Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs Homemade Recipe

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For those of us who find joy in the little things, who cherish the ritual of brewing a comforting cup of cocoa, and who are always on the lookout for a playful twist on classic treats, making your very own Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs at home is an adventure worth embarking on. Not only is it a delightful project that blends the art of chocolate making with the anticipation of a surprise, but it’s also a heartwarming way to add a sprinkle of magic to your family’s winter traditions or to wow your guests with an Instagram-worthy hot beverage.

How to make Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs

Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs are a fun and indulgent treat you can add to your hot chocolate routine. They’re essentially spheres of chocolate that contain a mix of cocoa powder, marshmallows, and sometimes other goodies inside. When you drop one into a cup of hot milk or hot water, the chocolate sphere melts and reveals the marshmallows and other ingredients, creating a delicious, creamy hot chocolate.

Ingredients

• High-quality chocolate: Choose from dark, milk, or white chocolate. About 12 ounces will make 6 bombs.
• Hot cocoa mix: We have about 6 tablespoons ready, one for each bomb.
• Mini marshmallows: You’ll need a handful for that classic hot cocoa experience.
• Decorations (optional): Edible glitter, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes for that festive touch.

Equipment Needed:

• Silicone sphere mold: Preferably with 6 cavities, each about 2.5 inches in diameter.
• Small microwave-safe bowls for melting chocolate.
• Spoon or piping bag for filling the molds with chocolate.
• Heat-proof gloves or a small towel to handle hot chocolate shells.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

1. Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces to ensure it melts uniformly.
2. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 30-second increments, stirring after each until it’s completely smooth.

Step 2: Mold the Chocolate

1. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, coat the inside of your silicone sphere molds with a thin layer of melted chocolate. Make sure the entire cavity is covered.
2. Refrigerate the molds for about 5 minutes, then apply a second layer of chocolate, particularly near the edges, which can be prone to breaking. Chill for another 15 minutes or until completely set.

Step 3: Fill the Chocolate Spheres

• Carefully remove the chocolate spheres from the molds.
• Fill half of the spheres with a tablespoon of your hot cocoa mix and a few mini marshmallows.
• Heat a small plate in the microwave, then press the edges of the empty sphere halves onto the warm plate for a few seconds to melt them slightly. Quickly attach them to the filled halves, pressing gently to seal them.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Drizzle leftover melted chocolate over the assembled bombs and quickly add any decorations like edible glitter or sprinkles.
2. Let them set completely.

Tips for Perfect Hot Chocolate Bombs:

• Tempering Chocolate: For a professional finish, consider tempering your chocolate. This prevents the cocoa fat from blooming, ensuring a glossy, smooth appearance.
• Sealing the Edges: Ensure the edges of your chocolate halves are smooth and even for a seamless seal.
• Customizing: Experiment with different fillings, like a pinch of cinnamon, peppermint extract, or even a splash of chili powder for a kick.
• Storage: Store your chocolate bombs in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect accompaniments with your homemade Trader Joe’s hot chocolate bombs can transform a simple mug of hot chocolate into a full-blown winter treat experience. Here are some delectable pairings that range from sweet indulgences to savory comforts, guaranteed to enhance the cozy and festive atmosphere.

Sweet Companions:

• Holiday Cookies: A platter of assorted holiday cookies, ranging from gingerbread men to sugar cookie cutouts, complements the richness of the hot chocolate. The varied flavors and textures make each sip and bite a new discovery.
• Classic Biscotti: Dipping a piece of crunchy, almond-flavored biscotti into the gooey, melted chocolate adds a satisfying contrast and elevates the hot chocolate experience. Plus, they come in various flavors like chocolate chip, pistachio, or cranberry for added variety.
• Mini Donuts or Churros: Mini donuts or warm churros rolled in cinnamon sugar pair wonderfully with the smoothness of the hot chocolate. They’re perfect for dunking, and their sweet, buttery textures make for a delightful treat.
• Whipped Cream Topped Pies: A slice of your favorite whipped cream topped pie, be it pumpkin, key lime, or chocolate silk, served alongside a mug of hot chocolate, can create a dessert duo that’s hard to resist. The creamy texture of the pie complements the dense chocolate flavor perfectly.

