The Story & Intro
Every winter, my kitchen becomes a cozy little escape from the cold, filled with warm mugs, soft blankets, and festive treats. One of my favorite creations one that I make every single holiday season is Hot Cocoa Truffles. I still remember the first time I made them. It was a snowy evening, and I wanted something chocolaty and comforting without spending hours baking. I grabbed cocoa mix, chocolate, a bit of cream, and rolled together what would soon become one of my most requested holiday treats.
What I love about Hot Cocoa Truffles is how they capture the exact flavor of a steaming cup of hot cocoa but in a rich, creamy, bite-sized form. They bring out all the cozy feelings of winter without turning on the stove for long. Every time I make a batch, the smell of melting chocolate and cocoa brings me right back to childhood winters, curled up with a warm blanket while snowflakes tapped softly on the window.
As the years passed, Hot Cocoa Truffles became part of my holiday routine. Friends and family ask for them every December, and I love watching their faces light up after the first bite. These truffles truly taste like hot cocoa: creamy chocolate centers coated in cocoa powder or mini marshmallows, delivering that warm, nostalgic flavor we all love.
Whether you’re making holiday gifts, preparing treats for a dessert board, or just craving something indulgent and comforting, these Hot Cocoa Truffles will be your new winter favorite. They’re easy, luxurious, and guaranteed to melt in your mouth just like your favorite mug of hot chocolate.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tbsp hot cocoa mix
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
- Mini marshmallows (optional, chopped for coating)
- Cocoa powder or chocolate sprinkles for rolling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Warm the Cream
Start by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it begins to steam and tiny bubbles form around the edges, remove it from the heat. Don’t let it boil—too much heat can affect the chocolate texture.
Pour Over the Chocolate
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1–2 minutes. This gently softens the chocolate so it melts smoothly.
Mix in Flavor
Stir the mixture until it becomes silky and fully melted. Add the butter, vanilla extract, and hot cocoa mix. The hot cocoa mix enhances the flavor and makes the truffles taste exactly like a rich mug of cocoa.
Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until the mixture firms up enough to scoop. It should be thick and soft but not runny.
Roll into Truffles
Use a spoon or small scoop to form balls about 1–1.5 inches in size. Roll each portion quickly between your palms to create smooth round truffles.
Coat the Truffles
Roll each truffle in your favorite coating:
- Cocoa powder (classic hot cocoa look)
- Crushed mini marshmallows
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Hot cocoa mix for extra flavor
Tip: If you want “marshmallow center truffles,” push a tiny marshmallow inside before rolling.
Chill Again
Place the coated truffles on a lined tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until fully set. This helps them hold their shape and stay creamy on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Cocoa Truffles are best enjoyed chilled or slightly softened at room temperature. They’re wonderful alongside actual hot cocoa, coffee, or a warm latte—perfect for winter nights or holiday gatherings. Add them to festive dessert boards, pack them in small boxes for edible Christmas gifts, or serve them after dinner as a simple yet decadent treat.
Their soft, fudgy center and rich chocolate flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike. And the mini marshmallows? They give the perfect nostalgic finishing touch.
Recipe Card ☕🍫
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🧂 Ingredients
- 8 oz chopped chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tbsp hot cocoa mix
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Cocoa powder or marshmallows for coating
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat cream until steaming.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit.
- Stir until smooth; add butter, vanilla, and cocoa mix.
- Chill mixture 1–2 hours.
- Scoop and roll into balls.
- Coat with cocoa powder or marshmallows.
- Chill again until set.
📝 Notes
- Milk chocolate makes sweeter truffles; semisweet gives a richer flavor.
- Add crushed peppermint for a holiday twist.
- Store truffles chilled for best texture.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Truffle)
Approximate values
- Calories: 105
- Fat: 7g
- Sugar: 9g
- Carbs: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Hot Cocoa Truffles deliver everything we love about winter desserts—rich chocolate, creamy texture, and that nostalgic hot cocoa flavor in every bite. They’re simple to make, completely no-bake, and perfect for gifting, entertaining, or snacking by a cozy fire. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these truffles offer big flavor with very little work. If you’re looking for a festive treat that captures the warmth and comfort of a classic cup of cocoa, this recipe is the perfect choice.