Candy Cane Cocoa Cups – A Homemade Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Treat

Mama, if you’re anything like me, the holidays have you running in ten different directions — baking cookies, wrapping gifts, juggling kids’ schedules, and still trying to squeeze in some Christmas magic. That’s why I’m obsessed with these Candy Cane Cocoa Cups! They’re festive, fun, and make the cutest homemade gift or cozy treat to enjoy on a cold night.

These adorable chocolate cups are filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, and topped with a candy cane “stir stick.” The best part? They’re made entirely of edible chocolate, which means once you pour in hot milk, the whole thing melts into a rich, creamy cup of cocoa. It’s like sipping Christmas cheer — one cup at a time!

Ingredients for Candy Cane Cocoa Cups

How to make Candy Cane Cocoa Cups: ingredients you need!

3 oz paper cups

Scotch tape

1 package almond bark (or melting chocolate)

Hot cocoa mix (about 2 tablespoons per cup)

Mini marshmallows

Large candy canes

Optional: festive sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or extra mini marshmallows for topping

Candy Cane Cocoa Cups Video Tutorial

For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!

How to Make Candy Cane Cocoa Cups

How to makeCandy Cane Cocoa Cups : a step by step guide

How to Make Candy Cane Cocoa Cups

1. Prep the Cups

Use scissors to cut a small slit down the side of each 3 oz paper cup. Tape the slit closed with Scotch tape — this trick makes it so much easier to peel off the cups later!

2. Form the Chocolate Shells

Melt the almond bark (or melting chocolate) according to the package directions. Spoon a small amount into each cup, swirling it around until the entire inside is coated. Pour out any excess chocolate. Let the cups sit until hardened — you can refrigerate them to speed things up.

3. Unmold the Chocolate Cups

Once set, remove the Scotch tape and carefully peel away the paper cup. You’ll be left with perfectly shaped edible chocolate cups — so satisfying!

4. Assemble the Cocoa Cups

Add about 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot cocoa mix into each chocolate cup. Top with mini marshmallows, then stand a large candy cane upright in the center. The marshmallows will help keep it steady!

5. Seal & Decorate

Pour a bit more melted chocolate over the top to seal everything in. Before it hardens, decorate with festive sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or a few more mini marshmallows.

6. Serve or Gift

Once fully set, store at room temperature or wrap each Candy Cane Cocoa Cup in cellophane with a ribbon for a sweet holiday gift.

To enjoy, just drop one cup into a mug and pour over hot milk, cream, or water. Stir with your candy cane and watch the chocolate melt into the most magical cup of cocoa!

Candy Cane Cocoa Cups: SIDE IDEA

The holidays are all about slowing down and creating memories, and these Candy Cane Cocoa Cups are a simple way to do just that. They’re fun for the kids to help make (and decorate!), perfect for gifting, and a total showstopper on a Christmas cocoa bar.

Each cup is filled with your favorite hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane that doubles as both a handle and a stir stick. They look like something straight from a holiday boutique — but they’re actually so easy, even the busiest mamas can make them.

And let’s be honest… anything that combines chocolate, cocoa, and candy canes is a holiday win in my book!

Crazy Busy Mama Tip

Make a big batch of Candy Cane Cocoa Cups at once and set up a DIY Cocoa Bar! Keep the cups ready to go, and let your family and guests pour their own hot milk and stir. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy dessert — and perfect for Christmas Eve movie nights or holiday get-togethers.

Plus, if you want to switch things up, try using white chocolate almond bark for a “snowy” version or dark chocolate for extra richness.

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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.

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More Easy Holiday Recipes

If you love these Candy Cane Cocoa Cups, be sure to check out these other easy holiday recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.

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