Winter is here and that means it’s warm season! Sweaters, thick socks, fuzzy blankets and a creamy cup of hot cocoa are all essential for ultimate coziness! In this post, get my recipe for a big batch of hot cocoa mix that will keep you warm and cozy all winter long! It’s easy to make, cuts down on some not-so-great ingredients, and is so delicious you’ll never go back to store bought!
For years I wanted to make hot chocolate mix and this year I succeeded! I love having a big pot of homemade hot chocolate mix on my kitchen counter! It reminds me to relax, sit back and relax. I often need this reminder. I bet you can relate… I also love that this recipe cuts out some unnatural ingredients that aren’t great for overall health. While this isn’t the healthiest hot cocoa recipe, it’s a much better alternative to a pre-made and packaged hot cocoa mix from the grocery store.
I found this recipe via I Am Baker. I doubled it and added chocolate chips to the mixture. Feel free to reduce the recipe. I just know my husband and daughters will go through this mix pretty quickly, so I made a lot!
Why make your own hot cocoa mix?
I’ll be honest, making your own hot cocoa mix doesn’t save a lot of money. It saves a bit and when you run out of mix, you’ll have leftover ingredients for other recipes. However, compared to an 8-pack of Swiss Miss, you’re saving maybe 0.5 cents. However, what you gain by making your own hot cocoa is a cleaner version of this cold weather staple as well as the pride of making your family’s favorite winter drink from scratch!
Below is the cost of each ingredient according to Target, using their brand, Good & Gather.
- 2 cartons of powdered milk-$7.38
- Cocoa Powder – $2.69
- Icing Sugar – $2.29
- Mini Chocolate Chips – $2.99 (optional)
- Salt – $75
- Cornstarch – $1.99
Total: $18.09=.45 per serving.
Box of 8 packs of Swiss Miss $2.99=.38 per serving
Swiss Miss Ingredients:
- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Whey, Cocoa (Alkali Processed), Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Nonfat Milk, Marshmallows (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Gelatin, Natural Flavor), Less than 2% of: Salt, Phosphate dipotassium, Mono- and Diglycerides, Natural Flavor
While you save a little money by making your own hot cocoa mix, the real reason is to cut out some icky ingredients like corn syrup, hydrogenated coconut oil, dipotassium phosphate, and natural flavors, which means who knows what.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients and Substitutes:
Sugar: Using powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) is better because it dissolves better than granulated sugars. I found a powdered monk fruit sweetener you can try a healthier alternative.
Cocoa powder: I’ve heard Dutch=processed is the best cocoa powder but I couldn’t find it at my grocery store. You can use any brand of cocoa powder. I chose Ghirardelli for mine. I’m not 100% sure but I think you could choose it raw cocoa powder for a healthier option.
Powdered milk: The powdered milk was found at my local grocery store. There were several options. i used THIS milk. I would prefer to find whole milk powder next time. If you are vegan or have a dairy intolerance, you can experiment desiccated coconut milk.
Cornmeal: Adding cornstarch to the cocoa powder will give the hot cocoa a creamier texture.
Salt: Don’t leave the salt out! The salt really enhances the sweetness of the mixture while bringing out more of the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Chips: You don’t need to use chocolate chips. It’s an add-on that I decided to try since I felt the mix could be a little sweeter. I used semi-sweet mini chips, but you can use whatever you like. I read on another blog that the white chocolate chips were amazing. I wonder if the chips will shorten the life a bit. I’m really not too sure.
Marshmallows: No need to add marshmallows to your mix. I didn’t do it. I prefer to add them to every mug I make but you could add them as well jet puffed mini marshmallows
Related Post: The Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe-My Wine Alternative
Ingredients
- 5 cups milk powder
- 2 cups of cocoa powder
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 4 tsp. corn starch
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1-2 cups mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 container Mini Marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large sealable container or bowl.
- Mix well
- Use 1/4 cup of mixture to make 1 cup of cocoa. Add the mixture to your mug and pour either hot milk or hot water on top.
- Mix well. Powdered milk may take a few minutes to dissolve completely.
Notes
- Change this recipe according to your personal taste. I found that 4 cups of powdered sugar didn’t add much sweetness, so if you prefer it sweeter, you can add more or add your chocolate chips. You could also reduce the sugar if you want it less sweet.
- I didn’t add dried mini marshmallows to my mix because I prefer to add them to the top of my hot cocoa but you can add them as you like or leave them out all together.
- This mixture can be added to either warm water or warm milk. I have added warm water and then some whipped cream.
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How to use homemade hot cocoa mix:
- Add 1/4 cup to an 8-12 oz mug.
- Pour hot water or hot milk into the mug.
- Stir until the powder dissolves.
- If you use water, feel free to add some milk, cream or whipped cream!
**This recipe makes about 40 servings and is about 90 oz. of dust. I’m not sure about the shelf life, but every ingredient except the chocolate chips should last quite a while. Once you open powdered milk, you run the risk of it spoiling within 3 months from what I found in my research. I recommend not adding chocolate chips to your mix and using the mix within 3 months if you don’t expect to finish this recipe quickly. A half recipe is also a good option.
I found my big container HERE.
What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Believe it or not, there is a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Hot cocoa is usually made from a powdered mixture and mixed with hot water or milk. Hot chocolate is usually made with real chocolate melted in hot water or milk.
DIY Hot Mix Cocoa makes a great gift!
My homemade hot cocoa mix would make a great gift. I think it’s a fun idea to bring to a party for a hostess gift! All you’ll need is one 8 oz jara decorative ribbon to tie around the cap and a gift tag or label explaining how much to use per cup. You could find larger jars, use 8 ounces of mixture, and add marshmallows and chocolate chips. What if you tied a small bottle of Baileys to the cap? I think anyone would be thrilled to receive a gift of homemade hot cocoa mix!
Looking for more homemade gift ideas? I’ve got you covered in my post Easy to Make Homemade Gifts Everyone Will Love.
And to be clear, I’m not saying this recipe is healthy. However, it is a much better alternative than most hot cocoa packets. If you’re looking for a healthy hot chocolate, I’ve got you covered. This healthy hot chocolate recipe is meant to be made on the stove for 1 person though.
I hope you find this homemade hot cocoa recipe helpful and delicious!
xx, Jenny
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