This winter’s newest trend has put a unique twist on everyone’s favorite hot drink: hot cocoa bombs. What quickly rose in popularity on TikTok, the video-sharing social network, has become a staple at bakeries, cafés and chocolate shops all over New Jersey. A round, chocolate ball is filled with hot cocoa powder, marshmallows and other delicious surprises to create an explosion of flavor in your mug. All you have to do is place the chocolate bomb in your cup, pour steamed milk or hot water over top, and watch the bomb slowly “explode” or dissole. From classics like milk and dark chocolate, to more creative flavors like peanut butter cup, gingerbread and fruity cereal, NJ eateries are putting their own unique spin on hot cocoa bombs.
Hudson Cakery, Weehawken
Made with smooth Ghirardelli chocolate, hot cocoa bombs are new to the Hudson Cakery menu. After first making them around the holidays, Baker Jennifer Bunce-Timmons has decided to make the bombs through the winter. Flavors like dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint have all been on the menu, each one topped with sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, and even sea salt. Available in sets of four until March 1, they can be ordered by emailing [email protected].
Hudson Cakery, 1816 Willow Avenue, Weehawken; 201-319-0363
Coco Jolie, Englewood
Chef and owner Miriam Gitelman spent over 20 years as a design and technology professional before pursuing her true passion in pastry and dessert. Made with delicious homemade chocolate, Gitelman’s cocoa bombs come in two different sizes. Jumbo bombs are packaged individually, and mini bombs come in packages of six. Coco Jolie also offers a hot cocoa bomb gift set that includes a ceramic mug, jumbo hot cocoa bomb and gluten free chocolate chip cookie bars.
Coco Jolie, 12 North Dean Street, Englewood; 201-771-1414
The Candy Jar by 1892, Bordentown and Collingswood
Owner Tina Fiallo hopped on the hot cocoa trend early, serving them before the holiday season. They recently announced a special red velvet flavor for Valentine’s Day, topped with a chocolate red heart. Bombs can be ordered in an assortment box, with seven flavors to choose from: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, peppermint, sea salt, strawberry Lucky Charms, vanilla cappuccino, and white chocolate chai.
The Candy Jar by 1892, 144 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown; and 721 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood
Meyer’s House of Sweets, Wyckoff
The Meyer family has been making some of New Jersey’s best sweet treats since 1904. You won’t find anything store bought in their hot cocoa bombs, as each one is made with homemade chocolate and filled with their very own recipe of hot cocoa mix. Topped with white and dark chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, and Oreo crumbles, these bombs will keep you sipping for more.
Meyer’s House of Sweets, 637 Wyckoff Avenue #17, Wyckoff; 201-848-8200
BAM Desserts, Somerset
Taking a more creative approach, BAM Desserts has put their own spin on this popular chocolate trend. Their menu includes flavors like Mexican hot chocolate (filled with sprinkles and Lucky Charm marshmallows), chai, white chocolate strawberry, cookies and cream, s’mores, and more. BAM even made alcoholic bombs, filled with whiskey, rum, or Baileys (like in these hot cocktails), to make your favorite chocolate drink a little more adult.
BAM Desserts, 1830 Easton Avenue, Somerset; 732-325-0315
Chocolate Carousel, Wall
Following suit for Valentine’s Day themed hot cocoa bombs, Chocolate Carousel—on our best bakeries list—is also making their own version of a red velvet bomb, topped with white chocolate drizzle and sugar sprinkles. Their other flavors include Mexican hot chocolate (sweet milk chocolate with cinnamon and spice), peppermint, salted caramel, cookies and cream, and classics like milk, dark and white Chocolate. Each one is stuffed with a homemade hot cocoa mix and lots of mini marshmallows.
Chocolate Carousel, 2510 Belmar Boulevard, Wall; 732-280-0606
Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery, Hammonton
With rotating specials and homemade sweets made daily, Casciano is home to some of the best treats in South Jersey. Their extensive coffee menu includes espresso, lattes, and other coffee drinks, and during the holidays hot cocoa bombs were added to the menu. Casciano customers jumped onto the new item so quickly that the bombs sold out through the holiday season and into the new year. Be on the lookout, because Casciano announced they will be creating new flavors in the month of February.
Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery, 212 Bellevue Avenue, Hammonton; 609-561-2600
Kara Kakes, Franklin Lakes
Owner Kara has been making creative bakes and treats since 2012 and is always looking for something new to make. Her menu of hot chocolate bombs includes an abundance of flavors, including Peanut Butter Cup (peanut butter hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, and peanut butter chips), Funfetti (filled with sprinkles and Funfetti white chocolate chips), and Strawberry Milkshake (strawberry milk powder with strawberry crunch). Each one is topped with its own unique design and bursts open under steamed milk to create a mug full of sweetness.
Kara Kakes, Franklin Lakes; 201-485-8889