Prep Hot Cocoa Mix

1. Add ingredients to a medium bowl: powdered sugar, dried milk, cocoa powder, sea salt, finely-chopped chocolate, vanilla powder and (optional) Christmas sprinkles. Mix well.
2. Add marshmallow bits and crushed candy canes to the bowl. Mix to incorporate. Set the hot cocoa mix aside until needed.

Make Hot Chocolate Bombs

RECIPE PREP: Melt white chocolate candy coating according to package directions. (Here’s how I do it: Break it into large pieces. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.)

1. Pour 3 tablespoons melted white chocolate into each well of two 6-hole silicone molds. Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread out the chocolate to create a thick, sturdy layer on all sides. Make sure to spread the chocolate all the way to the top of each well so the spheres won’t have brittle edges.
2. Transfer molds to the fridge until completely set – about 10 minutes. Don’t discard any leftover chocolate – we’re going to use it later to decorate the hot chocolate bombs.
3. Once the chocolate has set, slip on a pair of food prep gloves to prevent fingerprints. Remove the chocolate cups from the molds. Place them on a lined baking tray for stability. Add 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix to half the chocolate cups. Leave the others empty.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat until just warm. Remove pan from heat. Place 1 empty chocolate bowl rim down on the skillet. Let it sit 1 to 2 seconds, just until the rim begins to melt. 
5. Place the chocolate bowl with melty edges on top of a filled cup. Gently press them together to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining hot chocolate bombs. There will be 6 in total. 

DECORATE

Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs

1. Add 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate to a small bowl with 1/4 teaspoon black food coloring. Mix to combine. Transfer it to a piping bag, or to a zip-top bag with one bottom corner snipped off. Pipe the snowman’s eyes and smile.
2. Mix remaining melted white chocolate with 1/4 teaspoon orange food coloring. Transfer it to a piping bag. Pipe a small sideways triangle for a carrot nose. Another option: carrot candy sprinkles.

Truffle-Style Hot Chocolate Bombs

1. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the hot cocoa bombs.
2. Garnish the top with Christmas sprinkles. Let the decorations set completely.

String of Lights Hot Chocolate Bombs

1. Add remaining melted white chocolate to a small bowl with 1/2 teaspoon black food coloring. Mix to combine. Transfer to a piping bag. Draw a swirly line across the top of the hot cocoa bombs, leaving space between the lines for the candy light bulbs.
2. Pipe a small dot of chocolate onto the back of the light bulbs. Place bulbs along the “string”.  Work quickly before the chocolate dries. Set the treats aside until decorations are set.