Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Featured in: Easy Everyday Oven Treats

This delightful creation invites you to prepare chocolate shells filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows, then seal them to form cozy spheres. Warm milk transforms these spheres as they melt and reveal a rich, creamy core perfect for customizing with an array of toppings like peppermint, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies. Ideal for medium-level cooks, this approachable technique makes for a fun and interactive dessert experience that warms both heart and hands during chilly celebrations.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:11:00 GMT
Close-up of a festive Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar with colorful sprinkles and sweet treats. Pin It
Close-up of a festive Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar with colorful sprinkles and sweet treats. | birchoven.com

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

Preparing these hot cocoa bombs has become a favorite holiday tradition in my family, bringing everyone together around the warm mugs.

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.
A warm mug of milk melting a milk chocolate Hot Cocoa Bomb with delicious toppings nearby. Pin It
A warm mug of milk melting a milk chocolate Hot Cocoa Bomb with delicious toppings nearby. | birchoven.com

Our family gatherings are always brighter when we share stories while customizing our hot cocoa bombs together.

Notes

Try adding ground cinnamon or chili powder for a spicy twist. White chocolate can be substituted for a sweeter bomb. 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.

Enjoy a delightful spread: a fun Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar, perfect for dessert time! Pin It
Enjoy a delightful spread: a fun Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar, perfect for dessert time! | birchoven.com

Enjoy this delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I ensure the chocolate shells don't break?

Apply two even layers of melted chocolate in the molds and chill thoroughly between coats to create a sturdy shell that holds its shape.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, both dark and milk chocolates work well; white chocolate can be used for a sweeter variation but may require gentle handling.

What toppings complement the cocoa bombs best?

Try crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, caramel bits, toffee pieces, rainbow sprinkles, cookies, freeze-dried fruits, or shredded coconut for textures and flavors.

How is the cocoa bomb sealed?

Gently melting the edges of the chocolate shells on a warm plate and pressing them together creates a smooth, secure seam.

Can I make this suitable for vegan diets?

Use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based milk, and vegan marshmallows to adapt this dessert for vegan preferences.

Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Interactive treat featuring rich cocoa bombs and assorted toppings, ideal for warm festive moments.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Servings Yielded 8 Total Servings

Dietary Information 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 68 fl oz whole milk or milk alternative

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Coat Molds: Use a pastry brush or spoon to coat silicone half-sphere molds with melted chocolate. Chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes, then apply a second coating and chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Seal Bombs: Warm a microwave-safe plate and gently press the edge of an empty shell onto it to slightly melt the rim. Place this shell atop a filled one, sealing the edges by smoothing with a finger or melted chocolate. Repeat for all bombs.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Serve: Heat milk until steaming but not boiling. Place a cocoa bomb in a mug and pour hot milk over it. Stir gently as the bomb melts, then add desired toppings.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains milk, soy, and possible traces of nuts depending on chocolate and toppings.
  • May contain gluten if certain cookies or toppings are used.
  • Contains coconut if used as a topping.
  • Check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 390
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g