If you’re searching for a magical homemade treat to brighten your holiday season, look no further than Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups. These adorable, bite-sized cups are as rich and festive as the season itself, blending creamy chocolate with playful toppings for instant wintry cheer. Whether you’re serving a cozy family gathering, prepping edible gifts, or simply craving a mug of ultimate hot chocolate, these cups are irresistibly fun and packed with holiday flavor. Every swirl, sprinkle, and melt-in-your-mouth moment tastes like the Christmas spirit itself!

Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the charm of Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups is just how simple the ingredients are—even though the results look (and taste) totally next-level. Each element, from the layered chocolates to the festive toppers, adds its own pop of taste, texture, or color, coming together in a tiny cup of joy you’ll want to make again and again.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide a rich, classic chocolate base with the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.
White chocolate chips: Add creamy sweetness and a beautiful swirl of color to the mixture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Gives these cups a luxuriously silky, fudgy texture and a sweet finish.
Heavy cream: Makes the chocolate melt extra smooth, with an irresistible mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate and brings all the flavors together.
Peppermint extract (optional): Just a dash turns your hot cups into a minty, festive delight—perfect for Christmas!
Mini marshmallows: Essential for that classic hot cocoa vibe and gooey, cushiony bites.
Crushed candy canes: Add a satisfying peppermint crunch and cheerful red-and-white bursts of color.
Holiday sprinkles: A dash of colorful sprinkles brings instant party magic and visual fun.
Mini paper or silicone cups: These keep your chocolate rounds perfectly shaped and easy to serve (or gift!).

How to Make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Cups

Line a mini muffin tin with your favorite festive mini paper or silicone cups. This keeps your Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups perfectly portioned and makes them easy to pop out when set. It also adds a playful touch (and makes cleanup a breeze).

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semi-sweet and white chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring every time, until the mixture is glossy, fully melted, and delightfully smooth—you want everything perfectly combined for the best texture.

Step 3: Stir in Flavor

Once your chocolate mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract. If you love a cool, festive twist, add the peppermint extract here too. The aroma alone is enough to make it feel like Christmas in your kitchen!

Step 4: Fill the Cups

While the chocolate is still warm, spoon it into your prepared mini cups, filling nearly to the top. Work quickly—the mixture sets up fast—and try to get a lovely swirl of chocolate in each cup!

Step 5: Add Toppings

Before the chocolate sets, pile on the mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and generous holiday sprinkles. This is where the Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups truly come to life, so have fun and get creative with your decorating!

Step 6: Chill Until Set

Refrigerate the filled cups for at least 2 hours, or until completely set and firm to the touch. The anticipation is tough, but it’s worth the wait for that gorgeous fudgy texture.

How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups

Garnishes

For a truly festive touch, add extra marshmallows, more crushed candy canes, or a dusting of edible glitter on top just before serving. A little swirl of whipped cream is always welcome, too! These special garnishes make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups look irresistible on any dessert platter.

Side Dishes

Serve your hot cups alongside a tray of crisp gingerbread cookies, fluffy holiday scones, or a selection of winter fruit for contrast. They’re ideal for a holiday dessert bar or a cozy drinks-and-desserts evening with loved ones.

Creative Ways to Present

Package individual Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups in cellophane bags or small gift boxes tied with ribbon—perfect as edible gifts or hot chocolate party favors. For gatherings, arrange the cups on a tiered stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or include mini spoons and signs that say, “Stir into hot milk and enjoy!” for an interactive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh, firm, and ready to use for up to a week—just pull them out whenever the hot chocolate craving strikes!

Freezing

Yes, you can safely freeze these little cups. Wrap them well and store in a freezer-safe bag or box for up to three months. Defrost them overnight in the fridge before serving or gifting.

Reheating

If you want to melt a chocolate cup into hot milk, simply drop one into a mug of steaming milk and stir until fully melted. If you prefer eating them as-is, serve straight from the fridge for a cool, fudgy bite.

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, these cups are even better made ahead since they need time to set in the fridge. Prepare them several days before your event or gift exchange for maximum convenience.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

No problem! The peppermint extract is totally optional. These cups taste fantastic with just vanilla, but you can add cinnamon or a little orange zest if you want a unique flavor twist.

How do I use these cups to make hot chocolate?

Just drop a Christmas Chocolate Hot Cup into a mug of very hot milk, then stir until melted and creamy. Top with extra marshmallows or whipped cream for the ultimate holiday drink!

Are these Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups gluten-free?

Yes, the main ingredients are gluten-free, but always double-check your toppings and chocolate brands for hidden gluten if serving anyone with allergies.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Definitely! Kids love topping the chocolate cups with marshmallows and sprinkles. Just supervise the chocolate-melting process, as the mixture is hot when first combined.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one festive treat you need this holiday season, make it Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups. Bursting with Christmas flavor and fun to share or gift, they’re a tradition-in-the-making you’ll look forward to every year. Gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and make your holiday extra sweet—one chocolaty cup at a time!

Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 12 mini cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delicious Christmas Chocolate Hot Cups. These mini cups filled with a rich chocolate mixture, topped with marshmallows, candy canes, and sprinkles, are perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Ingredients

Scale

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Cups:

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White Chocolate Cups:

½ cup white chocolate chips
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
Mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, holiday sprinkles
Mini paper or silicone cups for serving

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Instructions

Prepare Chocolate Mixture: Line a mini muffin tin with paper or silicone cups. Combine semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Add vanilla and peppermint extract, if desired.
Fill Cups: Spoon the chocolate mixture into prepared cups, top with marshmallows, candy canes, and sprinkles.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Serve: Enjoy as is or stir into hot milk for a festive drink.