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Crowd-Pleasing Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bombs: Best Easy Holiday Treat

peppermint hot cocoa bombs - featured image

These peppermint hot cocoa bombs are a magical holiday treat that transforms a simple cup of hot milk into a rich, minty, and visually stunning drink. Perfect for gatherings, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) high-quality dark chocolate chips or bars, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces (225g) white chocolate chips or bars, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) powdered milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (40g) mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup (50g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (about 45 large candy canes)
  • Additional crushed peppermint candies for decoration (optional)
  • Drizzled white or dark chocolate for decoration (optional)
  • Edible glitter or gold leaf for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the Dark Chocolate: Place 12 ounces (340g) of finely chopped dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Coat the Mold: Using a pastry brush, paint a thin layer of melted dark chocolate inside each cavity of a silicone half-sphere mold (2.5 inches/6cm diameter). Cover the entire surface, including edges. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
  3. Apply the Second Layer: Remove mold from fridge. Apply a second layer of melted dark chocolate over the first, paying extra attention to edges. Refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and salt. In a separate bowl, crush candy canes into small pieces (some fine, some chunky).
  5. Remove the Chocolate Shells: Gently press the edges of the silicone mold to release the half-spheres. If sticking, refrigerate for 5 more minutes.
  6. Fill the Bombs: Place half of the chocolate shells (bottom halves) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a small funnel or spoon, fill each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the cocoa mixture. Add a few mini marshmallows and a pinch of crushed peppermint.
  7. Seal the Bombs: Warm a small plate in the microwave for 30 seconds. Gently press the rim of each top shell onto the warm plate for about 5 seconds to melt the edge. Carefully place the warmed top shell onto the filled bottom shell, pressing gently to seal. Smooth any gaps with a fingertip dipped in melted chocolate.
  8. Decorate (Optional): Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring). Drizzle over sealed bombs using a fork or piping bag. While wet, sprinkle crushed peppermint and edible glitter. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
  9. Serve or Store: To serve, place one bomb in a mug and pour 8-10 ounces (240-300ml) of steaming hot milk (about 180°F/82°C) over it. Stir until fully dissolved and marshmallows have softened. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality chocolate (at least 60% cacao for dark). The double-layered chocolate shell prevents cracking. The warm plate trick helps seal the halves perfectly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate after sealing to avoid chocolate bloom.

Nutrition

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