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Make a big batch of the best homemade hot chocolate mix! This powdery mix needs only 4 ingredients and it keeps in the pantry for months. Just add hot water when you’re craving a cup.
This easy hot cocoa mix is super simple and it makes a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate. You’ll never buy store-bought again!
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Ever since I was a kid I’ve enjoyed cozying up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa in the wintertime. It’s the perfect sidekick to a movie night or an afternoon ice skating. With colder weather on the way, I’m officially stocking my pantry with this homemade hot chocolate mix. I love this recipe (you will, too!) and it’s so easy to make. Best of all, I know exactly what goes into it.
What Makes This the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix?
- No funny business. Compared to store-bought hot cocoa with its various additives and preservatives, this homemade mix uses only 4 common pantry ingredients.
- Long-lasting. Well, technically we go through heaps of this mix in our house! But that’s not because it doesn’t keep well. Stored airtight, this hot chocolate mix lasts for months in the pantry. Double the batch and have it on hand all winter, or give it as food gifts to family and friends.
- Extra creamy hot cocoa. Once you add hot water or warm milk, it makes the best powder-based hot chocolate I’ve tasted! Rich, chocolatey, and perfect topped with marshmallows or whipped cream.
What You’ll Need
I’ve included some quick notes on what this homemade hot chocolate mix is made of. Scroll down to the recipe card below the post for a printable ingredients list with amounts.
- Powdered Milk – Milk powder, or powdered milk, is evaporated milk in powder form. It has a longer shelf-life than liquid milk.
- Powdered Sugar – Also called confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar. This type of sugar is extra-fine and dissolves more quickly and smoothly than coarse sugar.
- Cocoa Powder – I use unsweetened cocoa powder. If you prefer darker hot chocolate, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Cornstarch – Adding a little cornstarch to the dry mix makes the hot chocolate even creamier.
How Much Does This Mix Make?
The exact amount of servings in this dry mix depends on your mug size and how much flavor you’re after. I usually use 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix per serving. If you do the same, you’ll have enough mix to make approximately 20 cups of hot cocoa.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix
Once I realized how ridiculously easy (and affordable) it is to make this hot chocolate mix at home, I haven’t gone back to store-bought versions. Here’s how to make it. You’ll find the printable instructions in the recipe card.
- Combine. Sift the ingredients into a bowl, and then whisk everything together.
- Store. Store the mix in an airtight container for up to 12 months. Keep it somewhere cool and dry, like the pantry.
To Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate
Whenever you’d like a cup of hot chocolate, combine 3 tablespoons of mix with about 1 cup of hot water or milk. Water-based hot chocolate will have a richer cocoa flavor, while hot milk yields a creamier cup. Both are delicious, so it’s up to you! Give the mix a stir, and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder. The better the quality cocoa powder you use, the better your hot chocolate will taste.
- Add salt. If you’d like a less-sweet cocoa mix, add up to 1 teaspoon of salt to the recipe. Salt also enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Add mini marshmallows. You can buy dehydrated mini marshmallows to add to the mix. Or, sprinkle them into the hot chocolate when you make a cup. Regular marshmallows are also a classic garnish.
- Flavor variations. Use this hot chocolate mix as a base and play around with more flavors, like peppermint hot chocolate and pumpkin hot chocolate.
- More ways to use it. You can use the dry mix in recipes for hot chocolate dip, muddy buddies, and cookies!
How to Store Hot Cocoa Mix
This recipe makes a big batch, so be sure to store this mix in a sealed jar or airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry location, like the pantry for up to a year. The flavors tend to dull the longer it’s stored, so enjoy it sooner rather than later!
More Cozy Drink Recipes
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups powdered milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Sift all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl to get rid of any lumps. Whisk until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
To Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate
- Mix 3 Tablespoons of hot chocolate mix with 1 cup of water or milk.
- Top with mini marshmallows if you'd like, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use good quality cocoa powder, as the flavor will stand out. If you prefer darker and richer hot cocoa, use Dutch processed.
- You can add dehydrated mini marshmallows to the mix, or top with regular marshmallows when you make a cup.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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