Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Golden-Dusk Comforts

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups feature smooth, glossy chocolate shells filled with flavorful cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they create a warm, comforting drink when melted in hot milk. Perfect for cozy nights or sharing with family, each cup offers a rich chocolate flavor with a playful burst of marshmallows. Optional chocolate chips or peppermint add extra festive charm. Simple assembly and no-fuss storage make them ideal for quick preparation and enjoyable sipping.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:29:00 GMT
Delectable, melted chocolate surrounds a Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, filled with fluffy marshmallows and cocoa mix. Save to Pinterest
Delectable, melted chocolate surrounds a Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, filled with fluffy marshmallows and cocoa mix. | yummywithmia.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 serving these hot cocoa bomb cups during winter; the kids enjoy watching them melt into a delicious cup of hot chocolate full 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), 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.
Warm, melted chocolate transforms into cozy Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a delicious chocolate treat. Save to Pinterest
Warm, melted chocolate transforms into cozy Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a delicious chocolate treat. | yummywithmia.com

My family always gathers around to make these cups together, creating fun memories each winter season.

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 muffing 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.

Enjoy the sweetness! A Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup awaits, overflowing with marshmallows ready to melt. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy the sweetness! A Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup awaits, overflowing with marshmallows ready to melt. | yummywithmia.com

Enjoy these delightful hot cocoa bomb cups as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of chocolate is best for the shells?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars work well, melting smoothly for a glossy, firm shell.

Can I customize the filling flavors?

Yes, you can add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor and festive touches.

How should the cocoa cups be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat, to keep the shells firm until use.

What is the best way to serve these cocoa cups?

Place a cocoa cup in a mug and pour one cup of hot milk over it. Stir until the chocolate melts and marshmallows rise.

Are there dairy-free options available?

Yes, using plant-based chocolate and dairy-free marshmallows creates delicious dairy-free versions.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

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

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Golden-Dusk Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 8 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, 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 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: Set up a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl over simmering water. Melt the chocolate, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Apply Second Chocolate Layer: Repeat the chocolate coating process to reinforce the shells, then chill again until firm.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Store Bombs: Keep filled cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until use.

Step 07

Prepare Hot Cocoa: 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.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains milk derivatives from chocolate, cocoa mix, and marshmallows. May contain soy and nut traces. Non-vegan marshmallows contain gelatin. Verify all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 210
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams