Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Baking

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups feature smooth, melted chocolate shells filled with cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Simple to prepare using a double boiler, the chocolate sets quickly in cupcake liners before being filled with cocoa and marshmallows. Optionally add mini chocolate chips or peppermint for extra flavor. Perfect for cozy nights or gifting, the cups melt smoothly into hot milk, creating a rich and creamy beverage with bursts of sweetness from marshmallows. Store cooled for freshness and customize chocolate types to suit preferences.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:38:00 GMT
Delicious Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, brimming with marshmallows in a festive mug. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, brimming with marshmallows in a festive mug. | buddybiteskitchen.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 making these hot cocoa bomb cups for family and friends during the holidays; they bring smiles with every cup.

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.
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| buddybiteskitchen.com

Making these has become a family tradition; watching the kids' faces light up when the bombs melt is priceless.

Notes

Add festive sprinkles or drizzle with extra chocolate for decoration. For dairy-free, use plant-based chocolate and marshmallows.

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.

A close-up of melted, bubbly Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, ready for a warm winter drink. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of melted, bubbly Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, ready for a warm winter drink. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Enjoy your cozy hot cocoa bomb cups; they are sure to become a favorite treat for all occasions.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water to melt chocolate gently, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.

Can I use different types of chocolate for the shells?

Yes, milk, dark, or white chocolate can be used depending on your taste preference.

How long do the cocoa cups keep fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at a cool, dry place, the cups can last up to two weeks.

What can I add for extra flavor inside the cups?

Mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies can be mixed with the marshmallows for additional taste and texture.

Is there a dairy-free option for these cups?

Yes, substitute with plant-based chocolate and marshmallows suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich cocoa cups with melted chocolate shells, marshmallows, and optional peppermint for cozy, fun moments.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Yield 8 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians, Free of 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)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Form First Chocolate Layer: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner and spread evenly up the sides with the back of a spoon. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until set.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Remove Chocolate Cups: Carefully peel chocolate shells from the liners ensuring no cracks.

Step 05

Fill Chocolate Shells: Place 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and a generous amount of mini marshmallows inside each shell. Optionally add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Serve Hot Cocoa Bomb: Place one cocoa bomb cup into 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.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (from chocolate, cocoa mix, marshmallows). May contain soy and nut traces. Non-vegan marshmallows may contain gelatin.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fat Content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams