Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Sweet Treats

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth, semi-sweet chocolate shells with a filling of hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, creating an indulgent treat that melts delightfully in warm milk. Simple steps involve layering melted chocolate in liners, chilling to set, and filling with flavorful ingredients. Perfect for cozy nights or gifts, they offer a playful twist on classic cocoa with optional peppermint or chocolate chip add-ins.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:24:00 GMT
Melted semi-sweet chocolate cups brimming with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows create hot cocoa bomb cups. Save
Melted semi-sweet chocolate cups brimming with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows create hot cocoa bomb cups. | cinnamonglow.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.

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.
Fluffy marshmallows and rich chocolate inside the budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready for warm milk. Save
Fluffy marshmallows and rich chocolate inside the budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready for warm milk. | cinnamonglow.com

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 210, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 2 g

Easy hot cocoa bomb cups, perfect for cozy winter nights; a delightful dessert beverage easily made at home. Save
Easy hot cocoa bomb cups, perfect for cozy winter nights; a delightful dessert beverage easily made at home. | cinnamonglow.com

Recipe FAQ Section

What type of chocolate works best for the shells?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars are ideal for smooth, sturdy shells that melt evenly.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.

Are there alternatives for dairy-free preferences?

Plant-based chocolate and non-dairy marshmallows work well for dairy-free versions without sacrificing flavor.

How do I serve these hot cocoa cups?

Place one cup in a mug and pour hot milk over it, stirring until the chocolate melts and marshmallows float on top.

Can I customize the filling?

Yes, adding mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies enhances flavor and festive appeal.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich hot cocoa cups with chocolate shells and marshmallow centers, ideal for cozy evenings and fun gatherings.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin American

Output 8 Portion count

Dietary considerations Meat-free, Without gluten

Components

Chocolate Shells

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

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)

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Form Chocolate Shells - First Layer: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner. Spread the chocolate evenly up the sides using the back of a spoon. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until set.

Phase 03

Form Chocolate Shells - Second Layer: Apply a second layer of melted chocolate in the same manner to strengthen the shells. Chill again until firm.

Phase 04

Remove Shells from Liners: Carefully peel the chocolate cups from the liners once fully chilled and firm.

Phase 05

Fill Chocolate Cups: Fill each chocolate cup with 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix and a generous amount of mini marshmallows. Add optional mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies as desired.

Phase 06

Store Prepared Cups: Place filled cups in an airtight container. Store at cool room temperature until ready to serve.

Phase 07

Serve Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup: Place one chocolate cup in a mug and pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of hot milk over it. Stir until the chocolate melts and marshmallows float to the surface.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains milk derivatives from chocolate, cocoa mix, and marshmallows.
  • May contain soy and traces of nuts; verify chocolate packaging.
  • Contains gelatin if marshmallows are not vegan.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein Content: 2 g