How to Make Hot Chocolate Balls: A Delightful and Fun Treat
Hot chocolate balls have taken the world by storm, and for good reason. These delightful spheres of chocolate, filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows, make for an enchanting and delicious treat. When you pour hot milk over them, they burst open in a spectacular display, releasing their contents and creating a rich, creamy hot chocolate. Whether you’re making them as a gift, for a special occasion, or just to enjoy on a cold day, hot chocolate balls are a fun and creative project that anyone can do. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making your own hot chocolate balls at home, from tempering the chocolate to assembling and decorating the balls.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the process, let’s gather everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate bars or chips (such as Ghirardelli)
- 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix
- 18 to 24 mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles, for decorating (optional)
- 6 cups whole or 2% milk, for serving
Equipment:
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 (2-inch) silicone sphere molds with 6 wells each, or 6 parchment paper cupcake liners
- Digital probe thermometer
- Large heatproof bowl
- 4-quart pot
- Pastry brush
- Nitrile or latex gloves
- Small piping bag (optional)
- Muffin papers, for packaging (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Temper the Chocolate:
Set up a double boiler:
- Fill a 4-quart pot halfway with water and set it over medium-high heat. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pot, ensuring it fits securely without touching the water.
Chop and temper the chocolate:
- If you’re using chocolate bars, finely chop 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate. Set aside 1/3 of the chocolate (about 4 ounces). Transfer the remaining 2/3 (8 ounces) to the bowl and melt the chocolate in the double boiler, stirring regularly with a heatproof spatula. Keep a close eye on the chocolate temperature — it should never exceed 100°F.
Incorporate the reserved chocolate:
- Remove the bowl from the double boiler and add the reserved chocolate in three increments, stirring until melted after each addition. Continue mixing until the chocolate is between 88 and 91°F, checking with a digital probe thermometer or by touch — it should feel about body temperature.
2. Molding the Chocolate:
Option 1: Using Silicone Molds
Coat the molds with tempered chocolate:
- Drop 1 tablespoon of tempered chocolate into each well of the silicone mold trays. Use a pastry brush to spread the chocolate up the sides and over the edges slightly. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature for 5 to 15 minutes, then brush each well with an additional teaspoon of chocolate to achieve a thick, even coating. Allow the molds to sit until the chocolate is completely hardened, about 15 to 30 minutes.
Fill the molds with cocoa and marshmallows:
- Place 2 teaspoons of hot cocoa mix, 3 to 4 mini marshmallows, and 1/2 teaspoon of sprinkles (if desired) into half of the wells.
Assemble the chocolate balls:
- Wearing nitrile or latex gloves, gently release the remaining unfilled chocolate shells from their molds, keeping them resting in the wells. Use a pastry brush or small piping bag to coat the edges of these shells with tempered chocolate. Top each filled shell with an unfilled shell to form a complete sphere. Let the chocolate balls sit at room temperature to harden and set for 30 to 45 minutes.
Coat cupcake liners with chocolate:
- Drop 1 tablespoon of tempered chocolate into each of 6 parchment paper cupcake liners. Use a brush to coat the bottom and sides with chocolate. Let them sit at room temperature until hardened, about 5 to 15 minutes. Brush each liner with an additional teaspoon of chocolate for a thick, even coating and let them sit until fully hardened, about 15 to 30 minutes.
Fill with cocoa and marshmallows:
- Place 2 teaspoons of hot cocoa mix, 3 to 4 mini marshmallows, and 1/2 teaspoon of sprinkles (if desired) into each liner.
Close the balls with more chocolate:
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of tempered chocolate over the filling in each liner. Use the back of a small spoon to smooth the chocolate over the filling, ensuring it is completely enclosed. Let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully hardened, 30 to 45 minutes. Wearing nitrile or latex gloves, gently release the chocolate balls from the liners.
3. Decorate and Serve:
Decorate the balls:
- If desired, you can drizzle the balls with any remaining chocolate and add sprinkles for decoration. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the chocolate.
Serve the chocolate balls:
- Heat 1 cup of milk per hot chocolate ball gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is very hot, almost boiling. Place the hot chocolate ball in a large mug and pour the hot milk over it. Watch as the ball melts and the contents spill out into the milk. Stir vigorously to combine everything into a rich, creamy hot chocolate.
Tips and Storage
Storage:
Store hot chocolate balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This makes them perfect for preparing in advance and giving as gifts.
Tempering Chocolate Tips:
Tempering chocolate can be tricky, but it’s crucial for achieving a shiny finish and a satisfying snap. Make sure your equipment is dry and that you maintain the correct temperatures. If the chocolate loses its temper, you can reheat it briefly over the double boiler to bring it back to the right temperature range.
Using Molds:
Silicone molds are the easiest way to get perfect half-spheres, but if you don’t have them, parchment paper cupcake liners are a great alternative. The key is to ensure the chocolate coating is thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it becomes difficult to melt in hot milk.
Gloves for Handling:
Using nitrile or latex gloves while handling the chocolate balls prevents fingerprints and smudges, keeping your chocolate looking professional and polished.
Conclusion
Hot chocolate balls are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. They bring an element of surprise and delight to an otherwise ordinary cup of hot chocolate. With a bit of patience and practice, you can master the art of making these delightful confections at home. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create a unique gift, or simply indulge yourself, hot chocolate balls are a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, temper your chocolate, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, chocolatey experience like no other.