Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix is an easy and cost effective way to have Hot Cocoa on hand all season long!
Everybody loves a good mug full of hot cocoa now and again. While you may not see so many pulling out a steaming cup of hot chocolate during the summer months, winter and autumn are perfect. You can especially see hot cocoa becoming more popular around Christmas as it is a staple tradition in many homes while watching Hallmark movies or spending time together.
Are you as disappointed as I am when it comes to buying premade hot cocoa packets? It’s like you are paying more for the product packaging and air only to get a single cup per packet. Frugal people and cocoa lovers can both understand the frustration of not getting your money’s worth.
My homemade hot chocolate recipe is as frugal as it is delicious. One batch will make nearly 50 servings worth of cocoa! I store it in a mason jar so you can scoop and use as you please or place the mix inside clear ornaments, tiny jars or frosting piping bags and decorate them up to make amazing DIY Christmas gifts!
P.S. Gifting a small bag of these chocolate peppermint blossom cookies in addition to the hot cocoa mix can be an amazing way to celebrate the holidays.
What are the ingredients for hot chocolate?
- Powdered sugar
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- Powdered milk
- Cornstarch
- Salt
I like using dutch processed cocoa powder for the depth of flavor and darker color but regular cocoa powder will work, too. Check out the exact amounts and the steps in the recipe card below!
How to make Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Making the hot cocoa mix is extremely easy. You’ll just whisk together the dry ingredients. I like to store my mix on the counter in a large mason jar and use it as a decoration during the winter months.
Making hot chocolate using the mix is incredibly easy. Just mix ¾ cups of water per 2 tablespoons of the powder mix, and you’re good to go! No long waits or crazy long instructions here!
I always suggest to make up a cup and give it a taste test. Some of us like our hot cocoa a bit sweeter/ bitter than others. If you’d like your end product to be sweeter, simply add more powdered sugar. If your hot cocoa is too sweet, simply add more cocoa powder. You can also add more cornstarch if you’d like your end result to be thicker.
Can you use milk instead of water?
You can use whatever liquids you want to help to adjust this cocoa to your tastebuds. Some people may prefer the water; others may enjoy milk for creamier cocoa. You could even consider tossing a splash of peppermint coffee creamer for a fun addition to your cup.
Why cornstarch in the hot cocoa mix?
It may seem a little out of place; cornstarch is a thickener…why put it in cocoa? Who drinks cocoa so thick that it makes sludge? Push these thoughts aside and think of it this way- The best hot cocoas are the ones that are rich and creamy, and they give just enough thickness so it doesn’t feel like you are drinking chocolate water. 😉
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, measure out and whisk together ingredients until thoroughly distributed.
- To make hot cocoa, mix 3/4 cup of hot liquid (milk or water) with 2 tbsp of hot chocolate mix.
Lori Bourque says
Have you ever tried using granulated sugar or brown sugar instead!? I’m wondering if I can substitute…😊
Karli Bitner says
I haven’t tried that, sorry!
Jamie says
My family thinks this is delicious! Thank you! 😃