Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

Featured in: Sweet & Simple Treats

This interactive dessert lets you create delicious hot cocoa bombs filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows, then seal them with smooth chocolate shells. Serve by pouring warm milk over the bombs to reveal a rich, creamy drink. Customize with a variety of toppings like crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, caramel bits, and colorful sprinkles for a festive and cozy treat perfect for gatherings or celebrations. The process involves melting chocolate, molding shells, filling, sealing, and arranging an array of toppings to enhance flavor and texture. A delightful way to enjoy chocolate and spice with family and friends.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:30:00 GMT
A close-up of a delightful Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar ready for a festive, cozy treat. Save
A close-up of a delightful Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar ready for a festive, cozy treat. | dashnosh.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 has been a hit at every family gathering, sparking joy and creativity as everyone customizes their hot cocoa bombs.

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.
Rich dark chocolate Hot Cocoa Bomb shells sit beside colorful topping bowls for serving. Save
Rich dark chocolate Hot Cocoa Bomb shells sit beside colorful topping bowls for serving. | dashnosh.com

This dessert brings the family together, creating sweet memories as everyone customizes their perfect hot cocoa bomb.

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.

The fully assembled Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar with diverse toppings awaits creamy, warm milk. Save
The fully assembled Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar with diverse toppings awaits creamy, warm milk. | dashnosh.com

Enjoy customizing your hot cocoa bombs and sharing this fun dessert experience with loved ones.

Kitchen Q&A

How do you seal the chocolate shells effectively?

Warm a plate briefly, then press the edges of the chocolate shells onto it to melt and soften the rim. Quickly join the edges of filled and empty shells, smoothing the seam with a finger or melted chocolate to seal tightly.

What chocolate types work best for the bombs?

High-quality dark or milk chocolate both work well. Dark provides a rich taste, while milk offers a sweeter flavor. White chocolate is also an option for a creamy variation.

How should the toppings be served?

Place various toppings like peppermint candies, chocolate chips, and sprinkles in separate bowls, allowing guests to customize their drinks after the cocoa bombs dissolve in hot milk.

Can the cocoa bombs be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, once sealed and chilled, cocoa bombs can be stored in an airtight container for a few days before serving, maintaining freshness and shape.

Are there alternatives for dairy milk when serving?

Plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or soy milk can be used as alternatives, making the drink suitable for different dietary preferences.

Hot Cocoa Bomb Topping Bar

An interactive dessert featuring chocolate bombs and a colorful assortment of sweet toppings.

Prep Duration
30 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Complete Duration
45 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Sweet & Simple Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cultural Heritage American

Output 8 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories Meat-Free

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

Method

Step 01

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

Step 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 for stability and chill until firm, about 15 minutes.

Step 03

Fill Shells: Carefully remove chocolate shells from molds. Fill half of them with 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix and 2 mini marshmallows each.

Step 04

Seal Bombs: Warm a plate in the microwave. Press the edge of an empty shell onto the warm plate to slightly melt the rim, then place it on a filled shell to seal. Smooth the seam using your finger or a little melted chocolate. Repeat for all bombs.

Step 05

Prepare Serving Station: Arrange finished cocoa bombs on a tray with bowls of assorted toppings set out for guests to customize.

Step 06

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

Kitchen 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 Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains milk, soy, and possible nut traces depending on chocolate and toppings
  • Contains gluten if certain cookies or toppings are used
  • Contains coconut if used as a topping

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 7 g