Learn how to make these super cute Hot Chocolate Bombs that have been blowing up the internet! I walk you in detail step-by-step through the process with plenty of tips, photos, and a video!
Other fillingsas desired (see post for some great flavor suggestions!)
Instructions
Finely chop chocolate and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 25 seconds.
6 oz quality dark chocolate
Remove from the microwave and stir thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula. It will seem like basically nothing has happened, stir anyway.
Return chocolate to the microwave and heat for 15 seconds, remove and stir thoroughly again. Repeat until chocolate begins to melt. Once it starts to melt, start using your thermometer to watch the temperature of the chocolate. It is important that you heat the chocolate above 87F (30C) but keep the temperature below 91F (33C) to temper the chocolate so that it’s easy to work with and yields shells that are smooth and shiny. If you’re at or close to 90F (32C) and the chocolate still has some small clumps of unmelted chocolate in it, just keep mixing and it should melt. If it’s still not melting, heat in 5-second spurts.
Once your chocolate is in the right temperature range, use a spoon or paintbrush to thoroughly coat the entire inside of each sphere mold (make sure to get the edges!). If chocolate starts to become firm, return it to the microwave, heating in 5-second spurts and stirring. Remember to keep it in that sweet spot!
Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 5 minutes. Remove from the fridge and touch up any places where the chocolate is thin (especially the edges!) or any holes that may be in your coating.
Return to fridge again for another 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a small pan on the stovetop over low heat.
Remove chocolate from refrigerator and carefully remove from molds. Briefly touch the rim of one half-sphere on the surface of the pan until it just starts to melt (this will take only a second and gives you a smooth surface so your "bomb" will have a smooth seam).
Fill with two teaspoons of cocoa mix and mini marshmallows/other fillings, if desired.
¼ cup hot cocoa mix, Mini marshmallows, Other fillings
Take another half-sphere and briefly touch the edge against the surface of the pan and immediately, carefully, but firmly press onto the edge of the filled half to form a full sphere. Hold for a second to give the chocolate a minute to harden
If desired, drizzle with additional chocolate (I used white chocolate) and sprinkles or other decorations.
Sprinkles
To serve, place in a mug and then slowly pour steaming hot milk over the hot chocolate bomb (or just drop the cocoa bomb in a mug of steaming milk). I've found that 8-10 oz of milk seems to be just the right amount.Enjoy! These make great gifts!
Video
Notes
Chocolate
I recommend using a high quality chocolate bar with a high percentage of cocoa (I use Lindt 70%). Couverture chocolate is a great choice as well.You won't use all of your chocolate, having a bit extra helps to keep the chocolate in temper (it cools too fast if you use less), so don't panic if you feel like you have too much left over.
Using Different Kinds of Chocolate
This recipe is written using dark (or semisweet) chocolate, which requires a temperature between 87F-91F (30-33C) to temper. For milk chocolate keep the chocolate between 86F and 88F (30-31C) and for white chocolate between 82F and 84F (27-29C).For best results I don't recommend using chocolate chips, but you can see my post for more info on this.
Giving as Gifts
You can wrap these in cellophane or nestle them in mini cupcake liners. I like the cupcake liners, especially if you are placing them in a box, it keeps them from rolling around.
Different Size Molds
You can use different shapes and sizes, but this recipe is specifically written to make six 2" diameter spheres. You can find the link to the exact mold that I use in the "Equipment" section above in the recipe card. Many recipes make larger bombs, but I prefer this slightly smaller size.
Storing
Hot chocolate bombs will keep for several months at room temperature! Keep in mind if you add different flavors you will need to be mindful of the expiration of any additional ingredients.