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Easy homemade hot cocoa mix made with a few simple ingredients like powdered sugar, powdered milk, and cocoa powder that’s perfect to mix with hot water or milk for homemade hot chocolate.
Making your own hot cocoa mix is super easy and it only has 5 simple ingredients in it! Homemade hot cocoa mix is a treat that’s budget-friendly, healthier than most store-bought varieties, and much kinder to the environment by cutting down on waste. So no matter how you cut it, making DIY hot cocoa mix at home is a great option.
It’s the best hot beverage after sledding and goes great with a batch of homemade microwave popcorn. Or you can use this recipe for the inside of hot chocolate bombs.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- With 5 ingredients, homemade hot cocoa mix is super easy to make and comes together in a few minutes.
- It’s more cost-effective than buying individual packets at the store.
- It makes a great gift, especially when paired with a couple enamel mugs and some toppings such as some mini marshmallows and peppermint sticks.
- Cuts down on the waste generated by individual packets of store-bought mix by storing it in a reusable container.
Recipe Ingredients
- Powdered sugar
- Powdered milk
- Cocoa powder: be sure to use Dutch-processed (also called alkalized) cocoa powder
- Salt: both sea salt and iodized salt will work in this recipe so use what you prefer or have on-hand
- Corn starch: improves the texture
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities
Popular Substitutions and Variations
- Stir in a few chocolate chips (or a Hershey’s Kiss) into your cocoa while it’s hot to make it extra chocolatey.
- Use a candy cane to stir your hot chocolate to add peppermint flavor to it.
- Add a few marshmallows, homemade Caramel Sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top of your prepared hot cocoa to change things up.
- When making the hot cocoa, use hot whole milk instead of water to make it extra creamy.
How to Make Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- Step #1. Put all the dry ingredients in a big bowl.
- Step #2. Stir with a wire whisk to combine.
- Step #3. Store in an air-tight container until ready to use.
- Step #4. To use the hot coco mix, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the dry mix to 8 ounce of hot water or milk.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Use a powdered non-dairy milk, such as powdered coconut milk or powdered almond milk. These alternatives may change the flavor slightly, so make a quarter or half batch to see how you like it before committing to the full recipe.
Homemade hot cocoa mix typically lasts for up to six months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
After you combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, use a funnel or a small scoop to transfer the cocoa mix to a mason jar with a screw-on lid or use a cute jar with a clamp down lid.
When adding hot milk or water, you can add some cinnamon, peppermint, caramel, or even a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick. Get creative and experiment with different combinations!
It depends on your preference. Hot milk will give you a creamier, more decadent texture. But hot water works tastes great, too, especially if you are on the go and won’t be able to access milk.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the salt or corn starch. The salt balances the sweetness of the hot chocolate and the cornstarch makes the texture smoother.
- It’s important to use Dutch-processed (or alkalized) cocoa here to help make sure the cocoa isn’t bitter. The container will normally say if it’s Dutch-processed.
- This recipe makes a great gift for family, friends or teachers when given in a pretty container or with a set of mugs like these enamel mugs.
More Sweet Recipes to Consider
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
- 1 cup cocoa
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and stir with a wire whisk to combine.
- Store in a large air-tight container in the pantry – it will keep for a long time.
- When ready to use, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix to 8 ounce of hot water or milk. Add more mix to taste. Stir well to combine.
Notes
- Use a dutch-processed cocoa here to help make sure the cocoa isn’t bitter.
- The salt balances the sweet and the cornstarch makes the texture smoother – don’t skip them.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot for up to six months.
- Use this hot cocoa mix with hot whole milk for the creamiest beverage.
Absolutely perfect! I tried several other recipes before landing on this one. Our favorite by far!!
I need to make a large batch of hot chocolate for a wedding. How many cups of milk do I need for the whole amount this recipe makes? I’m not good at calculating!! Thanks for help
I honestly don’t know because I just kind make it by the cup. I’d make it, weight how much powder you have when it’s all mixed. Then weigh out how much you need for one serving and then do the math from there. Sorry that’s not what you were looking for.
I’ve made several recipes of homemade hot cocoa mix. Yours is by far the best. I was skeptical of the cornstarch but it added some body to the end result and no clumping. I added it to milk. Thank you. I’m using as Xmas gifts with homemade marshmallows and candy canes.
Do you use non-fat powdered milk or whole powdered milk?
Whole would be preferred but I can’t find it easily so I normally use the non-fat powdered milk. You’re free to use what you like or have on hand!
This cocoa comes out good but it is very sweet and I don’t think it works well for instant hot cocoa. The cornstarch end up sitting in the bottom of the cup.
I love this recipe; it’s so simple and delicious! My husband stays in hot chocolate mode from November through March, so it’s nice to have a huge batch of this always ready.
I was looking for a way to get away from the high fructose corn syrup and sucralose they are adding to my favorite brands. My kids love this! I am making a double batch next time.
So glad you liked it! I just made a batch this week too!