Easy, Fun & Festive DIY Hot Cocoa Bombs

Cocoa bombs were floating around on the internet and I immediately decided I needed to try to make my own. Well, actually I waited a year and then decided it was about time 🙂

Hot chocolate bombs kept popping up on youtube and I couldn’t stop watching the satisfying “explosion” of the chocolate shell opening and the cocoa mix busting out.

Hot cocoa bombs are hollow chocolate spheres filled with dry hot chocolate mix and marshmallows. You place the cocoa bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it causing the chocolate sphere to “explode,” melt and turn into a delicious cup of hot chocolate!

You can have fun making the chocolate shell with different chocolates or even colors and adding unique fillings to the inside of the bombs.

In this recipe I’m going to show you how to make a classic chocolate hot cocoa bombs, but I’m giving you tons of ideas below how to switch it up and get creative when you make your own!

If you love hot cocoa, you need to try my recipe for Homemade Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, Red Velvet Hot Chocolate + Cream Cheese Whipped Cream, Slow Cooker Spiked Hot Chocolate, and Mocha Mexicana.

Or, if you want to double down on your chocolate love, check out my Ultimate List of Chocolate Desserts: 30+ Ideas!!

Why we love them!

They are so exciting!! The excitement comes from the surprise factor of what’s inside, as well as the visually appealing way they dissolve into the hot milk. Hot cocoa bombs also allow for creativity in flavors and toppings, making each hot chocolate bomb unique and customized to individual preferences.

Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special treat for a loved one, hot chocolate bombs are a fun and indulgent way to enjoy a classic winter drink. With their playful presentation and delicious taste, it’s no wonder why they have become such a popular trend.

Ingredients for Hot Cocoa Bombs

Chocolate. I use milk chocolate to melt and make the outside cocoa bomb shell. But, you can really use whatever chocolate you like from dark chocolate to white chocolate.

Hot Cocoa Mix. I use store-bought hot cocoa mix. It’s just easier to scoop from a can but you can definitely make your own!

Mini Marshmallows. I bought a container of mini marshmallows and it was the best decision ever. I’m a marshmallow lover and loading my hot cocoa up with mini marshmallows is super fun.

Decorations! I drizzled my cocoa bombs with some white chocolate and some sprinkles. Add seasonal sprinkles or marshmallows to the top of your bombs.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Bombs

Melt Chocolate

Want an in step by step melty chocolate tutorial? Check out my post How to Melt Chocolate Chips!

There are two different methods you could use to melt the chocolate. For the double boiler method, bring half a pot of water to a boil and place the chocolate in a glass or stainless steel bowl on top. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl, whisking until smooth and glossy.

Using the double boiler method is great because it makes for a super smooth and glossy chocolate and reduces the chances you’ll burn and ruin your chocolate.

The other method you could use to melt your chocolate is the microwave! To be honest, this is my favorite way. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds. Stopping the microwave to stir the chocolate with reduce the chances of burning the chocolate. Once smooth and glossy, your chocolate is ready!

Make the Chocolate Shell

Use a tablespoon to scoop the melted chocolate into each mold. Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides. Make sure the chocolate is spread in an even layer and there are not spots that are too thin.

Place the molds on a flat surface like a cutting board or baking sheet and freeze for at least 15 minutes. I find the spheres are best to handle and assemble once they’ve had time to really chill in the freezer and 15 – 20 minutes is a good amount.

Fill the Cocoa Bombs

Gently peel the silicone mold back and pop the half-spheres out. Place on a piece of parchment paper.

Fill half of the semi-spheres with your hot chocolate mix and marshmallows.

Assemble the Hot Cocoa Bombs

Place a pan over medium heat. One at a time, take an empty semi-sphere and place it in the hot pan for 2 – 3 seconds until the rim gets melted.

Place the melted rim on top of the semi-sphere filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows and press until attached.

Continue this process until you have 6 cocoa bombs.

Decorate!

Melt some white chocolate and drizzle it on the hot chocolate bombs. Add some sprinkles or marshmallows or both!

I’m always so impressed with how people decorate hot cocoa bombs. I’ve seen snowmen and reindeer, hearts for valentine’s day and eggs for Easter!

What chocolate is best for making hot chocolate bombs?

Any kind you like! Personally I love using milk chocolate chips that I melt down for the shell. My kids don’t like hot chocolate that is too dark so the milk chocolate shell is perfect.

If you like a more decadent, rich hot cocoa, try a dark chocolate bar for the outer shell.

You can also make colorful chocolate shells. Divide melted white chocolate into different bowls and add a drop or two of food coloring. Smooth the colorful chocolate into the mold or create a tie-dye effect by mixing two or more!

How do you use Hot Cocoa Bombs?

Add the cocoa bomb to an empty mug and pour your hot milk overtop. I really love to steam milk because you get a lot of foam and froth with your hot cocoa. If you want to heat your milk in the microwave or stovetop, that works too!

As you pour the milk overtop the bomb, the chocolate will melt and eventually split open the bomb exploding the cocoa mix and marshmallows.

Stir in the mix and enjoy!

How long will homemade hot cocoa bombs last?

Cocoa bombs filled with hot chocolate mix can last a few months at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container on a stable shelf to avoid too much disturbance and grab them whenever you want a sweet, cozy treat!

Do Hot Chocolate Bombs need to be refrigerated?

No, you can keep them at room temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, I’d recommend keeping them in the fridge to avoid any melting.

Give these as gifts!

So many people love hot cocoa so this hot chocolate bomb recipe is perfect to make for cute homemade holiday gifts.

Place a hot cocoa bomb in a clear plastic baggie and tie it with a seasonal bow. Place the plastic baggie in a a fun mug to gift to a neighbor, teacher, or friend.

Keep it more protected in a box. Grab a box with some seasonal confetti. Pop the bomb on a paper liner and place it in the box. Tie it off with a seasonal bow.

Make your own cards and labels wishing your friends a “bomb” holiday… get it? Because cocoa bombs? You get it 🙂