This cocoa mix uses a few simple ingredients, keeps for a month or more in an airtight glass container and allows you to quickly prepare delicious hot chocolate. It's a convenient way to have a cozy, warm, chocolatey drink whenever you like that can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.
Say hello to a better, more customizable option to purchased hot cocoa packets: your very own homemade hot cocoa mix powder that takes 5 minutes to make.
When you want hot chocolate, you just scoop some of the mix into a cup, add hot milk, half and half or water, and stir. And that's it, in minutes you're sipping comforting cup of chocolate that's exactly the way you want it.
Why make this recipe
- Quality ingredients: you know exactly what goes into it. Use high-quality cocoa powder for a better flavor.
- Customizable: adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, using more cocoa powder for an extra chocolaty or not too sweet drink. Or more sugar for a sweeter experience. You're in control.
- Homemade gifts: package your mix in a nice jar with the recipe attached and give it as a thoughtful gift during the holidays or special occasions.
Ingredient list
- Cocoa powder: always use unsweetened. I like Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder, Ghirardelli Premium baking cocoa, and Scharffen Berger natural cocoa powder. And, in my experience, the dark ones are the best (this does not apply to the super dark used for making homemade Oreo cookies known as dark cocoa powder).
- Powdered sugar: also called confectioners or icing sugar, you can easily buy it online. Domino powdered sugar is a very popular one.
- Milk powder: also known as dry milk powder or powdered milk, is regular milk that has been evaporated to dryness, creating a powder with long shelf life. It's easily available at the grocery store. Nestle Nido dry whole milk powder is a popular one.
- Salt: I like using kosher salt but regular table salt works just fine.
- Cornstarch: it’s used as a thickener and softner. Argo 100% pure cornstarch is a popular one.
See the recipe card towards the end of this post for quantities.
Variations & substitutions
- Sugar: use organic, muscovado or coconut sugar instead of white.
- Dairy-free option: use powdered almond or coconut milk.
- Spiced: add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Mocha: blend in instant coffee or espresso powder to create a mocha-flavored hot cocoa mix.
- Orange: grate some orange zest into the mix for a hint of citrus.
- Minty: stir in crushed peppermint candy or mint chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
How to make hot cocoa mix from scratch
Simply stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. And that's it!
You have your homemade hot chocolate mix to prepare a cozy drink on chilly days or to make with ice and cold ingredients in the summer.
Storage
When stored properly, homemade hot cocoa mix can last for at least a few months.
- Mason jars: they're the best airtight container to keep powder mixtures.
- Cool, dry place: the pantry or a cupboard are the best options.
- Before using: check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or changes in texture, before using it.
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
This cocoa mix uses a few simple ingredients, keeps for a month or more in a jar and allows you to quickly prepare delicious hot chocolate. It can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 and ½ cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup powdered milk
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sift powdered sugar, powdered milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined and integrated and the mixture's color is even.
- Transfer the hot cocoa mix to an airtight container or mason jar. Glass is preferred.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months (at least).
- To prepare hot chocolate, put a few tablespoons in a mug or cup and fill with hot milk, half and half or water, depending on how rich you want it to be. Stir and drink.
Notes
- Customizable: adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, using more cocoa powder for an extra chocolaty or not too sweet drink. Or more sugar for a sweeter experience. You're in control.
- Cool, dry place: the pantry or a cupboard are the best options.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: hot cocoa mix
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