Love unique and delicious treats? These Almost Joy Hot Chocolate Bombs are literally the best. You'll never go back to drinking your hot chocolate any other way. With just 5 simple ingredients needed, they're fast and easy to make, and even more fun to share with someone you love!
I'll show you how to make hot chocolate bombs with easy step-by-step instructions and photos, and give you lots of ideas for how to customize these with different flavors and fillings!
Oh, and you might also enjoy these Twix hot cocoa bombs or these gorgeous pink Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Bombs!
Hot cocoa bombs are the newest craze and for good reason. If you love simple desserts that pack in loads of flavor, this is exactly what this simple treat offers. The added mini marshmallows, slivered almonds, and shredded coconut are quite a tasty surprise, too!
And the fact that you don't even have to turn on your oven? THE BEST!
Related recipe: Chocolate-Covered Raspberry-Topped Brownies
You're going to love these simple Almond Joy Hot Chocolate Bombs if you:
- Love Almond Joy candy bars (who doesn't?!)
- Crave a fun and fancy dessert (yes, please!)
- Are always looking for sweet options for your hot chocolate
- Want a small treat without binging on a ton of extra calories (holiday calories don't count, right?)
- Looking for a simple homemade gift for the holidays that you can make with kids (food gifts are the best gifts!)
And if you REALLY want my opinion, I think that hot chocolate can be enjoyed all year long. So while this is "hot" right now for the cold weather, no one's gonna stop me from enjoying this during the spring, summer, and fall, too.
Related recipe: Chocolate Pancakes
Here's what you'll need to make Almond Joy hot cocoa bombs
- 2 cups chocolate candy melts or chocolate chips
- 2 cups hot chocolate mix
- 3 cups mini marshmallows (If you don't have mini marshmallows just cut up bigger ones)
- ¼ cup almond slivers
- ½ cup shredded coconut (I prefer sweetened but you can use unsweetened as well)
- Optional ingredients: white chocolate candy melts, granulated sugar, or any of the add-ins I suggest below!
You'll also need:
- Molds (I used these molds, but I have more tips and notes about this below!)
- Piping / icing bag or a zip lock bag
You're also going to want to get some really cute hot chocolate mugs to put these into. These mugs are on my list for this year!
Related recipe: Grinch Chocolate Cake Balls
A few notes about the ingredients:
Here are a few things that make this recipe amazing:
Chocolate shells: I LOVE the extra boost of chocolate flavor from the chocolate shells of these hot chocolate bombs. It makes for a much better cup of hot chocolate compared to simply using a mix.
Mini marshmallows: I love hiding these in the hot chocolate bombs for a fun surprise. These are a must!
Hot chocolate mix: I recommend using a bulk container of hot chocolate for making hot chocolate bombs - it's much easier to scoop out 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix from a container than to try to shake it out of a little single-serving bag. This is especially economical if you are making a bunch of these hot cocoa bombs for gifts! Here is a large container of milk chocolate hot chocolate mix, and here is one with dark chocolate hot chocolate mix, if that's more your thing.
Almond slivers and shredded coconut: Personally, I kind of like a little crunchy almond or shredded coconut surprise in my hot chocolate. Not into that?? Skip these and just make these with hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows!
Related recipe: Zucchini Brownies
What kind of mold to use for hot chocolate bombs
Most people use these silicone semi-sphere candy molds for making hot chocolate bombs. However, a lot of these are actually SOLD OUT in many places because this recipe has gotten so popular lately! Looks like they are available here on Amazon with free shipping, if you can't find them in stores!
However, if those are sold out, I have a trick for you! You can use bath bomb molds to make hot chocolate bombs! I used these molds. If using these bath bomb molds, I recommend placing them into a muffin tray so they don't roll around.
If you have a choice between bigger or smaller molds for hot chocolate bombs, I recommend going with the bigger ones. This is because (1) you can fit more fun treats inside (see below for hot chocolate bomb flavor ideas!) and (2) bigger mold = more chocolate, and that's never a bad thing. 😉
Related recipe: Mocha Whipped Coffee
How to make hot cocoa bombs
Step 1 - Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate candy melts (or chocolate chips) in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave per the directions on the package - typically in 30 second intervals, for a total of ~2-3 minutes.
