Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Featured in: Afterglow Suppers

This interactive dessert features chocolate half-spheres filled with rich cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Once filled, the shells are sealed to create hollow spheres that melt when hot milk is poured over them, releasing a luscious drink. Enhance the experience by exploring an assortment of toppings such as peppermint candies, chocolate chips, caramel bits, and crunchy cookies. Perfect for sharing during festive gatherings, this warm treat invites creativity with optional additions like cinnamon or chili powder for a surprising twist.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:30:00 GMT
A mug overflowing with rich hot cocoa, topped with sprinkles and a delicious hot cocoa bomb. Save It
A mug overflowing with rich hot cocoa, topped with sprinkles and a delicious hot cocoa bomb. | sunnyspoonful.com

An interactive dessert experience featuring homemade hot cocoa bombs and a vibrant selection of toppings, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations.

This recipe turns dessert into a fun and engaging activity that family and friends can enjoy together.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cocoa Bombs: 400 g high-quality dark or milk chocolate, chopped, 8 tbsp hot cocoa mix, 16 mini marshmallows
  • Toppings: 60 g crushed peppermint candies, 60 g mini chocolate chips, 60 g caramel bits, 60 g toffee bits, 60 g rainbow sprinkles, 60 g crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos, graham crackers), 60 g freeze-dried raspberries, 60 g shredded coconut
  • To Serve: 2 liters whole milk (or milk alternative)

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Step 2:
Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat silicone half-sphere molds with melted chocolate. Refrigerate for 10 minutes, then apply a second coat for stability. Chill until firm (about 15 minutes).
Step 3:
Carefully remove chocolate shells from the molds. Fill half of the shells with 1 tbsp hot cocoa mix and 2 mini marshmallows each.
Step 4:
Warm a plate in the microwave. Gently press the edge of an empty shell onto the plate to slightly melt the rim, then place it atop a filled shell to seal. Smooth the seam with your finger or a little melted chocolate. Repeat for all bombs.
Step 5:
Arrange hot cocoa bombs on a tray. Set out bowls of each topping.
Step 6:
To serve: Heat milk until steaming but not boiling. Place a cocoa bomb in a mug, pour hot milk over it, and watch it open. Stir, then top with your choice of toppings.
Vibrant topping bar featuring hot cocoa bomb ingredients ready for a fun, interactive dessert experience. Save It
Vibrant topping bar featuring hot cocoa bomb ingredients ready for a fun, interactive dessert experience. | sunnyspoonful.com

This is a great way to bring everyone together around the table for a warm and interactive dessert moment.

Notes

Pair with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based milk, and vegan marshmallows.

Required Tools

Silicone half-sphere molds, pastry brush or spoon, mixing bowls, small microwave-safe plate, saucepan or microwave for heating milk, serving bowls for toppings

Allergen Information

Contains milk, soy, and possible traces of nuts (depending on chocolate and toppings). Contains gluten if using certain cookies or toppings. Contains coconut (if using as a topping). Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Delicious homemade hot cocoa bombs melting into hot milk, ready to be customized with tasty toppings. Save It
Delicious homemade hot cocoa bombs melting into hot milk, ready to be customized with tasty toppings. | sunnyspoonful.com

Enjoy crafting your hot cocoa bombs and topping bar for a memorable and delicious experience.

Recipe FAQs

How do I properly seal the chocolate shells?

Warm the edge of an empty chocolate shell slightly by pressing onto a warm plate, then quickly place it over a filled shell to seal. Smooth the seam gently with your finger or melted chocolate for a secure finish.

What type of chocolate works best for the shells?

High-quality dark or milk chocolate with good melting properties is ideal to create sturdy shells that set well and provide rich flavor.

Can I use alternative milk options?

Yes, dairy-free or plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or soy milk can be warmed and poured over the cocoa bombs for those with dietary preferences.

How should I store prepared chocolate shells before filling?

Keep the shells refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain firmness until ready to fill and assemble.

What kind of toppings complement the cocoa bombs?

A variety of toppings like crushed peppermint, mini chocolate chips, caramel bits, and freeze-dried raspberries add texture and flavor, enhancing the drinking experience.

Can I make a vegan version?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based milk, and vegan marshmallows to create a vegan-friendly version of this treat.

Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Warm chocolate spheres filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows, served with an array of sweet toppings.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Duration
45 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Afterglow Suppers

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 8 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Hot Cocoa Bombs

01 14 oz high-quality dark or milk chocolate, chopped
02 8 tbsp hot cocoa mix
03 16 mini marshmallows

Toppings

01 2 oz crushed peppermint candies
02 2 oz mini chocolate chips
03 2 oz caramel bits
04 2 oz toffee bits
05 2 oz rainbow sprinkles
06 2 oz crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos, graham crackers)
07 2 oz freeze-dried raspberries
08 2 oz shredded coconut

To Serve

01 67.6 fl oz whole milk or milk alternative

Directions

Step 01

Melt the Chocolate: Heat chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave with 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Step 02

Coat Molds: Using a pastry brush or spoon, cover silicone half-sphere molds with melted chocolate. Refrigerate 10 minutes, then apply a second coat. Chill until firm, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 03

Fill Shells: Remove chocolate shells from molds carefully. Fill half the shells with 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix and 2 mini marshmallows each.

Step 04

Seal Bombs: Warm a plate in the microwave. Gently press the rim of an empty shell onto the plate to soften edges, then place it on a filled shell to seal. Smooth the seam with finger or melted chocolate. Repeat for all bombs.

Step 05

Prepare Toppings: Arrange hot cocoa bombs on a tray and set out bowls with each topping.

Step 06

Serve: Heat milk until steaming but not boiling. Place a cocoa bomb in a mug, pour hot milk over it, stir as it opens, then top with chosen toppings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Silicone half-sphere molds
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Mixing bowls
  • Microwave-safe plate
  • Saucepan or microwave for heating milk
  • Serving bowls for toppings

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk, soy, and possible traces of nuts depending on ingredients.
  • Gluten present if certain cookies or toppings are used.
  • Coconut allergen present if used as topping.
  • Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 50 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams