By a Pro: Hot Cocoa Bombs | Eye-catching Dessert Table Treats

the idea

Perfect for daytime events, holiday parties, or chilly outdoor gatherings, cocoa bombs add a little theater when dropped into hot milk

the how

Hot cocoa bombs consist of a chocolate shell filled with gourmet cocoa and marshmallows
Pour hot milk over the bomb to make a cup of hot chocolate
Typically sold individually, wrapped and tied, with instructions
Choose by flavor, including Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter Cup, Pumpkin Spice, Birthday Cake, Cappuccino Bomb (with instant coffee), and more
Available as spheres or heart shaped

the why

This Idea

Wow-factor; creates a visual spectacle and adds a touch of theater
Professional; gives your dessert table a stylish and professionally-catered look
Aesthetically appealing; decorated treats entice and create a feast for the eyes
Special occasions should feel special; visual wow-factors elevate regular party food / drinks
Elegant; lends your dessert table an elegant and sophisticated touch
Talking point; gives guests something to discuss and share, which creates buzz and atmosphere
Photo-worthy; a great photo-op for guests to share and tag on social media
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or visual wow-factors
Unusual; a less common dessert table treat to impress guests

elaborately decorated heart shaped hot cocoa bombs

the why

variety of dessert table treats

Feeding v Entertaining; special event party food should have two objectives:
Feeding; 70% should be crowd-pleasing, familiar, and palatable ‘safe’ options intended to leave guests feeling well-fed
Entertaining; 30% should be to treat your guests, surprise them, indulge them, impress them, share experiences with them, and even help them discover new things
Unusual; 10% of that 30% should be quirky, unfamiliar, adventurous, fun treats that get people talking
Visual; 10% of that 30% should be visually arresting treats that contribute to presentation and add wow factor
Favorite things; 10% of that 30% should be treats that reflect your own personality and taste

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“These hot cocoa bombs are a lot more fun for guests if they get to make them themselves.

So, serve alongside Thermos flasks, pump carafes, or disposable hot beverage dispensers (see links below) filled with hot milk.

Alternatively, you could use a coffee pot on a hot plate to keep the milk warm (although I haven’t tried this myself).

I wouldn’t recommend using a crock pot and ladle to keep the milk warm though. Not only does it get messy with lots of spills, but it doesn’t take long for the milk to become too shallow to fill the ladle.

Don’t forget that, depending on your guest demographic, you might want to consider offering a milk alternative for those who don’t do dairy.

You could also offer various liquors, such as whiskey, Baileys, Kahlua, or Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur), to give your hot cocoa a more adult twist.”