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Get ready to indulge in a cozy treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to sip! These Chocolate Hot Cups are perfect for chilly winter evenings, combining smooth milk chocolate, rich cocoa, and festive candy canes for a luxurious homemade hot chocolate experience. And the best part? They’re versatile enough to enjoy solo, share with friends, or give as charming holiday gifts.
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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe
These Chocolate Hot Cups will quickly become a winter favorite, and here’s why:
- Fun and Easy: An enjoyable, hands-on recipe that’s perfect for the whole family.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: With layers of milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and marshmallows, each cup brings an irresistibly smooth, chocolatey taste.
- Great for Gifting: Beautifully decorated, these hot chocolate cups make a memorable homemade gift.
- Instant Hot Chocolate: Just add hot milk, stir, and enjoy!
Ingredients for Chocolate Hot Cups
To make these chocolate cups, gather the following ingredients:
- Disposable cups (for shaping the chocolate)
- Milk chocolate, melted (high quality for best flavor)
- Candy canes (for a festive stir stick)
- Cocoa powder (for a rich chocolatey base)
- Mini marshmallows (for the perfect melty topping)
- Granulated sugar (for extra sweetness)
Necessary Tools
To prepare these Chocolate Hot Cups, you’ll need:
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for melting the chocolate)
- Disposable cups (small plastic cups work well)
- Spoon or spatula (for spreading the chocolate)
- Measuring spoons (for portioning cocoa powder)
Get Your Measuring cups here!

How to Make Chocolate Hot Cups: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your hot chocolate cups:
1. Melt the Chocolate
Slowly melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
2. Coat the Disposable Cups
Pour some melted chocolate into each disposable cup and swirl to coat the inside evenly. Ensure the chocolate spreads around the walls of the cup, creating a thick layer. Let the chocolate set, and repeat if needed to make the cups sturdy.
3. Remove the Disposable Cups
Once the chocolate is fully set, gently peel away the disposable cups, leaving behind solid chocolate shells. Take your time to avoid cracking.
4. Add Candy Canes
Pour a small amount of melted chocolate into the bottom of each chocolate cup and place a candy cane inside, standing upright. Allow this to set so the candy cane becomes a sturdy handle.
5. Fill with Cocoa Powder and Marshmallows
Add two teaspoons of cocoa powder into each chocolate cup. Top with mini marshmallows and drizzle a bit more melted chocolate over the marshmallows to help them stay in place.
6. Decorate and Finish
Dip the rims of the chocolate cups in more melted chocolate, and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a frosty effect. Let everything set completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Your Chocolate Hot Cups
To turn these chocolate cups into a delicious hot chocolate, place one in a mug of hot milk. Let it sit for a moment, then stir the candy cane to dissolve the chocolate and blend the cocoa powder. Enjoy the rich, creamy taste!
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Hot Cups
- Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality milk chocolate yields the smoothest, richest cups.
- Double-Coat if Necessary: If the chocolate appears too thin, add another layer for sturdier cups.
- Experiment with Fillings: Try adding a dash of cinnamon, a few mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for added flavor.
- Allow Proper Set Time: Let each layer of chocolate set completely to avoid breakage.
Storing Chocolate Hot Cups
To keep your hot cups fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid warm spots to prevent melting. They can be stored for up to two weeks.
More Cozy Recipes to Try
Craving more comforting recipes? Check out these favorites to warm up your winter:
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite – Smooth, garlicky potatoes that are perfect for pairing with any hearty meal.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe – Light and crisp, this cucumber salad is a refreshing break from richer dishes.
- Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes Recipe – Sweet potatoes with rosemary make an ideal side dish for cozy dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate works just as well and adds a deeper, less sweet flavor.
What if I don’t have a double boiler?
No problem—just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat the chocolate in 15-second increments, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Crushed peppermint, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top of the marshmallows are all great choices.

Enjoying Your Chocolate Hot Cups
These Chocolate Hot Cups are a delightful way to enjoy a cozy hot chocolate at home, make unique gifts, or even create a fun holiday craft with loved ones. Try them out, and let us know how they turned out!
And don’t forget—share your photos with us on Pinterest so we can see your beautiful creations!



Chocolate Hot Cups: A Festive Treat to Melt in Your Mug!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 chocolate cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Chocolate Hot Cups are a cozy and indulgent treat! Made with smooth milk chocolate, rich cocoa powder, and topped with mini marshmallows, they transform into creamy hot chocolate when stirred into hot milk. Perfect for gifting, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself on a cold day.
Ingredients
- Disposable cups (for shaping)
- Milk chocolate, melted
- Candy canes
- Cocoa powder
- Mini marshmallows
- Granulated sugar (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Melt the milk chocolate slowly in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure a smooth texture.
- Pour a portion of the melted chocolate into each disposable cup. Swirl to coat the insides evenly, creating a thick layer. Let the chocolate set, and add another layer if needed for sturdiness.
- After the chocolate has set, gently peel away the disposable cups, leaving chocolate shells behind.
- Pour a bit of melted chocolate into each cup’s base and insert a candy cane, positioning it to act as a handle once set.
- Add two teaspoons of cocoa powder into each chocolate cup, top with mini marshmallows, and drizzle a little melted chocolate over the marshmallows to secure them.
- For an extra touch, dip the cup rims in melted chocolate and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Let everything set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, try dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- Customize with additional toppings like crushed peppermint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chocolate cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 3mg