Hot cocoa bombs are such an easy and fun treat to make, especially around Christmas. They're perfect for Christmas gifts and this Grinch Hot Cocoa Bomb is sure to be a hit at any party or event. The best thing about these sweet treats is when they "explode" in the mug the Grinch has a bit of a surprise when he opens up!
Classic hot chocolate bombs make great neighbor or teacher gifts too when paired with a cute mug, a gingerbread mug hugger or when put together as a set! I loved turning this cocoa bomb into such a fun Christmas character.
Looking for more Christmas ideas?
- Make a Fun Breakfast with Pancake Shapes
- Grinch Fruit Kabobs
- Make a Donut Hole Christmas Tree
- Bottle Brush Christmas Tree DIY Ideas
- My Modern Boho Christmas Tree Decor
Ingredients
- white chocolate melting wafers
- hot cocoa mix
- mini marshmallows
- green food coloring
- black food color or food coloring pen
Supplies
- Silicone molds with 6 cavities for chocolate.
- microwave safe mixing bowl
- (optional) mini projector or way to view image if tracing/making grinch face
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! To make the cocoa bombs green add a few drops of green food coloring into your melted chocolate and stir. A little goes a long way and you can add gradually to achieve the desired shade.
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. To make this a Grinch Hot Cocoa Bomb, add a heart marshmallow to the inside of the cocoa bomb. I grabbed this bag of Lucky Charm Marshmallows and picked out the hearts, or you could use actually Lucky Charms cereal marshmallows if you prefer. 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!
Decorating your Grinch Hot Cocoa Bomb
Once your hot cocoa bombs are put together, then it's time to decorate them! Make a small batch of royal icing or use an edible marker/food pen and outline the grinch face. To make a grinch face you can freehand it, or, I used a mini projector. I used to make and sell sugar cookies, so I've had this pocket projector for several years. If you want a simpler version, you can drizzle some melted chocolate or royal icing across the cocoa bomb shell and add a heart sprinkle!
Try not to handle the cocoa bomb too much as it will melt from your hands. Allow to dry and store for up to 2-3 weeks. I've read they can last longer but that's the longest they've lasted in my house. 🙂
How to Use a Hot Cocoa Bomb
The "explosion" of the Grinch hot chocolate bomb is the best part! To explode your hot chocolate bomb, place your bomb in the bottom of a mug. A Christmas-themed one is a great option, of course!
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! My favorite part is seeing the heart marshmallow pop out, because just like in Whoville this Grinch's heart grows right before your eyes! Stir the chocolate to continue melting the shell and enjoy your hot cocoa.
Tips
- 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.
- 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.
Nope! You can pipe it on freestyle or use a food marker to get the desired look. Alternatively, you can drizzle the cocoa shell with melted chocolate and add a heart sprinkle.
📖 Recipe
Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs
Equipment
- 1 microwave safe bowl
- 1 silicone mold including 6 2-inch cavities
- 1 measuring spoon set
Ingredients
- 1½ cup white chocolate melting wafers can use white chocolate chips as well or green melting wafers.
- 3-4 drops green food coloring if using white chocolate chips or wafers.
- 1 tablespoon hot cocoa mix homemade or store bought is fine.
- 1 tablespoon mini marshmallows or as many as you want!
- black food color or food coloring pen
- 1 cup hot water or milk 1% or 2% will be the creamiest.
Instructions
- Melt your chocolate in the microwave for a minute, then in 20-second increments as needed.
- To make the cocoa bombs green add a few drops of green food coloring into your melted chocolate and stir. A little goes a long way and you can add gradually to achieve the desired shade.
- 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.
- Heat a plate in the microwave (or 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.
- 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.
- To make this a Grinch Hot Cocoa Bomb, add a heart marshmallow to the inside of the cocoa bomb.
- 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.
Decorating your Hot Cocoa Bomb
- Make a small batch of royal icing or use an edible marker/food pen and outline the grinch face.
- Allow to dry and store in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.
Using the Grinch Hot Cocoa Bomb
- To explode your hot chocolate bomb, place your bomb in the bottom of a mug. 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!
Claire says
The cutest hot cocoa bomb! Love the heart marshmallow!