Jack Skellington-Inspired Hot Cocoa Bombs

If you want to dress up as Jack, Sally, or even Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas this Halloween, there’s no shortage of off-the-rack costumes you can buy from, well, just about anywhere (from Amazon to Hot Topic to Walmart). But if you’re really looking to go all out this year—or simply host an epic watch party one night—you’ve got to whip up these Jack Skellington-inspired Hot Cocoa Bombs.

They’re surprisingly easy to make, as long as you have a silicone mold and a black food coloring pen. And what you fill in them is totally your call, beyond the standard hot cocoa mix: mini marshmallows, candy, sprinkles, sugar eyes. I opted for a blend of black, red and green sprinkles, Sno Caps and candy eyes, to give it that blurring-of-the-seasons vibe. You can pour warm milk over each white chocolate orb to melt ’em, or create more of a mocha latte by pouring hot coffee or espresso on top. (If you don’t like really sweet drinks, opt for the latter.)

For a little added fun, scroll to the bottom to watch these Halloween-y hot cocoa bombs melt—while testing your knowledge of Nightmare Before Christmas trivia.

One quick note: We aren’t affiliated with Disney, Tim Burton or Touchstone Pictures in any way. This is just a DIY by fans, for fans.

How to Make Jack Skellington-Inspired Hot Cocoa Bombs:

Yields 6 hot cocoa bombs

What You’ll Need:

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spoon
• Small microwave-safe plate
• Spherical silicone mold
• Black fine tip edible ink pens

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup (10 oz.) white chocolate baking chips or white candy melts
• 6 heaping tablespoons hot cocoa mix (about 3 to 4 single-serve packets)
• Mix-ins: Sno Caps, sprinkles, marshmallows—whatever you prefer
• 4 cups milk or coffee

Directions:

1. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, pour in half of the white chocolate pieces. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Grab the silicone mold and use a spoon to coat a thin layer of white chocolate inside each hemisphere. Pop it in the fridge to harden, about 10 minutes. (As it cools, set up your hot cocoa mix and mix-ins, so they’re ready to go.)
2. Remove white chocolate hemispheres from the mold. Fill half with roughly a tablespoon of hot cocoa mix and whatever treats you’d like.
3. Fuse the spheres together: Place the plate in the microwave, heating for 10-15 seconds until warm. Grab an empty white chocolate hemisphere and gently place it edge-side down on the plate, twisting a little to melt the edge. Place it on top of a filled hot cocoa bomb half, running your finger along the edge to smooth the melted chocolate along the seam and seal it. Complete with remaining halves. (Note: You may want to pop these in the fridge for a few minutes before the next step if the heat of your hands is making them melt.)
4. Draw on Jack’s face: Use an edible ink pen to draw a skeleton face on each orb. You may need to wipe the hot cocoa bombs before drawing, if they’re getting condensation on them.
5. To serve, heat up coffee or milk. Place a hot cocoa bomb in each mug, then top with your drink or choice. Stir thoroughly—and check to make sure it’s cool enough to enjoy—before taking a sip.

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