembly: 8 disposable cups (for serving optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Prepare a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water Melt the chocolate stirring until smooth and glossy
Step 2:
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner Using the back of a spoon spread the chocolate up the sides to coat evenly Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes until set
Step 3:
Repeat with a second layer of chocolate to strengthen the shell then chill again until firm
Step 4:
Remove chocolate cups carefully from the liners
Step 5:
Fill each cup with 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix and a generous spoonful of mini marshmallows Add extra mini chocolate chips or peppermint if desired
Step 6:
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature until ready to use
Step 7:
To serve place one cocoa bomb cup in a mug Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of hot milk over it Stir until chocolate is melted and marshmallows float to the top
A close-up of a finished Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, overflowing with cocoa and marshmallows. Save
A close-up of a finished Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, overflowing with cocoa and marshmallows. | williesnack.com

Making these hot cocoa bombs has become a favorite family tradition filled with laughter and excitement.

Notes

Add festive sprinkles or drizzle with extra chocolate for decoration Make ahead for up to 2 weeks if stored in a cool dry place

Required Tools

Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl Spoon or pastry brush Cupcake/muffin liners Fridge

Allergen Information

Contains milk (chocolate cocoa mix marshmallows may contain milk derivatives) May contain soy and traces of nuts (check chocolate packaging) Contains gelatin if non-vegan marshmallows are used Always check labels for potential allergens

Enjoy creamy, homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a fun winter dessert with cozy flavor. Save
Enjoy creamy, homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a fun winter dessert with cozy flavor. | williesnack.com

Enjoy these hot cocoa bomb cups for a sweet, warming treat anytime.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chocolate works best for the shells?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars provide smooth, glossy shells that melt nicely in hot milk.

How do I prevent the chocolate shells from breaking?

Chill each chocolate layer thoroughly in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before removing from liners to ensure firmness.

Can I customize the filling?

Yes, add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies alongside the hot cocoa mix and marshmallows for extra flavor.

How should these cocoa cups be stored?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.

Are dairy-free options possible?

Use plant-based chocolate and marshmallows to adapt the cups for dairy-free dietary preferences.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bombs

Rich, creamy cocoa cups with a surprise marshmallow filling and easy chocolate shell preparation.

Prep time
20 min
Time to cook
10 min
Total duration
30 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 8 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly, No gluten

What You'll Need

Chocolate Shells

01 14 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped budget chocolate bars

Filling

01 8 tbsp hot cocoa mix (1 tbsp per cup)
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies

Assembly

01 8 small paper or silicone cupcake liners (muffin size)
02 8 disposable cups for serving (optional)

How to make it

Step 01

Melt Chocolate: Set up a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water and melt the chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 02

Coat Cupcake Liners: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner and spread it up the sides with the back of a spoon to coat evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until set.

Step 03

Reinforce Chocolate Shells: Apply a second layer of melted chocolate inside each liner to strengthen the shell, then refrigerate again until firm.

Step 04

Remove Shells: Carefully peel the hardened chocolate cups from the liners.

Step 05

Fill Cups: Fill each chocolate cup with 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and a generous spoonful of mini marshmallows; add optional mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint if desired.

Step 06

Store Filled Cups: Place cocoa bomb cups in an airtight container and store at cool room temperature until ready to use.

Step 07

Prepare Hot Cocoa: To serve, place one cocoa bomb cup in a mug, pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of hot milk over it, and stir until the chocolate has melted and marshmallows float.

Tools you'll need

  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • Spoon or pastry brush
  • Cupcake/muffin liners
  • Refrigerator

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk derived ingredients in chocolate and marshmallows; may contain soy and traces of nuts; marshmallows may contain gelatin.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 2 g