Hot Chocolate bombs are a favorite around our house, we make them all the time for Christmas. Our Reindeer hot chocolate bombs are a fan favorite, I'm still partial to Mr. Grinch! These Valentine cocoa bombs are perfect to give to your Gal or Valentine and a fun treat to make for your kiddos. You could even use pink food coloring and white chocolate for a take on this Pink Hot Chocolate!
Hot cocoa bombs are still so popular because they're easy to make, and are a fun activity for kiddos too. You do need to grab some silicone molds, and just a few ingredients. These heart-shaped molds were so fun, but if you have the sphere ones they'll work too.
Looking for more Valentine's Day ideas?
- Pink Waffles
- Valentine's Charcuterie Board
- 5 Ideas for Homemade Valentine's
- Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- chocolate melting wafers (I use these or these)
- hot cocoa mix
- mini marshmallows (Heart shapes are fun for the holiday!)
Supplies
- Here is the heart-mold I used, or you can use basic Silicone molds with 6 cavities for chocolate.
- microwave safe mixing bowl
Making a Hot Cocoa Bomb
To make your cocoa bomb, start by melting your chocolate wafers. There are a lot of ways you can make hot cocoa bombs, and you can decide which chocolate chips or wafers you prefer. Using chocolate chips will give it a thinner shell, which can lead to more cracking but also makes it explode faster. If you want a richer taste pick up some of the Ghiradelli chocolate melting wafers next time you're at the grocery store. I got these at Michaels and they worked great.
Melt your chocolate in the microwave for a minute, then in 20-second increments as needed. If you prefer to use a double-broiler on the stove that works great too!
Using a spoon, add about a tablespoon of your melted chocolate into the mold cavity, then using the spoon spread it to the rim of the mold. Make sure that the edges are thick enough.
After filling the mold, add to the freezer for 10-15 minutes. You can also allow the molds to come to room temperature and harden on their own, but I think they're easier and quicker to work with if you flash freeze them.
Before you remove the mold from the freezer, heat a plate in the microwave. You can also use a pan on the stovetop. Pop out the chocolate shell from the mold, removing all 6 and setting aside. If you have some that crack a little it's ok, using the hot plate will trim them down. If any crack to an extent you can't use them, set aside and you can remelt them to try again. Note- be careful handling the hot plate. You don't need it to be scalding, just warm enough to melt the edges of the chocolate.
Sealing the Hot Cocoa Bomb
Take one of the shells and slide and twist it around on the hot plate, melting the edges. Add about a tablespoon of hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and any other additions like sprinkles or candy cane bits to the inside of the shell. Quickly take the other side and spin it on the warm/hot plate as well.
Finally, press the two shells together, placing the empty one on top of the shell filled with cocoa and marshmallows. If there are gaps in the edges, use a little of the extra melted chocolate on the plate and fill with your finger. Just a reminder- these are supposed to be fun, they don't have to be absolutely perfect if you're making them for your friends and family!
How to Use a Hot Cocoa Bomb
The "explosion" of the hot chocolate bomb is the best part! To make yours explode, place your bomb in the bottom of a mug. A Christmas-themed one is a great option, of course! Clear glass mugs are also fun because you can see the whole process.
Add a cup of hot milk or hot water to your bomb and allow to sit briefly while the liquid melts the chocolate shell. The marshmallows will float to the top! Stir the chocolate to continue melting the shell and enjoy your hot cocoa.
Tips
- These make really fun gifts! Add a gift tag and put in a baggie along with instructions on how to use for a fun neighbor or kiddo gift.
- I like to over-pour a bit when making the hot cocoa bomb. Generally, this leaves a bit of an edge that can be melted down when rubbing the chocolate shell on the plate. This can help avoid a ton of cracking.
- For a richer taste, use milk. 1 or 2% is best. You can definitely use hot water if that's what you have though! Almond milk adds a nice flavor too.
- You can use chocolate chips if you don't have melting wafers. It is a thinner shell so just be careful when popping out of the mold.
- Add candy cane bits or use a candy cane to stir!
FAQ
Yes! Milk does make the cocoa a bit creamier but you can definitely use water instead.
3-4 weeks in an airtight container.
📖 Recipe
Heart Shaped Cocoa Bomb
Equipment
- 1 microwave safe bowl
- 1 silicone mold heart or sphere shaped, I recommend the 2-inch diameter ones.
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1½ cup chocolate melting wafers
- 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix
- mini heart-shaped marshmallows
- 1 cup hot water or milk
Instructions
- To make your cocoa bomb, start by melting your chocolate wafers.
- Melt your chocolate in the microwave for a minute, then in 20-second increments as needed. If you prefer to use a double-broiler on the stove that works great too!
- Using a spoon, add about a tablespoon of your melted chocolate into the mold cavity, then using the spoon spread it to the rim of the mold. Make sure that the edges are thick enough.
- After filling the mold, add to the freezer for 10-15 minutes. You can also allow the molds to come to room temperature and harden on their own, but I think they're easier and quicker to work with if you flash freeze them.
- Before you remove the mold from the freezer, heat a plate in the microwave. You can also use a pan on the stovetop. Note- be careful handling the hot plate. You don't need it to be scalding, just warm enough to melt the edges of the chocolate.
- Pop out the chocolate shell from the mold, removing all 6 and setting aside. If you have some that crack a little it's ok, using the hot plate will trim them down. If any crack to an extent you can't use them, set aside and you can remelt them to try again.
Sealing the Hot Cocoa Bomb
- Take one of the shells and slide and twist it around on the hot plate, melting the edges. Add about a tablespoon of hot cocoa mix, marshmallows and any other additions like sprinkles or candy cane bits to the inside of the shell. Quickly take the other side and spin it on the warm/hot plate as well.
- Finally, press the two shells together, placing the empty one on top of the shell filled with cocoa and marshmallows. If there are gaps in the edges, use a little of the extra melted chocolate on the plate and fill with your finger.
Claire says
Fun for kiddos and Galentines!