Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Simple Homemade Desserts

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth, semi-sweet chocolate shells with a warm cocoa mix filling and mini marshmallows. Crafted easily with simple tools, they offer a playful way to enjoy comforting hot chocolate, perfect for gifting or cozy nights. Optional additions like peppermint candies or extra chocolate bring festive flair. Store them at room temperature and enjoy by pouring hot milk to reveal the rich, creamy treat inside.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:40:00 GMT
Budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready to melt with a hot mug of milk, a wintertime treat. Save to Pinterest
Budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready to melt with a hot mug of milk, a wintertime treat. | flourhollow.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 have delighted my family with these cocoa bomb cups during winter gatherings, making cozy moments even sweeter.

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), 1 cup mini marshmallows, Optional: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies
  • Assembly: 8 small paper or silicone cupcake liners (muffin size), 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.
Rich and decadent, these budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups filled with marshmallows and cocoa mix are fun. Save to Pinterest
Rich and decadent, these budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups filled with marshmallows and cocoa mix are fun. | flourhollow.com

Preparing these hot cocoa bomb cups has become a family tradition that brings us together on chilly evenings.

Notes

Use milk, dark, or white chocolate as preferred. Add festive sprinkles or drizzle with extra chocolate for decoration. For dairy-free, use plant-based chocolate and marshmallows. 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.

Imagine warming up with budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment. Save to Pinterest
Imagine warming up with budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment. | flourhollow.com

These hot cocoa bomb cups are perfect for any occasion and sure to warm your heart and hands.

Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent the chocolate shells from cracking?

Ensure the melted chocolate is spread evenly in thin layers and chilled between coatings for firm, sturdy shells.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, milk, dark, or white chocolate all work well depending on your taste preferences.

What is the best way to serve these cocoa cups?

Place a cocoa cup in a mug and pour hot milk over it, stirring until the chocolate melts and the filling mixes.

How long can these cocoa cups be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks without losing quality.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?

You can use plant-based chocolate and dairy-free marshmallows for a vegan-friendly treat.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Creamy cocoa cups with chocolate shells and marshmallow burts, perfect for cozy, fun occasions.

Prep Duration
20 mins
Cook Duration
10 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 8 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Free of Gluten

Ingredient List

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 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies (optional)

Assembly

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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Form First Shell Layer: Divide 2 tablespoons melted chocolate into each cupcake liner. Use the back of a spoon to coat sides evenly. Chill for 10 minutes until set.

Step 03

Add Second Shell Layer: Apply a second layer of melted chocolate to each liner to reinforce the shell. Chill again until firm.

Step 04

Remove Shells: Carefully peel chocolate shells from the liners.

Step 05

Fill Shells: Fill each shell with 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix and a generous amount of mini marshmallows. Add optional mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies if desired.

Step 06

Store Cups: Keep filled cocoa bomb cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until use.

Step 07

Serve: Place a hot cocoa bomb cup into a mug. Pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) hot milk over it and stir until chocolate melts and marshmallows appear on top.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk and may include soy and nut traces. Marshmallows may contain gelatin if not vegan. Verify all packaging for allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein Amount: 2 g