My Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix is so much better than store-bought hot chocolate mix! It takes 5 minutes to make a big batch that lasts all winter long. It is perfect for gift giving or when you just want to do something extra special for the ones you love.
If you want more delicious chocolatey drinks, try my peppermint hot cocoa and my slow cooker hot chocolate.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Why this Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe is a Keeper
You will love this recipe because you control the ingredients. No more mystery additives, just pure, rich chocolate goodness. You can use high-quality cocoa powder and customize the sweetness and intensity to your exact liking, resulting in a taste far superior to most store-bought packets.
- Easy Ingredients: This diy hot cocoa mix uses common ingredients you often have on hand.
- Family Favorite: Everyone in the family loves it, making it a go-to winter treat.
- Adaptable: With a few simple swaps, you can make this recipe exactly how you like it.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients for the best hot cocoa recipe are affordable and is cost-effective.
- Comforting: It has a comforting, homey feel that makes you want to return to it.
- Seasonal: This mix makes the most of seasonal ingredients and flavors.
What’s the Best Kind of Cocoa Powder to Use?
For a classic, rich, dark hot cocoa, Dutch-processed cocoa powder is recommended to make the perfect cocoa.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“My daughter Loves good hot chocolate and I’m gonna have this ready for when she gets home for Christmas break.”
~ Joanne
Ingredient Notes for Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
You will need just a few super simple ingredients to make this recipe. They’re all easy to find at the store, but you may even have some of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder will give you the best chocolate base for your hot cocoa recipe.
- White Chocolate Chips: White chocolate chips will help enhance the chocolate flavor without being too overbearing in this handmade gift.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Hot Cocoa
Short 1-2 sentences about how this recipe can be altered to suit the reader’s tastes.
- Different Chocolate: Make with dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate for different tastes.
- Spicy Hot Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of cayenne to make this hot chocolate spicy!
- Spices: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom to this cocoa with marshmallows.
Special Equipment Needed for Hot Chocolate
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides.
Tell visitors what equipment you use and how to adjust the recipe if they use something different, and link to our affiliate link to purchase the equipment. Only include items in this section that are unique (the reader may not have it) or where a specific type is required.
- Food Processor: Use a food processor to finely chop up the white chocolate chips so that they are evenly distributed throughout the mix.
How to Make Hot Cocoa Mix
This hot cocoa mix from scratch is much different than regular natural cocoa powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder isn’t sweet at all, but if you’re making your own hot cocoa mix it is what is giving it a rich flavor.
Check out this post for inspo: https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/apple-walnut-chicken-salad/ (scroll down to “How to Make Apple Walnut Chicken Salad”).
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make Dry Mix: First, mix together powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, white chocolate, powdered milk or dry milk powder, salt and cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
- Blend in Chocolate Chips: Working in batches, add the mix to a food processor and pulse until the white chocolate is finely ground. Transfer to a big container.
- Make Hot Cocoa: To make cocoa, add ⅓ cup cocoa mix and 1 cup of hot liquid like hot water or milk.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Gift Giving
The beauty of a hot cocoa mix is that it is a prep-ahead item! You can prepare your add ins or optional ingredients in advance as well.
- The Mix Itself: The primary “prep ahead” is simply making a large batch of the mix. Once you’ve combined and sifted all your dry ingredients, it’s ready to go for weeks or months.
- Jar & Label: Have your airtight jars or containers ready. Label them clearly with the contents and the date it was made. You might also want to include basic preparation instructions on the label if giving it as a gift.
- Topping Prep: If you plan on serving hot cocoa often, you can also prep toppings in advance:
- Store mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, or peppermint pieces in small airtight containers.
- Whip cream shortly before serving, but you can have the heavy cream chilled and ready.
Alternate Cooking Methods for this Drink Recipe
You can add hot cocoa to your tailgating party by making in the crockpot. As a guideline, 1/2 cup of cocoa mix and 1/2 cup hot water is the right amount for me to enjoy in one serving.
- Slow Cooker:This recipe makes a delicious party drink for those who love hot cocoa.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Homemade Mix
Make a big batch of this recipe. This cocoa mix is the perfect gift.
- Storing: Store a big batch in an airtight container for up to three months. You’ll love it in the thick of winter.
- Reheating: Hot cocoa mix makes hot chocolate with a cup of hot water or hot milk; It’s simple!
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy a mug of hot cocoa with Pumpkin Spice Cookies!
Common Questions About This Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
This usually happens if there’s moisture in your ingredients (like brown sugar), or if it’s stored in a humid environment. Sifting the mix thoroughly helps, as does adding a small desiccant packet to the jar if you live in a very humid area.
Whisk the dry mix with a small amount of hot milk or water first to create a smooth paste, then gradually whisk in the remaining liquid to your cup of cocoa.
Yes, substitute granulated sugar with a suitable granulated sugar alternative (like erythritol or monk fruit blend). Adjust amounts to taste as sweetness levels vary.
Expert Tips for Making Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
By following these tips, your homemade hot cocoa mix will become a go-to for cozy moments and thoughtful gifts, always delivering a warm, comforting, and perfectly customizable chocolate experience.
- Try More Chocolate: Add different chocolates or shaved dark chocolate to have a different flavor to your homemade hot cocoa mix recipe.
- Add Candy: Try candy canes or peppermint sticks, for peppermint hot chocolate, M&M’s, caramels, or butterscotch candies.
- Add Some Booze to your Hot Chocolate Recipe: Try adding some Crème De Mint, Bailees, or your favorite flavor to make it a creamy texture, after dinner treat for adults.
- Toppings for this Easy Recipe: Top your cup of hot cocoa in mug with whipped cream and top with marshmallows.
- Cocoa Bombs: Use this chocolate mix and dehydrated mini marshmallows to make the best homemade hot chocolate bombs!
- Serve this recipe with: List what to serve with
More Recipes You Might Like
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Equipment
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.
Ingredients
Make the Mix
- 1 ¾ cups Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups White chocolate chips
- 2 ½ cups Powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
Make Hot Chocolate
- Hot water
- Mini marshmallows
Instructions
Make the Mix
- Combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, white chocolate, powdered milk, salt and cornstarch in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly.
- Working in batches, add the mix to a food processor and pulse until the white chocolate is finely ground.
- Store mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Make Hot Chocolate
- To make cocoa, mix ⅓ cup of the cocoa mix with 1 cup of hot water or milk.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
Christina’s Notes
-
-
Flavor Boosters & Spices:
- Vanilla Powder/Beans: For a true gourmet touch, scrape seeds from a vanilla bean into the mix, or use a high-quality vanilla powder (not vanilla sugar).
- Cinnamon: A classic pairing. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Chili Powder/Cayenne Pepper: For a hint of heat and Mexican hot chocolate flair. Use very sparingly!
- Espresso Powder/Instant Coffee: A teaspoon or two of instant espresso powder or finely ground instant coffee will significantly deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cocoa taste like coffee. This is a game-changer for many!
- Nutmeg/Cardamom: Less common, but can add unique warmth.
- Mint: Crushed dried mint or a touch of peppermint extract (added when preparing, not to the dry mix).
- Orange Zest (Dried): Finely grated and dried orange zest can add a lovely citrus note.
-
Flavor Boosters & Spices:
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Can’t wait to try it!
My daughter Loves good hot chocolate and I’m gonna have this ready for when she gets home for Cristmas break.
I’m convinced. I am a BIG hot chocolate fan, so this sounds really good!