Want to make homemade hot cocoa mix? This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is perfect for anyone who loves hot cocoa. It is made of simple ingredients so it is budget friendly and has no artificial flavor! This is the best homemade hot chocolate mix, better than Swiss Miss and great for a perfect treat that a lot of people will love.

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe — *Easily make your own homemade hot cocoa mix with just 4 pantry staples that you probably already have!*

THis is thE BEST diy hot COCOA mix!

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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!

Related: Check out this homemade marshmallow recipe to put on top of your hot chocolate!

This Homemade Cocoa Recipe:

Serves: 10-12
Prep Time: 10 minutes

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe supplies- sugar- powdered sugar, cocoa powder, instant dry milk — *Making your own homemade hot chocolate mix guarantees that it will be preservative-free and delicious!*

Hot Cocoa Recipe 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

Need dairy free hot chocolate? Did you know there are a number of great recipes for dairy free hot chocolate too?

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

How to Make Hot Chocolate with Cocoa Powder

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.

Note:

You can use different types of milk powder. Nonfat dry milk powder will work and so will whole milk powder!

Want to make this more like Mexican hot chocolate? Add some chili powder and some cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Storage

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

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe- hot chocolate bar — Have you ever set up a hot chocolate bar for your kids? It’s so easy! All you need is hot chocolate, toppings (like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, and mini chocolate chips).

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.

The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe- hot coco with mints and whipped cream — *If you or a loved one has a gluten allergy, you can rest easy and enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about cross-contamination if you make your own hot chocolate mix.*

How to use this hot cocoa mix

My favorite way to use this hot cocoa mix is to give it as a gift basket that fits the gift recipient. Here are a few ways to gift hot cocoa:

Hot Chocolate in a Mug: This is a cute gift for one person like a teacher or neighbor. Pick up a cute oversized mug and then gift a bag of the hot cocoa mix with instructions and a bag of cute marshmallows.
Family Movie Night Basket: Whip up a family-sized batch of hot cocoa mix and include it in a family movie night basket with popcorn, snacks and a favorite family movie.
Hot Chocolate Topping Bar: Gift a jar of hot cocoa along with bags or jars of possible hot chocolate toppings like marshmallows, flavored marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes or peppermint sticks, hot chocolate stirrers and mugs.

Why My Family Loves This Homemade Hot Chocolate

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.

FAQs for Hot Cocoa Mix

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!

What is the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

Hot chocolate and hot cocoa are often used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. Hot chocolate is made from melted chocolate, which gives it a richer, more indulgent flavor. Hot cocoa, on the other hand, is made from cocoa powder and is typically sweeter and lighter in flavor.

Is hot cocoa better with milk or water?

As for which is better with milk or water – that’s a matter of personal preference! Some people prefer the creamy, rich flavor of hot cocoa made with milk, while others prefer the clean, light taste of hot cocoa made with water.

Why do people drink hot chocolate in the winter?

As for why people drink hot chocolate in the winter – there are a few reasons! For one, the warmth of the hot drink can help to combat the chill of the season. Additionally, the rich, comforting flavor of hot chocolate is the perfect remedy for cold weather blues. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a warm, cozy drink on a cold winter’s day?

MORE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES & IDEAS FOR KIDS From Kids Activities blog

Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

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

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

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!