The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – 5 ingredients

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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 complicate 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 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1/8th teaspoon of salt

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!

You may be wondering that the cornstarch does?

I’ve made it without and it’s just not as good. The cornstarch adds a thickness to the drink that gives that true, authentic chocolate taste. Without it, it tastes more like flavored water. Trust me, it’s a must.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Cocoa Mix

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. 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!
3. 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 ration of 2 cups of hot cocoa mix to a gallon of hot water or other liquid such as milk.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Eryn Whalen

This homemade hot cocoa mix is the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and sweetness, made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Forget the store-bought mixes with questionable additives; this easy recipe combines cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips for a deliciously smooth and creamy drink.

Just add 2 tablespoons of this dry mix to a cup, fill with hot water or milk, and enjoy a steaming cup of comfort. Store it in an airtight container for those chilly winter nights or package it up in a mason jar as a thoughtful holiday gift. This big batch recipe makes enough to keep everyone warm all season long!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Total Time 1 minute min

Course Uncategorized

Cuisine American

Servings 20 servings

Calories 86 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1/8 th teaspoon of salt

Instructions

 

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Use a sifter to make sure there ar4e no clumps Or, use a food processor if you prefer a finer powder.
  Store in a sealed container or mason jar in a cool, dry place.
  To make a cup of hot chocolate, mix 2 tablespoons of the cocoa mix with hot water, milk, or a combination of both. Stir well and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the mix to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add extra powdered sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or use a mix of dark cocoa powder.

Storage Tips: Store the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container or mason jar in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh. This mix can last for several months, making it perfect for the winter season.

Customizations: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for a spiced version or even a dash of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Milk Options: This mix works with any liquid. Use hot water for a lighter cup, or go for whole milk, non-dairy milk (like coconut or almond milk), or a mix for a creamier, richer drink.

For Extra Decadence: Stir in a few chocolate chips while preparing the cup of hot cocoa for added richness. Top with homemade marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Great for Gifting: This recipe makes a large batch—perfect for packaging in mason jars as holiday gifts. Add a label with instructions for a thoughtful and delicious present!

Make It Your Own: Experiment with different types of cocoa powder, like dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder, to find your preferred flavor profile. You can also add a "secret ingredient," such as a dash of vanilla powder, for a unique twist.

Quick Preparation: Add about 2 tablespoons of the dry mix to a cup and pour in hot liquid (water, milk, or a mix) to create a steaming cup of hot cocoa in seconds. Stir well to dissolve, and enjoy!

Easy Recipe Scaling: This is a big batch recipe, but it’s easy to halve or double depending on how much you want to have on hand. Making a cup of hot cocoa has never been simpler!

Keyword cocoa mix, hot cocoa

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