You’re about to fall head over heels for Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups! These adorable, decadent chocolate treats capture the magic of the holidays in every bite, bursting with rich chocolate, sweet and minty notes, and a flurry of festive toppings. With their melt-in-your-mug surprise center, they’re as fun to make as they are to drink, making winter nights and holiday gatherings a little more special for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups is simple, delightfully classic, and absolutely essential for that perfect hot chocolate hug in a cup. Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s a rich chocolate base, cheerful color, or frosty mint twist.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1½ cups): These form the deep, luscious foundation that makes every sip delightfully chocolatey and not overly sweet.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup): They add creamy undertones and a touch of luxury, mellowing the mix while adding a pretty swirl.
- Coconut oil or butter (1 tablespoon): A little bit adds shine, helps the chocolate set with a rich texture, and makes unmolding a breeze.
- Peppermint extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Stir in for a burst of festive, minty freshness that brightens the whole cup.
- Mini marshmallows: These classic toppers melt into pillowy softness, turning your hot drink playfully gooey.
- Crushed peppermint candies: For crunch, color, and a little zing, these candies make each cup look like Christmas in a wrapper.
- Holiday sprinkles: A final sprinkle brings festive color and fun, making the hot cups instantly eye-catching.
- Paper or silicone mini cupcake liners: Essential for shaping and unwrapping each perfect little cup, and easy for gifting too!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Mini Muffin Tin
Start by lining a mini muffin tin with 12 mini cupcake liners. This little step keeps the chocolate from sticking and helps your Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups pop out effortlessly when they’re set. If you’re making these as gifts, festive liners add even more holiday charm!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Blend
Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and coconut oil (or butter) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each, until the chocolate mixture is fully melted and silky-smooth. This ensures everything melts evenly and gives the finished cups that irresistible sheen.
Step 3: Add the Peppermint Extract
If you’re going for that classic holiday zing, stir in the peppermint extract now. The extract wakes up the chocolate with a cool, wintry freshness that balances the sweetness—totally optional, but highly recommended for full-on festive flavor.
Step 4: Fill the Liners
Spoon the melted chocolate mixture into each cupcake liner, filling them about three-quarters full. This leaves room for toppings and makes sure your cups have the perfect ratio of chocolate to melting creaminess when served.
Step 5: Top with Festive Goodies
While the chocolate is still warm, immediately add a generous sprinkle of mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint candies, and your favorite holiday sprinkles. This is the fun part—get creative and mix up the decorations for each cup!
Step 6: Chill and Set
Transfer your tray to the refrigerator and let the Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups set for at least 1 hour. The chocolate will firm up beautifully, holding all your festive toppings in place and making the cups easy to handle.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
When it’s time to indulge, place a chocolate cup in your favorite mug, pour 6–8 ounces of hot milk over the top, and watch as it melts into a dreamy, festive beverage. Stir well, sip, and let the gorgeous flavors warm your soul.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, top your prepared hot chocolate with even more mini marshmallows or an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint. Dolloping on a swirl of whipped cream and a candy cane stir stick instantly makes the presentation joyful and inviting!
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups with crisp shortbread cookies, gingerbread men, or even a cinnamon stick for dunking. The hot chocolate’s richness pairs beautifully with anything a little crunchy or spiced, making snack time feel like an event.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each cup in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon for the perfect holiday party favor or edible gift. Arrange a few in cute little boxes, or display them on a festive tray at your next cozy get-together. Kids absolutely love making their own designs, so set up a toppings bar for a DIY hot chocolate experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them fresh and snappy, perfect for a last-minute treat or unexpected guests. Store toppings and chocolate cups separately if you want to retain the crispness of crunchy candies.
Freezing
These cups freeze wonderfully—just pop the set cups (still in their liners) into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can thaw in the fridge any time you need a cozy cocoa boost or quick holiday gift.
Reheating
No need to reheat the cups directly! To enjoy, just drop a chilled cup into a mug, pour piping hot milk over the top, and let it do all the delicious melting work for you. If your milk cools off, a quick zap in the microwave will bring it right back up to toasty perfection.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cups are designed to be made in advance and stored, which makes them a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules, gift exchanges, and impromptu snow-day cravings.
Do I have to use peppermint extract?
Nope! While peppermint is the star of many holiday treats, you can easily skip it or substitute with a touch of cinnamon or orange extract for a different seasonal twist. The chocolate itself is delicious on its own, too.
What kind of milk is best for melting the chocolate cups?
Whole milk gives you the creamiest finished drink, but any milk (including almond, oat, or soy) works well. Choose your favorite for a personalized mug of comfort—just be sure it’s steaming hot to melt the cup properly.
Can I use regular-sized muffin tins instead of mini?
Yes, but keep in mind that larger cups will require more chocolate and take a bit longer to set. They make for an ultra-indulgent serving, and you may want to use more milk per chocolate cup for the right balance.
How can I make these chocolate cups allergy-friendly?
For dairy-free versions, swap in vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil. Nut-free? Double check your sprinkles and candies to ensure they’re free from cross-contamination. With a little adjustment, Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups can fit almost anyone’s holiday table!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a little cup of comfort and festivities rolled into one, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and utterly magical for all ages—perfect for holiday gifting, family nights, or simply warming up with something sweet. Give them a try and watch holiday smiles appear in every mug!
Print
Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 chocolate hot cups
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups, perfect for cozy holiday evenings. These decadent treats are filled with rich chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows and peppermint candies, and make for a delicious hot cocoa experience!
Ingredients
Semi-sweet Chocolate Cups:
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
White Chocolate Drizzle:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candies
- Holiday sprinkles
Additional:
- Paper or silicone mini cupcake liners
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Cups: Line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut oil, and white chocolate chips in intervals.
- Add Flavor: Stir in peppermint extract if desired.
- Fill Cups: Pour melted chocolate into cupcake liners, top with marshmallows, candies, and sprinkles.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
- Serve: Place a chocolate cup in a mug, pour hot milk over it, stir, and enjoy!
Notes
- Experiment with different flavors like cinnamon or orange extract.
- Store cups in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Perfect for gifting in festive packaging!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chocolate cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