Savory Sides:

• Cheese Board: A small cheese board featuring a selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruits can be a surprising but delightful pairing with hot chocolate. The creaminess of soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert and the saltiness of harder varieties like aged Cheddar can enhance the chocolate’s flavor.
• Pretzels: Salted pretzels, whether soft and warm or the traditional crunchy variety, add a welcome salty contrast to the sweetness of the hot chocolate. They’re especially good for those who enjoy a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
• Savory Scones or Biscuits: Cheese and herb scones or buttery biscuits can serve as a comforting savory side to your hot chocolate. They’re excellent for soaking up the chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

A Touch of Freshness:

• Fruit Platter: For a lighter complement to the indulgent hot chocolate, serve a fresh fruit platter. Berries, sliced apples, pears, or oranges can offer a refreshing contrast and a burst of freshness against the rich chocolate flavors.

Drink Pairings:

• Coffee or Espresso: For the adults in the room, offering a strong coffee or a shot of espresso on the side can create a mocha-inspired experience when sipped alternately with the hot chocolate.
• Mulled Wine or Cider: A mug of mulled wine or warm, spiced cider complements the cozy vibe and adds a festive touch. Their warming spices and fruity undertones can beautifully accompany the creamy chocolate.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating homemade hot chocolate bombs similar to those offered by Trader Joe’s can be a fun and personalized kitchen project, especially during the holiday season. Sometimes, you may need to substitute some ingredients, either due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or availability.

Chocolate Shell:

Original Ingredient: Milk Chocolate

Substitutes:

• Dark Chocolate: For those who prefer less sweetness or need a dairy-free option, dark chocolate (make sure it’s 70% cocoa or higher) is a great choice. It provides a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
• White Chocolate: For a different twist, white chocolate can be used. It’s sweeter and creamier than milk chocolate.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate: Many brands offer dairy-free chocolate options that are made without any animal products, suitable for vegans.

Hot Chocolate Mix:

Original Ingredient: Pre-made Hot Chocolate Mix

Substitutes:

• DIY Mix: Create your own mix using cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This allows for better control over the sweetness and type of sugar used.
• Sugar-Free Mix: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or a sugar-free cocoa mix for a lower-calorie option.

Marshmallows:

Original Ingredient: Mini Marshmallows

Substitutes:

• Vegan Marshmallows: These are made without gelatin and are suitable for vegans.
• Homemade Marshmallows: You can make marshmallows at home using ingredients like honey, sugar, water, and gelatin (or agar for a vegetarian version).
• Flavored Marshmallows: To add an extra layer of flavor to your bombs, use specialty marshmallows that come in flavors like vanilla, peppermint, or caramel.

Add-Ins and Flavors:

Original Ingredient: Standard options like peppermint sticks or additional cocoa powder.

Substitutes:

• Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pumpkin spice blend for a warm, festive flavor.
• Flavored Extracts: A drop of peppermint, vanilla, or almond extract can dramatically change the profile of your hot chocolate.
• Liqueurs: For adult versions, adding a small amount of Bailey’s, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps can offer a delightful twist.

Dairy:

Original Ingredient: Regular Milk (used to make the hot chocolate)

Substitutes:

• Plant-Based Milk: Almond, coconut, oat, and soy milk are excellent substitutes for regular milk and offer varying flavors and creaminess.
• Lactose-Free Milk: For those who are lactose intolerant but prefer the taste of traditional milk.

Final Thoughts

Creating these hot chocolate bombs at home not only allows you to customize flavors to your liking but also adds a personal touch to your holiday gatherings or a simple winter evening wrapped in a blanket. Enjoy making and sipping your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Hot Chocolate Bombs!

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Sublime Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe 
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Truffle Chips Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Cocoa Truffles Recipe (Homemade)
• Homemade Trader Joe’s Passion Fruit Rounds Recipe