Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Creative Sweet Treats

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups feature smooth, semi-sweet chocolate shells filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Crafted using simple melting and molding steps, they offer a rich, creamy drink experience when melted with warm milk. Variations include adding peppermint or extra chocolate chips for festive touches. Ideal for cozy evenings or gifting, they can be prepared ahead and stored cool for easy enjoyment.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT
Melted chocolate cradles hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows in a hot cocoa bomb cup. Pin it
Melted chocolate cradles hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows in a hot cocoa bomb cup. | fungeniusrecipe.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 preparing these hot cocoa bomb cups for winter family gatherings because they bring so much joy 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), 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, dark chocolate shells brimming with cocoa and marshmallows create delicious hot cocoa bomb cups. Pin it
Rich, dark chocolate shells brimming with cocoa and marshmallows create delicious hot cocoa bomb cups. | fungeniusrecipe.com

My kids love helping me assemble these cups and enjoy the surprise inside each one during cold nights.

Notes

Use milk, dark, or white chocolate as preferred. 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.

Warm milk melts a perfectly crafted hot cocoa bomb cup revealing a delicious chocolatey surprise. Pin it
Warm milk melts a perfectly crafted hot cocoa bomb cup revealing a delicious chocolatey surprise. | fungeniusrecipe.com

These hot cocoa bomb cups add warmth and delight to any chilly evening.

Recipe FAQs

What chocolate works best for the shells?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars melt smoothly and set firmly, making them ideal for forming the cups.

Can I customize the filling?

Yes, you can add peppermint pieces or extra miniature chocolate chips to the marshmallow and cocoa mix filling for added flavor.

How long does it take to prepare these cups?

The total time is around 30 minutes, including melting the chocolate, chilling the shells, and assembling the filling.

What’s the best way to serve these cocoa cups?

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

Are there any storage tips?

Store the assembled cups in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich and creamy cocoa cups with marshmallows for cozy, budget-friendly enjoyment.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Complete time
30 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Creative Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Meatless, Free from gluten

What You 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

Step 01

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

Step 02

Create First Chocolate Layer: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner. Spread the chocolate up the sides evenly using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.

Step 03

Add Second Chocolate Layer: Apply a second layer of chocolate to reinforce the shell and refrigerate again until firm.

Step 04

Remove Chocolate Cups: Carefully peel the chocolate cups away from the liners without breaking.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

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 has melted 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

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (in chocolate, cocoa mix, and marshmallows). May contain soy, traces of nuts, and gelatin if marshmallows are non-vegan.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein content: 2 g