Simple Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe: Perfect Homemade Comfort Drink

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It’s just about winter, and in our home that means it’s hot cocoa season! This homemade hot cocoa mix recipe is so much better than the store-bought instant hot chocolate packets, and just as easy to make. So easy in fact, my kiddos can do it!

Imagine wrapping your hands around a mug of warm and rich hot chocolate, knowing there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives, just comforting deliciousness. Whether you’re looking to save money, avoid processed ingredients, or create the perfect gift, this hot cocoa mix recipe is about to become your new winter favorite!

Don’t wait for the first snowfall – start mixing and treat yourself to the most incredible hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted today! Enjoy a cup of cocoa with homemade marshmallows or whipped cream. It also goes perfectly with a couple of Krumkake cookies or Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies.

You might also like our recipes for other kitchen staples like: Homemade Mayo, Homemade Chorizo Seasoning, Homemade Taco Seasoning, or Hot Cocoa Mix.

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Why Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix?

Making your own hot cocoa can be very cost-effective. You can buy the ingredients in bulk and make a bunch of servings to last all winter or to share with friends. Plus, it’s made with love, making each cup taste that much better!

You also have some control over the ingredients and nutrition. Traditional store-bought packets often include ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, modified whey, cocoa, hydrogenated oils, non-fat milk, salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglycerides, and natural flavor.

With this homemade version, you can leave out the junk and keep the good stuff:

Instant Non-fat Dry Milk: We use this so that the mix doesn’t have to be refrigerated. If you used full-fat milk powder, you would need to keep it cold due to the fat content. If you use non-fat dry milk, you can store this mix for 1-2 years (source).

Cacao Powder: We use this instead of traditional cocoa powder for its nutritional value and that little bite of bitterness that balances the sweetness. (source)

Arrowroot Powder: We like to use this to make the texture of the drink silky and help bind the ingredients to each other. Cornstarch can also be used if you don’t have any arrowroot on hand.

Powdered Sugar: Makes a smoother mix and it melts better than regular sugar in warm liquids.

Cinnamon: This is a totally optional ingredient, but we love cinnamon in our house, and we think it adds a little something to your mug!

Fine Salt: A little salt helps make your drink taste a little sweeter and enhances the flavors (source).

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Hot Cocoa Mix

• 2.5 Cups Instant Non-fat Dry Milk
• 1 Cup Cacao Powder
• 2 tsp Arrowroot Powder
• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp Salt

Notes:

• You can half, double or triple the recipe easily
• Cinnamon is optional, but we love the depth it brings
• You can add in a desiccant pack for longer-term storage
• Serve with marshmallows or whipped cream
• This recipe will fill about 1 quart + 1 pint mason jars
• Sift ingredients together if needed for a better consistency

Super Simple Mixing Technique

1. Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir well
2. Dump into mason jars or storage containers
3. Store in a dry, cool place

Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir well.

Dump into mason jars or storage containers. Store in a dry, cool place.

How to Make a Cup of Hot Cocoa

1. Warm 6-8 ounces of milk (or water) in a mug
2. Scoop 1/4 cup of hot cocoa mix into mug and stir well
3. Enjoy!

Warm 6-8 ounces of milk (or water) in a mug. Scoop 1/4 cup of hot cocoa mix into mug, stir well and enjoy!

Flavor Variations and Customizations

You can totally make this mix your own. Don’t like cinnamon? Leave it out. Love ginger or pumpkin spice? Add it into the mix! Like a spicy kick? Throw in some cayenne.

Once you mix up your cup of cocoa, try these different add-ins and toppings:

• Add dehydrated mini marshmallows (my kids’ personal favorite) or mini chocolate chips
• Once mixed with warm milk, you can add 1/2 tsp of vanilla or almond extract
• Toss in a peppermint candy cane as a fun stirrer
• Add a splash of butterscotch or peppermint schnapps for festive adult drink
• Drop a few sprinkles on top of some whipped cream for a fun treat

Creative Gift Idea

This DIY hot chocolate recipe is a super fun and easy gift for friends, teachers, coaches, or hosts. You can fill a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and add a card of instructions. Download our FREE Gift Tags.

Creating your own homemade hot cocoa mix is a delicious way to enjoy some comfort and creativity this season! Whether you’re cozying up to a fire, hosting a winter game night, or looking for the perfect homemade gift, this hot cocoa mix is your ticket.

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