Step 2 - Make the chocolate shells: Place 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate into one half of a bomb mold. Use the bottom of your tablespoon measuring spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold, keeping it thick but even. Do make sure the shell is nice and thick - add a bit more of the melted chocolate if needed. Otherwise the shells will crack easily.
Repeat with 12 mold halves:
Place the chocolate-filled molds into the freezer for 5 minutes. This is important!!
Remove molds from the freezer and gently tap the sides of the mold (or press up from the bottom, if using a silicone mold), pressing on one side of the chocolate to make the chocolate slide out of the mold. They slide out easier if they're cold, so if you're having trouble, re-freeze them and try again.
Step 3 - Fill the chocolate shells: Now comes the fun part: Fill half of the molds with about 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix (or more if you like a chocolate hot chocolate or plan on using a large mug), 1 tablespoon shredded coconut, a few almond slivers, and 6-8 mini marshmallows.
Step 4 - Close the chocolate shells: Close the hot chocolate bombs. You've got two options here:
→ Option 1: Dip an empty chocolate shell into your bowl of melted chocolate and press it on top of a filled chocolate shell... OR
→ Option 2: Use a piping bag filled with melted chocolate to pipe around the edges of the filled hot cocoa bomb halves - as if you were adding glue - and then close with an empty chocolate shell and gently press down to seal. I find that this works better because you can add a thick layer of "chocolate glue" to hold the halves together. Besides, you will need to fill a piping bag with chocolate for the next step anyway.
Step 5 - Decorate the tops: Place the remaining chocolate into a piping bag (if you didn't already) and drizzle the remaining candy melts over the assembled hot cocoa bombs. Then immediately add a few almond slivers, some shredded coconut (or a sprinkle of granulated sugar) on top for decoration. Alternatively, you can dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle the chocolate that way.
It does not have to be perfect. Look at the photo below. It is gorgeous even though it has chocolate "glue" oozing out of the sides and I used a blob of chocolate on top to add more almonds.
Step 6 - Allow to set: Place the hot chocolate bombs into the freezer for 5 minutes, then remove and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use.
To use the hot chocolate bombs, place them in a mug, and pour 2 cups of hot milk over the top. Stir until the hot cocoa bombs are completely melted and enjoy!
A few steps, but very easy and fun once you get started, right??
Want to give these as gifts?
Look for cellophane treat bags that are the right size for the mold you used and wrap these individually to give out as stocking stuffers or party favors.
Tips for making hot chocolate bombs
This recipe really isn't difficult to make but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Allow the hot chocolate bombs the full 5 minutes in the freezer every time you need them to set (steps 3 and 6). Otherwise they will fall apart easier!
- If in doubt, make the chocolate shells thicker and use more chocolate "glue" to glue the molds together. This will make sure the chocolate doesn't break or fall apart... and besides, more chocolate is never a bad thing!!
- If you accidentally burn the chocolate or it doesn't turn into a smooth chocolate when it melts, start over with a new clean, dry bowl. Typically it never works trying to salvage chocolate that melted badly.
Hot chocolate bomb flavors and add-ins
The great thing about these hot chocolate bombs is that you can easily switch up this recipe. Here are some other hot chocolate bomb add-ins and flavor ideas:
- Twix hot cocoa bombs
- Sprinkles for a fun color surprise
- Add some fudge in the middle for a gooey treat
- Chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor
- White chocolate chips
- Butterscotch chips
- A peppermint candy kiss
- A piece of an Andes mint
- A piece of a peanut butter cup
- Crushed candy cane
- Crushed Oreos
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of pumpkin spice
- Pinch of sea salt
- Caramel candy
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like the whole spicy Mexican hot chocolate trend!)
If you end up making these Almond Coconut Hot Chocolate Bombs, I would LOVE to see a picture of them! Please tag me on INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK. You can find me at @babaganoshblog on both. I love seeing your creations!
Other fun desserts you'll love:
- Dulce de leche wafer cake - just 3 ingredients and no-bake!
