Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
This homemade hot cocoa mix recipe comes together with just FOUR simple ingredients! Lower in sugar than your standard hot cocoa mix, it’s rich, chocolatey, and perfectly sweet. Keep a big batch on hand for cold winter days!
We’re big fans of hot cocoa here at HappiHomemade. We’ve got several recipes like our high-protein bone broth hot chocolate and gingerbread hot chocolate. However, we realized we didn’t have a regular hot cocoa mix.
Obviously, we had to change that ASAP! So, we put together our tried and true basic hot chocolate mix recipe just for you. We’ve been using it for years, and everyone always agrees that it’s so much better than anything at your local grocery store.
Plus, you can easily mix and match different ingredients to create different flavors and make it your own. Whisk it together in minutes, and we guarantee you’ll never go back to those bland, pre-made hot cocoa packs again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for the best hot cocoa mix. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Cocoa Powder – We typically use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer taste, but regular unsweetened cocoa powder works just fine.
- Sugar – We use a combination of granulated sugar and monk fruit sweetener to create a sweet taste while keeping the actual sugar content lower without impacting the texture of the drink.
- Salt – Trust us on this! Just a pinch enhances the depth of flavor of the rest of the ingredients. Your drink won’t taste salty, but you’ll definitely notice if it’s not there.
How to Make Hot Chocolate with Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. To make hot cocoa, add two tablespoons of the mix to eight ounces of warm milk. Stir or use a handheld frother to blend until smooth. Enjoy a warm mug of hot cocoa with your favorite toppings!
Note: This recipe CANNOT be made using water since it’s made without powdered milk or dry milk. Whole milk will give the hot cocoa the creamiest and most delicious taste and texture. However, skim, 2%, or plant-based milk can be substituted.
Flavor Variations
Who doesn’t love fun hot chocolate flavors? Some of our favorite ways to give this mix a boost include adding:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Cinnamon powder
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Espresso powder
- Cayenne or chili powder
We like to add equal parts hot cocoa to coffee for a fun mocha. We bring a Thermos of prepared hot cocoa, a Thermos of coffee, and mugs to make mochas when out hiking or Christmas tree hunting every holiday season!
Topping Ideas
In our opinion, the best thing about hot cocoa is the toppings! Try adding toppings like:
- Whipped Cream Hearts
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate Chips
- Crushed Candy Canes
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon
- Powdered Sugar
Common Questions
This recipe makes 40 tablespoons, which is 2 ½ cups, or enough for 20 (8-ounce) servings.
Once combined, you can transfer your hot cocoa mix to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to one year! You’ll know it’s time to toss it out when the smell and taste are not as strong.
Sure! Feel free to double or triple the ingredients and whisk until well combined.
Ceramic mugs are best for drinking hot chocolate and other warm drinks. The thick material provides great insulation that keeps your drink warm.
More Drink Recipes to Try
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Equipment
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk together until combined.1 1/2 cups cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup monk fruit sweetener, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Store in an airtight container like a quart-sized mason jar with a lid. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 year!
- When serving, add two tablespoons of cocoa mix to 8 ounces of warmed milk. Stir until no clumps are left with a spoon or handheld frother. Serve immediately (see notes for flavor additions). Top hot cocoa with marshmallows, whipped cream or add a peppermint stick, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
We always have this easy hot cocoa mix handy when the weather turns cooler! It’s smooth, chocolatey, and delish. 🙂 We usually prepare the hot cocoa and put it in a thermos and along with a thermos of coffee. It’s fun to combine the two in mugs for a fun mocha-type drink to celebrate finding the perfect Christmas tree out in the woods!