As the chilly winds blow and snowflakes dance outside your window, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of hot cocoa. I’m excited to share my favourite homemade hot cocoa recipe with you today. This big batch of hot cocoa mix is perfect for keeping you warm all winter long or gifting to loved ones.
Why Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix?
Store-bought mixes often lack the rich, chocolatey flavour we crave. By making your own, you control the quality of ingredients and can customize the taste to your liking. Plus, it’s more economical and fun!
Crafting the Perfect Blend
Let’s break down what goes into this delightful winter drink recipe:
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and helps the mix dissolve easily
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Provides a smooth, rich chocolate flavour
- Powdered milk: Creates a creamy base
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cocoa slightly for a luxurious texture
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavours
You can easily substitute regular cocoa powder if you can’t find Dutch-processed, though the flavour will be slightly different. For a non-dairy version, try coconut milk powder instead of regular powdered milk.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Cup
When you’re ready to enjoy a cup:
- Add ¼ cup of your homemade mix to your favourite mug.
- Pour in 1 cup of hot water or warm milk, stirring until the powder dissolves completely.
- Top with mini marshmallows if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Feel free to adjust the amount of mix to suit your taste. Some like it richer, others prefer it lighter – make it your own!
Storage Tips for Your Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Your hot cocoa mix will stay fresh for up to a year when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. I like to keep mine in a pretty glass jar in the pantry – it’s both functional and decorative!
If you live in a humid climate, you might want to add a food-safe desiccant packet to your storage container to prevent clumping.
Fun Fact: Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate
Did you know there’s a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate? Hot cocoa is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, while hot chocolate is made by melting actual chocolate into milk or cream. Both are delicious, but hot cocoa is typically lighter and easier to make in large batches.
Creating your own homemade hot cocoa mix is a delightful way to bring warmth and comfort to your winter days. It’s a simple project that yields delicious results, perfect for cosying up with a good book or sharing with friends during movie nights. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes again!
Remember, the best part about making your hot cocoa mix is that you can experiment with flavours. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla powder, or even some instant coffee for a mocha twist. The possibilities are endless!
So, grab your whisk and get mixing. Your perfect cup of hot cocoa awaits!
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
PrintHot Cocoa Mix
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings (about 4 ½ cups of mix) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (118g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups (170g) dry milk powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: Mini marshmallows for serving
For Serving:
- Hot water or warm milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, dry milk powder, cornstarch, and fine sea salt.
- Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until they’re well blended and no lumps remain.
- Transfer your homemade hot cocoa mix to an airtight container for storage.
- To make a cup of hot cocoa, add 1/4 cup of the mix to your mug.
- Pour 1 cup of hot water or warm milk over the mix, stirring until it’s completely dissolved.
- If desired, top with a handful of mini marshmallows.
- Enjoy your homemade hot cocoa while it’s nice and warm!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup prepared (1/4 cup mix + 1 cup hot water or milk)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg (depending on milk used)