Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth chocolate shells with a flavorful cocoa filling and mini marshmallows. Easy to prepare within 30 minutes, they offer a fun, comforting drink experience. Simply melt chocolate to form crisp cups, fill with cocoa mix and marshmallows, then serve by pouring warm milk over. Ideal for cozy nights or sharing with loved ones, these cups can be customized with chocolate chips or peppermint for a festive touch. Store in a cool place and enjoy a delightful treat anytime.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:34:00 GMT
Homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a swirl of melted chocolate with fluffy marshmallows. Save
Homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, a swirl of melted chocolate with fluffy marshmallows. | bakozy.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.

This recipe quickly became a hit during holiday gatherings and is always requested by my family for cozy winter evenings.

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 up with a delightful Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, overflowing with cocoa and mini marshmallows. Save
Warm up with a delightful Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, overflowing with cocoa and mini marshmallows. | bakozy.com

This simple treat brings smiles and warmth to family moments during chilly nights and holiday celebrations.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 210 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 2 g per serving

Indulge in a rich, decadent Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, perfect for a cozy, comforting dessert. Save
Indulge in a rich, decadent Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, perfect for a cozy, comforting dessert. | bakozy.com

Enjoy crafting these cozy hot cocoa bombs that are both delightful to make and delicious to sip.

Recipe FAQ

β†’ What type of chocolate works best for the shells?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget-friendly chocolate bars melt smoothly to create crisp, sturdy shells.

β†’ Can I make these cups dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based chocolate and marshmallows to keep the flavor while avoiding dairy.

β†’ How should I store the cocoa cups before use?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.

β†’ What is the best way to melt the chocolate?

Use a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl set over simmering water for even melting without burning.

β†’ Can I customize the filling?

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

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Delight in creamy chocolate cups filled with cocoa mix and mini marshmallows for a cozy treat.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Chocolate Shells

01 14 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped budget chocolate bars

Filling

01 8 tablespoons hot cocoa mix (1 tablespoon per cup)
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 Optional: 2 tablespoons 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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Prepare Chocolate Cups: Gently remove the hardened chocolate shells from the liners.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Serve: Place one hot cocoa bomb cup in a mug, then pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of hot milk over it. Stir until the chocolate melts and marshmallows float.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk and dairy derivatives; may contain soy and nut traces; gelatin present if marshmallows are non-vegan; verify all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 2 g