Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Sweet & Savory Treats

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth, melted chocolate shells with a warm, flavorful filling of cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy evenings or gifting, each cup melts into a rich, creamy drink with a delightful burst of sweetness. Optional additions like peppermint candies or extra chocolate chips enhance the festive feel. Store them in cool conditions for weeks and prepare to enjoy simple, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Delicious and easy, these Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups promise a rich, melty treat with every sip. Save
Delicious and easy, these Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups promise a rich, melty treat with every sip. | dunebasil.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 first served these hot cocoa bomb cups at a family gathering and the kids couldn’t get enough of the surprise marshmallows inside. It’s become a holiday staple in our home.

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.
Save
| dunebasil.com

My family and I love to gather around the fireplace enjoying these cocoa bomb cups during cold winter evenings, creating warm memories.

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.

Picture warm, festive Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups brimming with marshmallows ready for a cozy drink. Save
Picture warm, festive Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups brimming with marshmallows ready for a cozy drink. | dunebasil.com

These hot cocoa bomb cups add a charming and delicious twist to your hot chocolate routine.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best for the cups?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars both melt smoothly and form sturdy shells.

Can I make these cups ahead of time?

Yes, store the assembled cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Are there alternatives for dairy-free options?

Use plant-based chocolate and dairy-free marshmallows to make cups suitable for dairy-free diets.

How do I serve the hot cocoa cups?

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

Can I add flavors to customize the cups?

Yes, adding crushed peppermint candies or mini chocolate chips adds festive touches and extra flavor.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich, creamy chocolate cups with marshmallow filling perfect for cozy moments and gifts.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe by Dune Basil Lea Romano


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Information Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Apply Second Chocolate Layer: Repeat the process with a second layer of chocolate to strengthen the shell, then chill again until firm.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Add Filling: Fill each chocolate cup with 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and a generous spoonful of mini marshmallows. Optionally add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies.

Step 06

Storage: Store the filled cocoa bomb cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until ready to use.

Step 07

Serve: Place one cocoa bomb cup in a mug and pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of hot milk over it. Stir until the chocolate is melted and marshmallows rise to the surface.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergies, and talk to your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk and may contain soy, nuts, and gelatin depending on ingredient choices.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are for reference only. They're not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 2 g