Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Featured in: Comfort Food

This interactive treat features chocolate shells filled with rich cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, carefully sealed to reveal a warm, melty surprise when hot milk is added. Set out an assortment of toppings like peppermint candies, chocolate chips, caramel bits, and sprinkles to customize each serving. Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive occasions, it invites everyone to create their own unique, comforting experience.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:53:00 GMT
A festive display: decadent Hot Cocoa Bomb creations ready for topping with festive sprinkles. Save
A festive display: decadent Hot Cocoa Bomb creations ready for topping with festive sprinkles. | berrycottage.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 brings fun and warmth to any occasion through a creative topping bar that everyone can enjoy customizing.

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.
Warm milk steams while a Hot Cocoa Bomb awaits, promising a rich chocolatey explosion. Save
Warm milk steams while a Hot Cocoa Bomb awaits, promising a rich chocolatey explosion. | berrycottage.com

Nothing brings the family together quite like creating and enjoying these hot cocoa bombs with a variety of delicious toppings.

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

Imagine rich chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs melting into hot milk with a rainbow of toppings on display. Save
Imagine rich chocolate Hot Cocoa Bombs melting into hot milk with a rainbow of toppings on display. | berrycottage.com

This hot cocoa bomb topping bar is sure to elevate your dessert game and bring smiles all around.

Recipe FAQ

How do you make the chocolate shells sturdy?

Apply two coats of melted chocolate to silicone molds, chilling between layers. This firming process ensures durable shells that hold fillings well.

What types of milk work best for serving?

Whole milk or milk alternatives like almond or oat milk can be warmed until steaming to melt the chocolate shells and release the filling.

Can the topping options vary?

Absolutely! Choose from peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, caramel bits, sprinkles, cookies, freeze-dried fruits, or shredded coconut to suit preferences.

Is it possible to add a spicy twist?

Yes, ground cinnamon or chili powder mixed with the cocoa filling adds a pleasant spicy note to the experience.

How should the halves be sealed together?

Gently melting the edges of one half on a warm plate allows it to be pressed onto the filled half, sealing them smoothly with an optional touch of melted chocolate.

Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Delight in chocolate spheres filled with cocoa and marshmallows, paired with a colorful array of toppings for festive enjoyment.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

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 2.1 oz crushed peppermint candies
02 2.1 oz mini chocolate chips
03 2.1 oz caramel bits
04 2.1 oz toffee bits
05 2.1 oz rainbow sprinkles
06 2.1 oz crushed cookies (e.g., Oreos, graham crackers)
07 2.1 oz freeze-dried raspberries
08 2.1 oz shredded coconut

To Serve

01 68 fl oz whole milk or milk alternative

Directions

Direction 01

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

Direction 02

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

Direction 03

Fill Shells: Gently remove chocolate shells from molds. Fill half of the shells with 1 tbsp hot cocoa mix and 2 mini marshmallows each.

Direction 04

Seal Bombs: Warm a plate in the microwave. 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 a finger or melted chocolate. Repeat for all halves.

Direction 05

Prepare Serving Station: Arrange cocoa bombs on a tray alongside bowls of each topping variety.

Direction 06

Serve: Heat milk until steaming but not boiling. Place a cocoa bomb in a mug, pour hot milk over it to watch it open, stir, then add desired toppings.

Necessary tools

  • 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 for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk, soy, and possible traces of nuts depending on ingredients.
  • Contains gluten if certain cookies or toppings are used.
  • Contains coconut if used as a topping.
  • Check all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g