Festive Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe

Jolly Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe: Cozy Sips of Joy

Warm mugs of decadent christmas chocolate hot cups invite cozy winter evenings with their rich, velvety embrace.

Melted chocolate swirls create a luxurious backdrop for this comforting treat.

Indulgent spices dance through each sip, promising pure bliss.

Creamy and smooth, these cups deliver pure holiday magic.

Deep cocoa notes blend effortlessly with subtle hints of warmth.

You’ll find this recipe perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly nights.

Prepare to transform your evening with this delightful chocolate experience.

Items To Craft Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups At Home

  • Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate smoothly.
  • Baking sheet: Helps set chocolate cups evenly in the refrigerator.
  • Mini cupcake liners: Creates the initial shape for chocolate cups.
  • Medium saucepan: Essential for heating milk and preparing hot chocolate filling.
  • Small ladle or spoon: Helps pour hot chocolate mixture into chocolate cups neatly.
  • Small spoons: Ideal for serving and enjoying the hot chocolate cups.
  • Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of chocolate and other ingredients.

How To Make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Cozy And Rich

  • Chocolate Shell Creation

Gently melt chocolate in microwave, working in short bursts. Swirl melted chocolate inside mini cupcake liners, ensuring complete coverage of sides and bottom. Chill in refrigerator until chocolate transforms into solid, glossy shells. Carefully remove paper liners revealing delicate chocolate vessels.

  • Creamy Hot Chocolate Mixture

Warm milk and cream in saucepan until steaming. Whisk in rich chocolate, cocoa, and sweet sugar until silky smooth. Add splash of vanilla for depth of flavor. Allow mixture to rest and develop luxurious taste.

  • Festive Assembly

Pour warm chocolate mixture into chocolate shells with graceful precision. Crown each cup with fluffy marshmallows, sprinkle crushed candy canes, or dollop whipped cream. Create your personal winter wonderland in a cup.

  • Joyful Serving

Present these delightful chocolate cups immediately. Invite friends and family to enjoy this magical holiday treat with tiny spoons, encouraging playful sipping and savoring.

Flavor Variations For Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups

  • Chocolate Comfort Hacks: Melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent burning, using 50% power in the microwave and stirring between each short interval for silky smooth texture.
  • Holiday Diet Swap: Replace dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that's equally creamy and delicious, perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chocolate cups up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can be made earlier and gently reheated before serving, saving precious holiday preparation time.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for unique flavor profiles. Add a dash of peppermint extract, cinnamon, or orange zest to create exciting seasonal variations that'll surprise and delight your guests.
  • Decorative Twists: Get creative with toppings by using crushed gingerbread cookies, colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to make each hot chocolate cup a personalized winter wonderland treat.

Serving Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups With Marshmallows

  • Festive Party Presentation: Arrange chocolate cups on a decorative holiday tray with scattered candy canes and festive napkins for a charming Christmas gathering centerpiece.
  • Cozy Gifting Idea: Package individual chocolate cups in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons, creating delightful homemade edible gifts for friends and family.
  • Interactive Dessert Station: Set up a hot chocolate cup bar where guests can customize their chocolate cups with various toppings like marshmallows, caramel drizzle, cinnamon sprinkles, and crushed peppermint.
  • Winter Wonderland Pairing: Serve alongside classic sugar cookies or gingerbread for a delectable Christmas dessert experience that combines rich chocolate flavors with traditional holiday treats.

How To Keep Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Warm

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Craft chocolate cups up to 3 days before your event, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent melting.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store prepared hot chocolate filling in a sealed glass container for 2-3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Chocolate cups can be frozen for up to one month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent breakage or freezer burn.
  • Quick Serving Tip: Assemble hot cups just before serving to maintain the chocolate's crisp texture and prevent soggy bottoms. Have toppings ready in small bowls for quick, festive decorating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 533 kcal

Servings: 3

Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Ingredient Breakdown

For Chocolate Cups:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich dark or milk variety adds luxurious shell structure, choose high-quality brands for smooth melting and glossy finish.
  • Mini Cupcake Liners: Creates perfect cup shape, silicone or paper liners work wonderfully for easy removal.
For Hot Chocolate Base:
  • Whole Milk: Provides creamy, velvety texture, select fresh dairy for best flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and depth, opt for organic cream for superior taste.
  • Chocolate: Elevates drink's intensity, use premium dark or semi-sweet chocolate for complex flavor profile.
  • Cocoa Powder: Deepens chocolate essence, dutch-processed variety recommended for smooth consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances bitter chocolate notes, use fine-grain for seamless dissolution.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic undertone, pure extract delivers more authentic taste.
For Festive Toppings:
  • Mini Marshmallows: Creates playful, fluffy layer, choose soft, melt-in-mouth variety.
  • Candy Canes: Brings peppermint crunch and holiday spirit, crush finely for even distribution.
  • Whipped Cream: Adds luxurious cloud-like topping, homemade version recommended.
  • Sprinkles: Introduces colorful, celebratory touch, select holiday-themed designs.
Print
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Festive Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe

Festive Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Festive Christmas chocolate hot cups blend rich Belgian chocolate with creamy marshmallow layers. Holiday revelers can craft these delightful treats with simple ingredients and minimal preparation. Guests will savor each indulgent spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (470 ml) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 4 oz (113 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 cups (470 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsps cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsps sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Whipped cream
  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Silicone or paper mini cupcake liners

Instructions

  1. Chocolate Shell Preparation: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth. Coat mini cupcake liners with molten chocolate, ensuring even coverage on sides and bottom. Refrigerate on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until completely set.
  2. Chocolate Vessel Creation: Carefully extract hardened chocolate shells from paper liners, preserving their delicate structure. Handle gently to maintain integrity.
  3. Hot Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan, gently warm milk and heavy cream until steaming. Whisk in chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar until the mixture becomes a silky, homogeneous liquid. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending thoroughly while maintaining an optimal serving temperature.
  4. Filling and Garnishing: Ladle the warm hot chocolate into prepared chocolate cups with precision. Crown each cup with festive adornments like miniature marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream dollops, or seasonal sprinkles.
  5. Serving Presentation: Present immediately, providing small spoons to encourage guests to enjoy both the luxurious liquid and the edible chocolate container simultaneously.

Notes

  • Handle Chocolate Carefully: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning, using low microwave heat or a double boiler for smoother results.
  • Create Perfect Chocolate Shells: Use room temperature chocolate and ensure liners are completely dry to help chocolate adhere smoothly without cracking.
  • Manage Temperature Precisely: Keep hot chocolate warm but not boiling to maintain rich flavor and prevent scorching or separating the cream and milk mixture.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free versions; use dark chocolate for vegan options and sugar-free cocoa powder for diabetic-friendly alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Drinks, Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 533
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 77 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 81 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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