Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Sweet Afternoon Fix

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth semi-sweet chocolate shells with a rich filling of cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Carefully layered chocolate creates a sturdy cup that melts smoothly into warm milk, releasing gooey marshmallows and optional chocolate chips or peppermint for a festive touch. Easy to prepare and great for sharing, these cups offer a delicious treat that warms the heart and delights kids and adults alike. Store in a cool place and enjoy within two weeks for best flavor.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:46:00 GMT
Melted chocolate cups filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows for those yummy hot cocoa bomb cups. Save
Melted chocolate cups filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows for those yummy hot cocoa bomb cups. | collationspot.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 made these for a winter party and saw how much everyone loved the surprise inside each 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)
  • Filling: 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • Filling: Optional 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies
  • Assembly: 8 small paper or silicone cupcake liners (muffin size)
  • Assembly: 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
Fluffy marshmallows spilling from budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready for a warm winter drink. Save
Fluffy marshmallows spilling from budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cups, ready for a warm winter drink. | collationspot.com

This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family especially enjoyed with little ones

Required Tools

Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl Spoon or pastry brush Cupcake or 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

A close-up shot of rich hot chocolate swirling in a mug after a budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cup melted. Save
A close-up shot of rich hot chocolate swirling in a mug after a budget-friendly hot cocoa bomb cup melted. | collationspot.com

Enjoy these delightful hot cocoa bombs as a fun treat that brightens any cold evening

Recipe Help

What type of chocolate works best for the cups?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips or budget chocolate bars work well, providing a smooth, glossy shell that melts easily.

Can these cups be stored for later use?

Yes, store in an airtight container at room temperature or cooler, and consume within two weeks for optimal freshness.

Is it possible to customize the filling?

Absolutely, add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor and festive appeal.

How do I serve these hot cocoa cups?

Place a cocoa cup in a mug, pour hot milk over it, and stir until the chocolate melts and marshmallows rise.

Are there dairy-free alternatives?

Using plant-based chocolate and marshmallows offers a dairy-free version that's just as delicious.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Rich and creamy cocoa cups with marshmallows and chocolate, perfect for cozy nights and gifting.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Special Diets Vegetarian, No 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, optional for serving

How-To

Step 01

Melt Chocolate: Set up a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir chocolate continuously until smooth and glossy.

Step 02

Form First Chocolate Layer: Place about 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner. Spread chocolate up the sides evenly using the back of a spoon. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until set.

Step 03

Reinforce Shell: Apply a second layer of melted chocolate inside each shell. Refrigerate until firm.

Step 04

Remove Shells: Carefully peel chocolate cups out of the liners without breaking.

Step 05

Fill Shells: Place 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and a generous spoonful of mini marshmallows into each chocolate cup. Optionally add mini chocolate chips or peppermint pieces.

Step 06

Store Until Use: Keep filled cocoa bomb cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until ready to serve.

Step 07

Serve Hot Cocoa Bomb: Place one cocoa bomb into a mug. Pour 1 cup (8 fl oz) of hot milk over it and stir until chocolate melts and marshmallows float.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review every item for allergens and connect with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk and milk derivatives
  • May contain soy and trace nuts depending on chocolate
  • Contains gelatin if non-vegan marshmallows are used

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Info for reference only—don’t take this as expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Lipids: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 2 g