The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe - 5 ingredients
Hot cocoa is a cherished bedtime treat in our home, especially as the cool, crisp air of fall wraps around the farm. There's something so comforting about a warm mug in hand as the evening winds down. Over time, I've perfected the easiest recipe, one that fits perfectly into our kitchen. We used to rely on store-bought mixes like Swiss Miss, but after taking a closer look at the ingredients, I realized it wasn't the best fit for our whole-foods-focused home.
While there are healthier options on the market, they often come with a hefty price tag. Then it hit me-hot cocoa is at its core just sugar and cocoa. How hard could it be to make my own mix? Now, the kids can't wait to cozy up with a warm cup of our homemade mix after dinner.
Spoiler, it's not complicated at all. (And it's a great addition to those hot cocoa bars during the holiday season!)
A New and Improved Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
Originally, I used powdered milk in my recipe, but let's be real: we don't often have that in our pantry. So, I switched things up to use ingredients we always have on hand. Now, I make a big batch of this cocoa mix using simple ingredients, and the kids still love it! It's easy to put together, and we've found it's the perfect way to warm up on a cold day during the winter season.
For a cup of hot chocolate, add about 2 heaping tablespoons of the mix to a coffee cup, and fill it with water, milk, or a combination of both for a rich chocolate flavor. This homemade hot chocolate recipe is versatile and easy, making it our favorite recipe for cozy evenings.
What You'll Need for Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix
This recipe comes together in minutes and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. All the ingredients I use are organic, but do what works best in your home. Here's what you need for the best hot chocolate mix recipe:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (This is my go-to favorite organic cocoa powder)
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- ⅛th teaspoon of salt
- OPTIONAL: Vanilla powder adds a subtle vanilla flavor many people love in hot cocoa. (My favorite brand)
This recipe uses simple, natural ingredients that rival any store-bought mix. It's a great way to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa mix whenever you want! And if you want to make your own marshmallows, I have an easy recipe for that too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornstarch adds a little body and creaminess to the drink. Without it, hot cocoa can taste thin, almost like chocolate-flavored water. A small spoonful makes each sip smoother and more like the cozy mugs you'd get from a café. I get this brand.
Yes! Dutch-process cocoa will give you a smoother, more mellow flavor, while natural cocoa has a slightly sharper bite. Both work beautifully in this mix-just use what you enjoy most or have on hand.
Stored in a sealed jar or airtight container in a cool, dry place, this mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Just make sure no steam or moisture gets in, and it will be ready whenever the craving hits.
Yes. If you'd like a richer cup, make the variation with dry milk powder so all you need to add is hot water. Otherwise, I recommend using milk or a half-and-half mix of milk and water for the best flavor and creaminess.
Start with 2 tablespoons per 8 oz of hot liquid. If you like an extra chocolatey mug, use 3 tablespoons. Everyone in our house has their "perfect ratio," so do
Yes, stored in a sealed jar with a little label, it makes a perfect gift and stays fresh up to 6 months.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Cocoa Mix
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- For an extra bonus, add in some chocolate chips! To make it a smooth mix, try using a blender or food processor to incorporate the chocolate chips evenly. My kids love this fun touch that I add from time to time. You could even use peppermint bark chips for a fun flavor change up!
- Store your mix in a sealed airtight container or mason jar to keep it fresh. It's important to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping over time and to maintain its rich chocolate flavor. (If you go through its as fast as us though, that's never a problem!)
Using Your Hot Cocoa Mix
Add 2 tablespoons of the dry mix to a coffee cup and fill it up with 8oz of hot water, hot milk, or a mix of both. The best way to enjoy this is with some homemade marshmallows, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, or a candy cane for a festive touch!
Why This is the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
This mix is a great way to have a cup of hot chocolate on hand without needing to rely on store-bought mixes that often contain unnecessary additives. You can make a large batch of this cocoa mix and use it throughout the winter season or even give it as holiday gifts! Package it in a mason jar with a cute label and some instructions, and it becomes a thoughtful, homemade present.
If you're curious about why I love creating whole-foods versions of common foods and mixes, be sure to check out my About Me page, where I share more about our homestead lifestyle and passion for from-scratch cooking.
Variations and Tips
- If you want to go back to using powdered milk, you can easily add nonfat dry milk powder or whole milk powder to this recipe, add one cup.
- For a richer taste, use natural cocoa powder or even dark chocolate shavings.
- This recipe makes a big batch, so you'll have plenty on hand for the season.
- To make a hot chocolate bar, set up a slow cooker with the hot cocoa mix in a ratio of 2 cups of hot cocoa mix to a gallon of hot water or other liquid such as milk.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk or sift together the powdered sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until fully blended. Sifting helps prevent clumps, so the mix dissolves smoothly in hot liquid.
- Optional step for texture: For a finer powder, pulse the mixture in a food processor or blender for 30-60 seconds. This helps the sugars and cocoa fully incorporate and creates a café-style cocoa mix.
- Store properly: Transfer the finished mix into an airtight container or mason jar. Keep it in a cool, dry pantry away from moisture or steam. Stored correctly, the mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
- Make a cup: Add 2 tablespoons of mix to 8 oz hot milk, hot water, or a combination of both. Stir until the powder is fully dissolved. For a richer flavor, use 3 tablespoons per cup or all milk instead of water.
- Serve and enjoy: Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
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Notes
Nutrition
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What does the cornstarch do?!
It's what gives it that creamy taste! It thickens it a bit. You can definitely tell a difference when it's not used! 🙂
Can you use Tapioca starch instead of cornstarch?
In theory it should work! I'd give it a try! 🙂
May be a silly question but is the cocoa powder the unsweetened or like nestle quik
It's baking cocoa, so the unsweetened version. No Nestle Quick here! 😉
I needed a last minute christmas gift for my family and although I burned my tongue testing the final product in hot milk, it's absolutely delicious and a super easy thing to make (plus, I added more cocoa powder for a darker flavour). Love it 🙂
Besides the tongue part I'm glad it all worked out for you! And I love that you added extra cocoa. I like mine super rich too!
Umm yes! This is the one! I have tried several ones and this is the best. We grew up on Swiss miss and this to me is the closest. We use half water and half whole milk to make it even creamier.
That sounds AMAZING! Yum! I need to add more milk to mine. So glad you love it!
I’ve made this hot cocoa mix more times than I can count, and it’s truly the best! It’s rich and chocolatey without being too sweet, and I love that it’s made from simple pantry staples. The cornstarch gives it that perfect creamy texture, and I usually mix mine with half milk, half water for the coziest cup. My kids always ask for a mug after dinner once the temperatures start to drop. It’s become such a comforting little tradition on our homestead. If you haven’t tried making your own mix before, this one will spoil you for the store-bought kind forever.