Cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate is one of the best feelings during the wintertime. And while we’re most familiar with hot chocolate mixes, and even some DIY recipes, there are some hot chocolate trends that took over social media at the onset of the pandemic: Hot Chocolate Bombs and Whipped Hot Chocolate.
In this blog, you’ll learn about these hot chocolate trends and how to make them.
1. Hot Chocolate Bombs
Made from a thin shell of chocolate that easily melts when dropped in hot milk, hot chocolate bombs are candies stuffed with cocoa mix and other goodies (like marshmallows or peppermint pieces) to create an instant cup of everyone’s favorite winter beverage. They’re available for purchase from various retailers, but you can also make these tasty treats at home.
Here are some examples of fun hot chocolate bombs our staff got their hands on that were made by local businesses in their state.
- Pictured Left: Unique flavors from Serendipity by Sarah in North Grosvenordale, CT. Cookies & Cream, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, and a Vanilla Salted Carmel Coffee Bomb (pour coffee over this one!)
- Pictured Right: Heart Hot Chocolate Bombs from Dulce D Leche in Ashland, MA.
Check out this beautiful milk pour over the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Bomb!
Make Hot Chocolate Bombs At-Home
I followed this recipe from tastesofhomemade.com to make hot chocolate bombs at home. FAQs and tips included at the link too.
Additional Tip:
Using extra small marshmallows allows you to fit more in each bomb which can make for an even more magnificent reaction when the hot milk melts the chocolate shell away.
2. Whipped Hot Chocolate
Remember whipped coffee aka Dalgona coffee? It took over the internet at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whipped hot chocolate is its chocolate-y cousin: cocoa powder that’s been whipped with heavy whipping cream and then you dollop it over a cup of hot or cold milk (in this example, we’re serving it hot).
My colleague Jenn followed this recipe from iamafoodblog.com to make whipped hot chocolate at home.
Check out this simple how-to video:
Additional Notes & Tips:
- Jenn opted for dark cocoa powder for her recipe since that’s what she had on hand.
- Jenn chose to do around 2 tbsp of sugar as she prefers less sweetness for taste.
- Use whole milk for an even creamier drink.
- You can whisk by hand, use an electric hand mixer, or milk frother to whip. It will be quicker to whip with an electric hand mixer or frother.
- Have fun and decorate your whipped hot chocolate with any sort of on hand topping. Jenn used M&Ms and enjoyed the drink with some cookies.
