Winter comes with a chilly breeze, frosty windows, and, for me, the urge to do absolutely nothing! After scrolling through productivity videos(and frowning like I am gonna follow them!)I get up and grab my favorite mug to whip up a hot, creamy cup of cocoa. And you know what? My homemade hot cocoa mix recipe makes it so delicious that I actually feel energized this time! One sip, and I am basically the person from those productivity videos – with a little help from cocoa and sweetness, of course!

So, what’s so special about my homemade mix, you may ask?

Well, for starters, I put extra effort into finding the richest, most flavorful cocoa powder out there! From there, I like to tweak the recipes(cause the regular one gets boring too soon!) and add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla to match the vibe of the day. With no added fillers or preservatives, every cup I make with this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is just a perfect fit for the moment!

Hot Chocolate in a cup made with Hot Cocoa Mix — Hot Chocolate

Ways To Customize Your Hot Cocoa Mix

The best part about the homemade mix? You can always customize it to transform it into your favorite version! Where store-bought is not easily transformable, so let’s try these different customization ways to make it more delicious.

Try Different Flavors

Mix in some sea salt and caramel syrup for a delicious salted caramel cocoa treat! For a spicy version, try adding a dash of cinnamon or ginger to your drink. You can also make a mocha of cocoa by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the mix.

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Ingredients on a kitchen countertop — Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Ingredients

Adjust Sweetness

Too sweet for your taste? Reduce the sweetness by using unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe! If you find it more on the bitter side, add a bit more sugar, condensed milk or a splash of vanilla to make it sweeter.

Topping Options

There are lots of fun topping options available, including whipped cream, crushed nuts, cookie crumbs, marshmallows, and caramel drizzle.

Chocolate Madness!

Grab a piece of dark chocolate and watch it melt into your drink with an extra dose of chocolaty deliciousness! You can also use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate shavings for the best experience.

Hot Cocoa Mix in a mason jar with a spoon

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

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Whenever I feel low, I make myself a warm cup of hot chocolate with homemade hot cocoa mix and sip it slowly, reminding myself tomorrow is a new day to succeed!

Ingredients

For Hot Cocoa Mix

▢ ½ cup / 43 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
▢ ½ cup / 60 g Powdered Sugar
▢ 1 cup / 128 g Powdered Milk
▢ ¼ tsp Salt
▢ ½ tsp / 1 g Cornstarch (Optional)

For Making Hot Chocolate

▢ 1 cup / 250 ml Milk
▢ 2 tbsp / 10 g Hot Cocoa Powder
▢ Whipped Cream (For Topping)
▢ Chocolate Curls (For Garnishing)

Equipments

Instructions

Prepare The Hot Cocoa Mix:

Add Cocoa, Sugar, and Milk

Take a large mixing bowl and place a fine-mesh sieve over the bowl.
Pour ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and ½ cup of sugar into the sieve.
Add 1 cup of milk powder to add creaminess.

Mix In Salt and Cornstarch

Sprinkle ¼ tsp of salt over the cocoa mixture.
Add 1/2 tsp of cornstarch if you prefer hot chocolate with a thicker consistency.

Sieve, Whisk, and Store

Tap the sieve to push the ingredients through into the mixing bowl.
Use a whisk to stir the sifted ingredients until they are evenly combined.
Transfer the cocoa mix into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to 8 months.

Make Hot Cocoa with Homemade Mix:

Pour Milk and Add Cocoa Mix

Take a small saucepan and pour 1 cup of whole cream milk into it.
Add 2 tbsp of the homemade cocoa mix you prepared earlier into the milk.

Whisk, Simmer, and Thicken The Cocoa

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.
Use a whisk to stir the cocoa mix continuously until it dissolves completely.
Allow the milk to heat up slowly and bring it to a gentle boil.
After 2-3 minutes, the hot cocoa should thicken slightly, and you’ll know it’s ready when it looks smooth and creamy.

Add Toppings, Serve, and Enjoy!

Carefully pour the hot cocoa into a mug.
Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish it with chocolate curls for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade hot chocolate!

Video

Nutrition Facts (Click to view) Hide

Nutrition Facts

*This calculation is done by assumption calculated by an API. Please use our nutrition information just to get an idea about the recipe, consult a nutritionist if you need exact nutrition information.

Tried this recipe?

The hardest part of this hot cocoa mix recipe is probably deciding if you should make a second cup now or later- cause, let’s be honest, it’s too good to wait! The warm, rich scent of the cocoa makes your chilly mornings and frosty evenings a lot warmer and comforting.

For me, homemade stuff, especially beverages, just feels good completely on a different level. There’s something truly special about making your own cup of hot cocoa from scratch with unlimited chocolate and all the toppings your heart desires that no fancy cafe can ever compete with!

Recipe FAQs

How Long Does Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Last?

Once you make a batch of hot cocoa, it typically stays good for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight container.

What Can I Use Instead Of Sugar In This Recipe?

You can use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar as alternatives for sugar in this recipe.

Can I Skip Using Milk For The Hot Cocoa Mix?

Yes, you can actually skip using milk for hot cocoa mix. Or you can use substitutes such as oat, almond or soy milk for a similar experience.