- Chewy chocolate cookies
- Peanut butter bacon rice krispies treats
- Red velvet cookies - just 4 ingredients!
- Red velvet mug cakes
- Apple pie cups - just 2 ingredients!
- Perfect oatmeal cookies
- Christmas pretzels
- Instant Pot creme brulee cheesecake
And if you're in the mood for some festive holiday drinks, I got you covered too!
If you enjoyed this recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later! And make sure to FOLLOW @babaganoshblog on Instagram for more delicious recipes!!
Almond Joy Hot Chocolate Bombs
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chocolate candy melts - or meltable chocolate chips
- 1 cup Hot chocolate mix - (or up to 2 cups, if needed)
- 3 cups Mini marshmallows - (If you don’t have mini marshmallows just cut up bigger ones)
- ¼ cup Almond slivers
- ½ cup Shredded coconut - sweetened or unsweetened
Special equipment
- Hot chocolate bomb molds
Instructions
- Place chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave per the directions on the package – typically in 30 second intervals, for a total of ~2-3 minutes.
- Place 1 tablespoon of melted candy melt into one half of a bomb mold. Use the bottom of your tablespoon measuring spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides of the mold, keeping it thick but even. Do make sure the shell is nice and thick – add a bit more of the melted chocolate if needed. Otherwise the shells will crack easily.
- Repeat with 12 mold halves. Place the chocolate filled molds into the freezer for 5 minutes. This is important!!
- Remove molds from the freezer and gently tap the sides of the mold (or press up from the bottom, if using a silicone mold), pressing on one side of the chocolate to make the chocolate slide out of the mold. They slide out easier if they’re cold, so if you’re having trouble, re-freeze them and try again.
- Fill half of the molds with about 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix, 1 tablespoon shredded coconut, a few almond slivers, and 6-8 mini marshmallows.
- Close the hot chocolate bombs. You’ve got two options here: Option 1: Dip an empty chocolate shell into your bowl of melted chocolate and press it on top of a filled chocolate shell… OR... Use a piping bag filled with melted chocolate to pipe around the edges of the filled hot cocoa bomb halves – as if you were adding glue – and then close with an empty chocolate shell and gently press down to seal.
- Place the remaining melted chocolate into a piping bag and drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the assembled hot cocoa bombs. Then immediately add a few almond slivers, some shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top for decoration. Alternatively, you can dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle the chocolate that way.
- Place the hot chocolate bombs into the freezer for 5 minutes, then remove and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use.
- To use the hot chocolate bombs, place them in a mug, and pour 2 cups of hot milk over the top. Stir until the hot cocoa bombs are completely melted and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for making hot chocolate bombs:
- Allow the hot chocolate bombs the full 5 minutes in the freezer every time you need them to set (steps 3 and 6). Otherwise they will fall apart easier!
- If in doubt, make the chocolate shells thicker and use more chocolate “glue” to glue the molds together. This will make sure the chocolate doesn’t break or fall apart… and besides, more chocolate is never a bad thing!!
- If you accidentally burn the chocolate or it doesn’t turn into a smooth chocolate when it melts, start over with a new clean, dry bowl. Typically it never works trying to salvage chocolate that melted badly
- If you use exactly 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix per piece, you will only need ¾ cups hot chocolate mix. But if you know you like extra large mugs of hot chocolate or extra chocolate mix, then feel free to add a bit more hot chocolate mix to each mold!
Optional flavors or add-ins:
- White chocolate candy melts for the drizzle
- A sprinkle of granulated sugar on top in addition to coconut
- Sprinkles for a fun color surprise
- Add some fudge in the middle for a gooey treat
- Chocolate chips for even more chocolate flavor
- White chocolate chips
- Butterscotch chips
- A peppermint chocolate candy kiss
- A piece of an Andes mint
- A piece of a peanut butter cup
- Crushed candy cane
- Crushed Oreos
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Pinch of pumpkin spice
- Pinch of sea salt
- Caramel candy
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (if you like the whole spicy Mexican hot chocolate trend!)
Nutrition
The nutritional information displayed is an estimate and not to be used as dietary or nutritional advice. Consult a nutritionist or dietician for nutritional info based on the exact ingredients you use.