Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe
If you’re searching for a festive treat that captures the magic of the holidays in every decadent bite, look no further than these irresistible Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups. Imagine velvety, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate infused with a hint of peppermint, crowned with marshmallows, candy canes, and sprinkles—all nestled in adorable mini cups. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a creative edible gift, or just craving a cozy night in, these bite-sized chocolate cups deliver the ultimate seasonal comfort. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite holiday tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own unique texture, flavor, or pop of color to the final result. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of pure holiday joy:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz): These create the rich, luscious base—choose high-quality chips for the smoothest melt and best cocoa flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): This is your secret weapon for creamy, dreamy texture that makes every bite utterly luxurious.
- Peppermint extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a splash turns your cups into wintertime magic with a cool, fresh note—skip it if you prefer classic chocolate!
- Crushed candy canes (for topping): They add holiday sparkle, color, and a sweet crunch—plus, who doesn’t love a little peppermint with chocolate?
- Mini marshmallows: These melt slightly into the chocolate and add a chewy, gooey bite that screams “hot cocoa.”
- Festive sprinkles: A handful of sprinkles brings instant cheer and makes every cup look party-ready.
- Whipped cream: For extra indulgence, a swirl of whipped cream on top is always welcome.
- Mini paper or silicone baking cups: These hold your chocolate mixture and make serving (and gifting!) a breeze—choose colorful or holiday-themed designs for extra fun.
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups
Step 1: Gently Warm the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and set it over low heat. Warm it slowly, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t boil—just a gentle simmer is all you need. This step is the secret to silky-smooth chocolate, so give it your full attention for a few minutes.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Take the pan off the heat and add all your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir patiently until every chip is melted and the mixture is glossy and smooth. At this point, inhale deeply—the aroma alone is pure holiday happiness!
Step 3: Add Peppermint (Optional)
If you want that wintry twist, stir in the peppermint extract now. Just a quarter teaspoon is enough to make the chocolate taste like Christmas morning. If peppermint isn’t your thing, simply skip this step for classic chocolate cups.
Step 4: Fill the Cups
Let the chocolate mixture cool for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly. Then, carefully spoon or pour it into your mini baking cups. Fill each cup about three-quarters full—this amount is perfect for bite-sized bliss!
Step 5: Add the Toppings
While the chocolate is still soft, go wild with your toppings. Sprinkle on mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles. This is the moment to get creative—each cup can be a tiny edible masterpiece!
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Transfer your filled and decorated cups to the refrigerator, and let them chill for 1 to 2 hours. This helps the chocolate firm up just enough to hold its shape, while staying fudgy and creamy inside.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to indulge, take the cups out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens the chocolate slightly, making each bite extra luscious. Serve as they are, or drop one into a mug of hot milk to transform it into the most decadent hot chocolate ever!
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups
Garnishes
The topping possibilities for Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups are endless! Along with the classic marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles, try a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even edible glitter for that extra festive flair. Let your imagination (and your sweet tooth) lead the way!
Side Dishes
Pair these chocolate cups with a plate of buttery shortbread cookies, spicy gingerbread, or a bowl of fresh berries. They also make a delightful addition to any dessert platter, especially alongside other holiday treats like fudge or peppermint bark.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable gift, wrap each Christmas Chocolate Hot Cup in a clear cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. Arrange them in a festive tin, or create a DIY hot chocolate kit by adding a few cups to a mug with a packet of cocoa and a candy cane. They make stunning party favors or a sweet surprise for neighbors and friends!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week, staying fresh and ready for whenever you need a little holiday pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups freeze surprisingly well. Just lay them out in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for spontaneous holiday indulgence!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat the cups if you’re enjoying them as a treat, but if you want to use one to make a hot chocolate drink, simply drop a cup into a mug of steaming milk and stir until melted. The result is a rich, creamy hot cocoa that tastes like pure Christmas in a cup.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, creamier cup, while dark chocolate adds intense cocoa richness. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste or to create a variety pack for gifting.
Are Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chocolate chips and toppings are gluten-free, these cups are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your sprinkles and candy canes if you’re serving someone with allergies.
How far in advance can I make these for a party?
You can make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups up to a week ahead! In fact, the flavors deepen after a day or two. Just store them well-covered in the fridge until party time.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Little hands will love adding toppings and helping to spoon the chocolate into cups. Just be sure an adult handles the warm cream and melted chocolate for safety.
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Once fully set, nestle each cup in a mini cupcake liner or wrap individually in cellophane. Tuck them into a decorative box or mug, and finish with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing homemade Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups with friends and family—whether you’re giving them as gifts, serving them at a party, or sneaking one as a late-night treat. Trust me, these little bites of holiday happiness are destined to become a cherished tradition in your home. Give them a try, and let the chocolatey, pepperminty cheer begin!
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Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups, perfect bite-sized treats that combine rich semi-sweet chocolate with the refreshing hint of peppermint. Topped with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and colorful sprinkles, these no-bake delights make for a fun holiday dessert or a warm, cozy drink when melted into milk.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Toppings
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed candy canes
- Festive sprinkles
- Whipped cream (optional for serving)
Serving Essentials
- Mini paper or silicone baking cups
Instructions
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the heavy cream until it just reaches a simmer—avoid boiling.
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips, stirring constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Peppermint Flavor: Stir in the peppermint extract if using to add a festive minty note to the chocolate.
- Fill the Cups: Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before pouring or spooning it evenly into the mini baking cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Add Toppings: Top each cup with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and festive sprinkles for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Chill to Set: Place the filled cups in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours until completely set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Before serving, remove the cups from the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly, making them easier to enjoy as bite-sized treats.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: For a cozy drink, melt a cup of the chocolate into a mug of warm milk, stir well, and top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with toppings such as crushed cookies, cinnamon, or toffee bits for different flavor combinations.
- These chocolate hot cups make excellent edible holiday gifts when wrapped in clear bags and tied with festive ribbons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
