LAST MINUTE PURIM Mishloach Manot ideas! Hot Cocoa bombs and chocolate sticks

Purim is barreling toward us like a gleeful, costumed whirlwind, and with it comes the delicious chaos of mishloach manot. Sure, you could stick to the classics—hamantaschen and a juice box, tied up with a bow, and we won't judge, especially not with Purim being on a Friday this year!

But here's a much more fun idea! This year, let’s turn up the heat (literally) with mishloach manot that pack a cozy, chocolatey punch: hot cocoa bombs and hot chocolate on a stick. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and let’s be honest, they’re a little bit mischievous—just like the holiday itself. So grab your aprons and let’s dive in:

Hot Cocoa Bombs

First up, the hot cocoa bomb—a chocolate orb that bursts into a steamy spectacle when dunked in hot milk. It’s the kind of gift that makes kids squeal and adults secretly wish they’d gotten one too. Making them is half the fun, and you don’t need to be a chocolatier to pull it off. Start with a silicone mold (those half-sphere ones from the baking aisle work perfectly) and some good-quality chocolate—dark, milk, or white, depending on your vibe. Melt it down—microwave or double boiler, your call—until it’s silky and smooth, then brush it into the molds to form thin shells. Let them harden (a quick chill in the fridge does the trick), and pop them out.

Now comes the mischief: filling them. Spoon in a generous heap of hot cocoa mix—store-bought or homemade, maybe with a pinch of cinnamon for a Purim twist. Toss in mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of crushed candy cane (for that festive pop), or even edible glitter if you’re feeling extra. Seal two halves together with a dab of melted chocolate, and boom—you’ve got a bomb. Decorate the outside with a drizzle of contrasting chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ve got a mishloach manot star that’s ready to steal the show.

Package these beauties in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon—red and gold scream Purim—or nestle them in a small mug with a “Drop Me in Hot Milk!” tag. Pair them with a second food item —think a hamantaschen or an oversized black and white cookie—and you’re good to go.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick: Stirring Up Smiles

These are exactly what they sound like: rich, fudgy chocolate blocks skewered on sticks, ready to swirl into a mug of hot milk for instant bliss. They’re portable, adorable, and let you play chocolatier without breaking a sweat. Start with a base of melted chocolate—again, pick your poison—and stir in a touch of cocoa powder and powdered sugar for that perfect hot chocolate depth. Want to get fancy? Add a dash of vanilla or a pinch of sea salt.

Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or small molds, pop a wooden stick (or a cinnamon stick for extra flair) into each one, and let them set. Once they’re solid, dip the tips in crushed nuts, roll them in sprinkles, or top them with a single marshmallow for that classic cocoa vibe. Wrap each one in a twist of cellophane with a bright ribbon, or stack a few in a mason jar with a label that reads “Stir into Purim Joy.” Add a second treat— homemade choc chip cookies or boutique biscotti. Done.

The Joy of Giving, Purim-Style

What makes these cocoa-centric mishloach manot so perfect isn’t just the flavor—it’s the spirit. Purim is about turning sorrow into joy, chaos into celebration, and what better way than with treats that surprise and delight? Hot cocoa bombs bring the drama—exploding into a mug like a tiny Purim miracle. Hot chocolate sticks offer a slower burn, a quiet moment of comfort amid the holiday’s wild energy. Together, they’re warm and whimsy, perfect for sharing with neighbors, friends, or that cousin who always shows up in the best costume.

Packaging is where you let your Purim flair shine. Tuck a bomb and a stick into a mini thermos with a “Stay Cozy” note. Or go full Esther with a gilded box, stuffed with tissue paper and a scroll explaining the mitzvah (and how to enjoy the goodies). Keep it simple with a kraft paper bag stamped “Purim Sameach,” or splurge on a reusable tin that doubles as a keepsake. The key? Make it personal, make it playful, and make sure it screams holiday joy.

A Sweet Rebellion

Hamantaschen are great—don’t get me wrong—but hot cocoa bombs and sticks feel like a playful nudge against the expected, a nod to Purim’s topsy-turvy spirit. They’re easy enough to whip up in an afternoon (enlist the kids for decorating duty), yet they pack a wow factor that’ll have your friends excited.

There’s still time to join the cocoa revolution. Gather your chocolate, crank up the holiday tunes, and craft mishloach manot that don’t just fill bellies—they spark smiles. Because if Purim teaches us anything, it’s that joy is best when it’s shared—and a little chocolate chaos never hurt anyone. Chag Purim Sameach!