Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Treats

These budget-friendly cocoa cups offer a rich and creamy chocolate shell filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Easy to prepare with melted chocolate layers in cupcake liners, they chill until firm and then fill for a fun, decadent drink experience. Ideal for cozy nights, entertaining, or gifting, simply pour hot milk over a cup to melt the shell and enjoy a sweet, comforting beverage.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:27:00 GMT
Melted chocolate cups filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows for rich hot cocoa bombs. Save
Melted chocolate cups filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows for rich hot cocoa bombs. | forkta.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 at a holiday party and they were an instant hit with family and friends.

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.
These homemade hot cocoa bomb cups, ready to melt in hot milk, make a cozy treat. Save
These homemade hot cocoa bomb cups, ready to melt in hot milk, make a cozy treat. | forkta.com

My kids love making these together every winter evening, and it has become a cozy family tradition.

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.

Rich, dark chocolate shells holding hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, perfect for your hot cocoa bombs. Save
Rich, dark chocolate shells holding hot cocoa mix and marshmallows, perfect for your hot cocoa bombs. | forkta.com

These hot cocoa bomb cups are sure to warm your heart and delight your taste buds all season long.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best for the cups?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget-friendly chocolate bars melt smoothly and create a sturdy shell. Milk, dark, or white chocolate can also be used based on preference.

How do I assemble the cocoa cups without breaking them?

Coat cupcake liners evenly with two layers of melted chocolate, chilling each layer until firm. Carefully remove the cups from liners before filling to maintain shape.

Can I add different fillings besides marshmallows?

Yes, mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies add extra flavor and texture to the cups. Feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins.

How should the cocoa cups be stored?

Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature or in the fridge for up to two weeks to keep them fresh and firm.

What is the best way to serve these cocoa cups?

Place a cocoa cup in a mug and pour hot milk over it. Stir until the chocolate shell melts and marshmallows float to the top for a delicious treat.

Are there dairy-free options for these cups?

Yes, use plant-based chocolate and non-dairy marshmallows to create a dairy-free version suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich, creamy cocoa cups with marshmallows, perfect for cozy evenings and easy entertaining.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

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 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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Melt Chocolate: Set up a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl to 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 use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly up the sides. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set.

Step 03

Apply Second Chocolate Layer: Add a second layer of chocolate into each liner to strengthen the shell, then chill again until firm.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Fill Shells: Place 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and a generous spoonful of mini marshmallows into each chocolate cup. Add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies if desired.

Step 06

Store Cups: Keep the filled cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until ready to serve.

Step 07

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk derivatives from chocolate, cocoa mix, and marshmallows.
  • May contain soy and traces of nuts depending on chocolate brand.
  • Gelatin present if using non-vegan marshmallows.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g