# It’s Hot Cocoa Bombs Time!
It’s incredibly adorable and enjoyable, and you can create SO many flavor variations! While cocoa bombs can be found in stores, crafting your own at home provides opportunities for personalization and imaginative flair. To begin, ensure you acquire the appropriate molds before it’s too late.
## What is a Cocoa Bomb?
Hot cocoa bombs, or hot chocolate spheres, are charming chocolate orbs filled with cocoa mix and marshmallows. When you pour hot milk over them, the chocolate dissolves, unveiling the marshmallows and cocoa within, leading to a tasty cup of hot cocoa.
## What You Require to Create Homemade Cocoa Bombs
### Ingredients:
– Chocolate chips or melting chocolate
– Hot cocoa mix
– Mini marshmallows
– Optional: Flavorings or toppings (like crushed cookies, candy canes, etc.)
### Equipment:
– Silicone half-sphere molds (preferably 2 inches in size)
– Microwave-safe bowl
– Spoon or pastry brush
– Microwave or double boiler
## Steps to Create Homemade Cocoa Bombs
1. **Melt Your Chocolate**: Use the microwave to melt chocolate chips or melting chocolate, stirring periodically until smooth.
2. **Fill the Molds**: Scoop melted chocolate into the molds, utilizing a spoon or pastry brush to coat the sides thoroughly. Freeze for 5-10 minutes to solidify.
3. **Extract the Chocolate from the Molds**: Carefully push the chocolate halves out from the silicone mold.
4. **Melt the Edges**: Warm a microwave-safe plate for a minute. Place an empty half of the cocoa bomb on the heated plate for a few seconds to slightly melt the edge.
5. **Fill**: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa mix and mini marshmallows to one half. Melt the edge of another half on the warm plate and press the two halves together to close.
6. **Decorate**: Drizzle with extra chocolate or add crushed cookies, candy, or sprinkles for embellishment.
If a mold isn’t available, wrap two eggs in plastic wrap, dip them in melted chocolate, and follow the same instructions.
## Flavor Options
### For Snowman Cocoa Bombs:
1. Melt white chocolate.
2. Create and fill the spheres as described above.
3. Seal and pipe on eyes and a mouth with melted chocolate, and add an orange candy melt for the nose.
### For Peppermint Cocoa Bombs:
1. Melt white chocolate.
2. Create and fill the spheres with peppermint cocoa mix.
3. Seal and drizzle with white chocolate, then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
## Success Tips
– **Selecting Molds**: A silicone half-sphere mold is ideal for easy release. Silicone molds are budget-friendly and easy to use.
– **High-Quality Chocolate**: Opt for chocolate with 65% or more cocoa for optimal flavor and melting properties. Couverture chocolate is also an excellent choice.
– **Tempering Chocolate**: Proper tempering of chocolate ensures it retains its shape and has a glossy finish. Melt chocolate with care, keeping it below 90°F.
– **Storing**: Keep hot cocoa bombs in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last a long time if prepared correctly.
## Troubleshooting
If your cocoa spheres consistently break, check:
– The melting method and if the chocolate was overheated.
– The thickness of the edges in the molds.
– The freezing duration.
## Conclusion
Cocoa bombs are a delightful and inventive way to savor a timeless winter treat. With countless flavor options and customization possibilities, they serve as a wonderful gift or a cozy indulgence for yourself. Enjoy crafting these scrumptious bombs and sharing them with friends and family!