Ditch the store-bought and make your own homemade hot cocoa mix recipe. It's quick, easy and makes a wonderful gift for the holidays!
If you know me, you know I love hot cocoa. Whether it's and indulgent cup of hot chocolate from a café, homemade healthy hot chocolate or dairy free hot chocolate, I find it so comforting and warm. A mug of homemade hot cocoa is just perfect for a chilly winter evening. Today I'm going to show you how to make home homemade hot cocoa mix so you can always have some on hand!
Homemade hot cocoa mix recipe
It takes less than 5 minutes to make this homemade hot cocoa mix. You can make a large batch and keep it in a jar and use as you please, either with hot water or milk. I love making this cocoa mix at home because I know that ingredients are high quality and there are no additives or preservatives.
This recipe makes a great gift that you can send to your loved ones since it travels really well. All you need to do is store it in small jars or plastic bags with a cute bow on top and send it to anyone who you think might enjoy a nice cup of hot cocoa!
Ingredients
This recipe can't get any simpler. You only need two ingredients for this recipe:
Cocoa powder - Make sure to use high quality cocoa powder as this is where all the flavor comes from. It might be a little pricy, but trust me, it's very well worth it.
Confectioners sugar - Not granulated sugar. Confectioners sugar combines perfectly with cocoa powder. It's also possible to use other powdered sweeteners such as stevia.
Salt - A tiny amount of salt will enhance the flavor of cocoa. It's optional but I never skip it.
This is a healthier version of homemade hot cocoa mix compared to other ones on the internet since it doesn't use powdered milk in the recipe.
How to store
Homemade hot cocoa mix keeps very well. Store the mix in a jar (preferably glass) with a tight lid. Keep in a cool and dry place and use as needed. This cocoa mix is good for up to one month.
How to make hot cocoa using the mix
In a small sauce pan, heat 1 ½ cup whole or 2% milk. One the milk is heated, stir in ½ cup hot cocoa mix and mix until combined. Divide between two mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Alternatively, you can use hot water instead of milk but milk would make the hot cocoa creamier and more delicious.
A few tips and notes
- Want the hot cocoa mix to be extra creamy? Add 1 cup powdered milk to the mix. You don't need to change anything else in the recipe.
- To top the hot cocoa made with the mix, you can use mini marshmallows or whipped cream.
- A very small amount of salt would bring out more cocoa flavor.
- When the hot cocoa mix is ready, do a trial and make a mug of hot cocoa to make sure the sweetness is enough for your taste. If the hot cocoa is not sweet enough, add one tablespoon powdered sugar to the mix.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Place confectioners sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a bowl or a mason jar.
- Mix well to combine. If needed, sift the mixture once to have all combined.
To make the hot cocoa
- Heat two cups of whole or 2% milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ½ cup hot cocoa mix to the milk and stir to combine. Once the mix is fully combined with milk, divide it between two cups. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and serve warm.
Notes
- Want the hot cocoa mix to be extra creamy? Add 1 cup powdered milk to the mix. You don't need to change anything else in the recipe.
- To top the hot cocoa made with the mix, you can use mini marshmallows or whipped cream.
- A very small amount of salt would bring out more cocoa flavor.
- When the hot cocoa mix is ready, do a trial and make a mug of hot cocoa to make sure the sweetness is enough for your taste. If the hot cocoa is not sweet enough, add one tablespoon powdered sugar to the mix.
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