Chocolate Hot Cups

These Chocolate Hot Cups are a fun, cozy winter treat — little chocolate cups you fill with hot milk (or water) for an indulgent hot chocolate experience. They’re easy to make and perfect for holidays, gifts, or a special treat with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required — just melt, pour, chill, and fill
• You get a real edible chocolate cup — fun and festive
• Great for gifting or holiday dessert tables
• Easy to customize with marshmallows, sprinkles, peppermint, or drizzle
• Ideal for cozy nights, celebrations, or as a homemade gift

Ingredients

• 2½ cups chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet)
• Mini marshmallows (optional, for serving)
• Crushed peppermint candy or sprinkles (optional, for topping)
• Milk or hot water — enough for your hot drink cups

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate
   In a saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave in short intervals), gently melt the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
2. Form the cups
   Line a muffin pan with paper liners (or use silicone molds). Spoon a few tablespoons of melted chocolate into each liner. Using the back of the spoon or a small spatula, swirl the chocolate so it coats the bottom and sides evenly.
3. Chill to set
   Place the filled molds in the fridge until the chocolate hardens and the cups hold their shape (about 15–20 minutes).
4. Unmold gently
   Remove the liners (or moulds) carefully to reveal chocolate cups. They should pop out cleanly if fully set.
5. Use for hot chocolate
   Place a chocolate cup in a mug. Pour hot milk (or hot water) over it and stir — the cup will melt into a delicious hot chocolate! For extra richness, top with mini marshmallows, peppermint, or sprinkles.
6. Optional topping
   Add extra marshmallows, crushed peppermint candy, a drizzle of chocolate, or whipped cream to make it festive and cozy.

You Must Know

• Let the chocolate cups chill and set completely before unmolding — a soft shell will collapse.
• Use good-quality chocolate for best flavor.
• For a sturdier cup, ensure chocolate layer is fairly thick and even.
• Serve immediately after adding hot milk — cups melt quickly.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use dark chocolate for a richer, deeper hot chocolate flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla to the melted chocolate for warmth and extra flavor.
• Make smaller cups for single servings or larger ones for sharing.
• For a peppermint twist: stir crushed candy cane into the chocolate before molding, or use peppermint candy to stir the hot drink.
• Wrap individual cups in clear bags with ribbons — they make lovely homemade gifts.

Serving Ideas & Storage

• Use as a fun hot chocolate alternative — great for cold evenings or holiday parties.
• Perfect as cozy gifts — package them individually or in sets.
• Store chocolate cups in an airtight container in a cool, dry place (avoid heat) — they stay good for up to ~2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — you can prepare and store the chocolate cups days (or even a couple of weeks) ahead.

→ What if cups melt too fast in hot milk?
Use thicker chocolate layers for sturdiness, and pour slightly warm (not boiling) milk.

→ Can I make them dairy- or vegan-friendly?
Yes — choose dairy-free or vegan chocolate and your preferred milk substitute (almond, oat, etc.).

→ Are these kid-friendly to make?
Absolutely — kids can help melt chocolate (with supervision), pour into liners, and add toppings.

Enjoy your cozy, homemade Chocolate Hot Cups — perfect for winter nights, holiday gatherings, or as a warm little indulgence! ☕🍫

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