Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Featured in: Sweet Cravings

These budget-friendly hot cocoa cups combine smooth, semi-sweet chocolate shells with a delightful filling of hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. The chocolate is melted and layered into cupcake liners to form sturdy shells, which harden after chilling. Once set, each cup is filled with a blend of cocoa mix and marshmallows, optionally enhanced with mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies. When poured over with hot milk, these cups melt to reveal a rich, creamy drink perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or for gifting to loved ones. Versatile and simple to make, they offer an enjoyable experience with a festive touch.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:45:00 GMT
Image of a rich, warm Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, with melted chocolate and marshmallows floating. Pin
Image of a rich, warm Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, with melted chocolate and marshmallows floating. | quickcrav.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 enjoyed making these cocoa bomb cups during a chilly winter night, and they instantly became a family favorite for cozy evenings together.

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.
A perfect view of a delicious Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, ready to dissolve in hot milk. Pin
A perfect view of a delicious Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cup, ready to dissolve in hot milk. | quickcrav.com

Making these cocoa bombs brought smiles to my kids who loved watching them melt and release marshmallows in their mugs.

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/muffin liners, fridge

Allergen Information

Contains milk (chocolate, cocoa mix, marshmallows may contain milk derivatives). May contain soy and traces of nuts. Contains gelatin if non-vegan marshmallows are used. Always check labels for potential allergens.

Homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, filled with cocoa mix and fluffy marshmallows for a treat. Pin
Homemade Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups, filled with cocoa mix and fluffy marshmallows for a treat. | quickcrav.com

These hot cocoa bomb cups are the perfect cozy treat to share during chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

Recipe Q&A

How do I make the chocolate shells sturdy?

Apply two layers of melted chocolate inside the liners, chilling each layer until firm, to create strong, durable shells.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, milk, dark, or white chocolate all work well depending on your taste preference.

What fillings can I add besides marshmallows?

Mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies can be added for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store these cocoa cups?

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

Are these cups suitable for dietary restrictions?

By choosing plant-based chocolate and marshmallows, the cups can be made dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

What is 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.

Budget-Friendly Hot Cocoa Cups

Creamy hot cocoa cups with chocolate shells and marshmallow bursts, ideal for cozy evenings and sharing.

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Preparation time
20 min
Cooking time
10 min
Total time
30 min

Category Sweet Cravings

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Chocolate Shells

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

Filling

01 8 tbsp hot cocoa mix (1 tbsp per cup)
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies (optional)

Assembly

01 8 small paper or silicone cupcake liners (muffin size)
02 8 disposable cups for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Form Chocolate Shells - First Layer: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner. Using the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate evenly up the sides. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until firm.

Step 03

Form Chocolate Shells - Second Layer: Apply a second layer of melted chocolate to reinforce the shell thickness. Refrigerate again until the shells are solid and firm.

Step 04

Remove Shells from Liners: Gently peel the hardened chocolate cups from the cupcake liners.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Storage: Store filled cocoa bomb cups in an airtight container at a cool room temperature until use.

Step 07

Serve: 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.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and seek advice from a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains milk; may contain soy and traces of nuts; marshmallows may contain gelatin unless specifically vegan.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These details are offered as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Carbs: 28 g
  • Protein: 2 g