As it gets colder out, I am pretty much ALWAYS in the mood to make hot chocolate–and this is hands down the BEST homemade hot cocoa mix recipe, ever! 

My family adores this homemade hot cocoa mix! It is so rich and creamy! You can even add to the fun by setting up a hot chocolate charcuterie board, and serve all sorts of fun and yummy toppings for you, your guests, and even Santa to enjoy. It’s a favorite in my house on Christmas morning! 

It is so simple to make hot cocoa mix from scratch, using only 4 pantry staples that you probably already have! Making your own hot chocolate not only saves money, and is a healthier option than store-bought, since there aren’t any preservatives, it is also a great winter and holiday tradition to share with kids. There are plenty of fun and educational steps for them to help, with, too, like measuring and mixing the ingredients. 

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. 

Looking for a sweet homemade gift idea for co-workers, teachers, neighbors, or that person on your holiday shopping list who has EVERYTHING?

Make the best homemade hot cocoa mix in a jar, add curled  holiday ribbon, write out this cocoa recipe on a recipe card, and tie it to the jar.

Place the homemade hot cocoa mix and recipe in a pretty holiday basket that they can reuse, and fill it with some homemade cookies, a couple of holiday mugs, and hot cocoa bar fixings, like: mini marshmallows, crumbled candy cane pieces, biscotti dipped in chocolate and peppermint pieces, and anything else that you think they might enjoy!  I love putting holiday Peeps marshmallow candy, like snowmen or gingerbread men, on top of a cup of hot chocolate, too, for a cute, festive topper! 

This Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe: 

• Serves: 10-12

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant dry milk 
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Add ins, optional 

• ½ cup white chocolate chips, or milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• mini marshmallows
• Peppermint extract 

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar. I love this sifter spoon! 

Step 2

Sift instant dry milk on top of powdered sugar.

Step 3

Sift cocoa powder on top.

Step 4

Whisk together.

Step 5

Whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.

Step 6

Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months.

Step 7

To make hot cocoa, add 1/3 cup of mix in a mug, stir in 1 cup warm milk, add toppings of your choice.

How Should I Store Homemade hot cocoa mix? 

Store your homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. 

How Long will homemade hot cocoa mix last?

Not long in my house! {giggle}

If properly stored, in an airtight container, your DIY hot chocolate mix can last up to 2-3 months. 

Is this hot cocoa mix recipe gluten free?

Double check all ingredient labels, but homemade hot cocoa mix, made from gluten free instant dry milk powder, gluten free unsweetened cocoa powder, in addition to the powdered and granulated sugar, will make a delicious gluten free hot cocoa mix, that you can safely enjoy! 

Also, check the ingredient labels on all of your hot cocoa toppings! 

Yield: Serves 10-12

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

Print

Get ready for holiday season and winter with an easy homemade hot cocoa mix recipe, made from only 4 simple pantry ingredients!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant dry milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• Optional Add Ins:
• ½ cup chocolate chips, white, milk or semi-sweet
• Mini marshmallows
• Peppermint extract

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar.
2. Sift instant dry milk on top of powdered sugar.
3. Sift cocoa powder on top.
4. Whisk together.
5. Whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.
6. Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months.
7. To make hot cocoa, add ⅓ cup of mix in a mug, stir in 1 cup warm milk, add toppings of your choice.
   

 

MORE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES & Ideas FOR KIDS 

• 2 Minute Hot Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe–So Easy Your 7-Year-Old Can Make It!
• The Perfect Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate 
• Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Boards Are The Perfect Way To Warm Your Soul This Winter!
• Hot Cocoa Cookies
• This DIY Hot Chocolate Bomb Recipe Is Totally Amazeballs! 
• Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

What is the first topping you are going to add to your steaming mug of our homemade hot cocoa mix? I vote for whipped cream and crushed candy cane pieces–YUM!