How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs for Indulgent, Interactive Sips at Home
The chilly weather is here, which means all I want to do is curl up on the couch with Netflix, freshly-baked cookies, and a steamy mug of hot chocolate. In the past year, hot chocolate bombs blew up in popularity and I'm definitely a fan. If you haven't had a hot chocolate bomb before, it's a shiny sphere of chocolate that holds a blend of hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and other fun edible treats. Once dropped into a cup of steamed milk, the chocolate melts away to reveal all the glorious sweetness inside. It's seriously the most fun, interactive way to enjoy an over-the-top hot beverage. Read on to learn how to make hot chocolate bombs and get some expert tips from the pros in our Test Kitchen.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
Before getting started, you'll have to decide on a few important ingredients: the type of chocolate you want to use to make the hot chocolate molds, the hot chocolate mix to put inside, and any extra fillings or toppers. We'll use our hot chocolate bombs recipe (watch the video for more visual help) for this guide, but you can definitely change it up with different kinds of chocolate and fillers.
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by melting 3 ounces of chopped semisweet or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl for 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until fully melted. Using an instant-read thermometer ($18, Amazon), check the temperature of the chocolate until it reaches 113°F. Continue warming in 5- to 10-second intervals until it's to the proper temperature. Add the remaining chocolate and stir vigorously until smooth. The final temperature should be 88°F. This chocolate-melting process is called tempering, which is what helps achieve that glossy exterior on the hot chocolate bombs.
Related: The Best Hot Chocolate Mixes for Cool-Weather Sipping, According to Our Editors
Courtesy of Amazon
Step 2: Form the Hot Chocolate Bombs in Molds
Using a small, clean paintbrush or pastry brush ($8, Bed Bath & Beyond), brush chocolate inside 1- to 2½-inch shallow silicone hot chocolate bomb molds ($11, Amazon), making sure to make a layer thick enough to coat the sides completely. Freeze for 5 minutes.
Test Kitchen Tip: The chocolate will set quickly in the molds. It's totally fine to go back and paint over the chocolate that has been set to make sure to cover the molds completely. Try a few at a time to start to see what amount of chocolate works best with your mold. Or brush a layer and chill, then brush again.
Step 3: Fill and Assemble Hot Chocolate Bombs
With the chocolate still in the molds, fill half of the shells with 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa filling. In addition to the instant hot chocolate mix, you can use a combination of mini marshmallow bits ($7, Amazon), mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles. Carefully loosen and remove the remaining half of the chocolate shells from the molds. To assemble, brush the edge of a filled chocolate shell still in the mold with melted chocolate and place unfilled chocolate shell top, rounded side up, in the melted chocolate to seal. Chill 2 to 3 minutes to set. Carefully loosen and pop out the assembled cocoa bombs.
Emily Fink
Step 4: Decorate Hot Chocolate Bombs
If you like, add a personal touch to the hot chocolate bombs by decorating them. We piped a fine drizzle of melted white chocolate ($12, Amazon) over the seams of the chocolate bombs and topped with sprinkles. Freeze to set, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve Hot Chocolate Bombs
Now for the fun part. Warm 4 to 6 ounces of your favorite milk or nondairy milk per hot chocolate bomb. Place the bomb in a mug and slowly pour warm milk on top. Watch as the chocolate magically melts away, revealing the hot chocolate filling. Stir to combine and enjoy!
Now that you've got the hang of the DIY hot chocolate bomb process, wrap them up for delicious homemade food gifts. Place them on colorful paper baking cups and arrange them in a treat box ($3, Walmart). Don't forget to include the hot chocolate bomb instructions for making the final mug.
