Hot Cocoa Mix

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Nothing beats a cozy mug of hot cocoa on a chilly day, especially when it’s made from your very own homemade Hot Cocoa Mix. This Hot Cocoa Mix is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweetened—far better than anything you’ll find in a store-bought packet. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, and it keeps beautifully for weeks, making it perfect for gifting or having on hand whenever the craving strikes.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a family movie night or packaging it in jars for holiday gifts, this Hot Cocoa Mix will be a hit. With just a few spoonfuls stirred into hot milk or water, you’ll have a comforting, chocolatey treat ready in minutes. Say goodbye to additives and hello to homemade goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Cocoa Mix

• It’s incredibly easy and quick to make.
• Uses just a handful of pantry staples.
• Tastes creamier and richer than store-bought versions.
• You can customize it with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or even peppermint.
• Makes a great homemade gift during the holidays.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Hot Cocoa Mix, you’ll need a few basic tools: a mixing bowl, a whisk or sifter, and an airtight jar or container for storage. The mixing bowl is where all the ingredients come together, and the whisk ensures everything is evenly blended without clumps. A sifter is especially helpful if you’re working with powdered milk or cocoa that tends to clump. Finally, a glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid is essential for keeping your mix fresh and moisture-free.

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Preparation Tips

Start with high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder—Dutch-processed or natural, depending on your taste. Powdered milk is the base for that creamy texture, while powdered sugar adds smooth sweetness without any graininess. Cornstarch can be added to give the cocoa a silkier finish when mixed with hot liquid. Be sure to whisk or sift the ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps. And for a fun twist, consider adding crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or dehydrated marshmallows into the mix before sealing it up.

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Ingredients for this Hot Cocoa Mix

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural)
• 2½ cups powdered milk (instant nonfat dry milk)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate (optional)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for mix-in or topping)
• Optional flavor additions:
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
  • Crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist

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Step 1: Sift the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, cornstarch (if using), and salt into a large mixing bowl. Sifting helps eliminate any lumps, especially from the cocoa and sugar, ensuring a silky, evenly mixed powder.

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Step 2: Mix Thoroughly

Use a whisk to combine all the sifted ingredients. Make sure the color and texture are uniform throughout—this helps ensure every scoop of mix delivers the same rich flavor.

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Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers (Optional)

If you’re using cinnamon, vanilla powder, or crushed peppermint, stir them in now. These additions infuse the mix with subtle depth or seasonal flair, depending on your flavor profile of choice.

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Step 4: Add Chocolate and Marshmallows

Gently fold in mini chocolate chips and/or mini marshmallows if desired. These extras melt beautifully into your cocoa or float on top for a nostalgic, indulgent experience.

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Step 5: Store the Mix

Transfer the prepared Hot Cocoa Mix into airtight jars or containers. Mason jars work wonderfully and add a rustic, gift-ready touch. Label with the date and optional instructions: “Mix 3 heaping tablespoons with 1 cup hot milk or water.”

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Step 6: To Serve

Scoop about 3 tablespoons of mix into a mug, pour in 1 cup of hot milk or water, and stir well. Top with extra marshmallows, whipped cream, or a dusting of cocoa powder for the ultimate cozy drink.

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Notes

This Hot Cocoa Mix is versatile and forgiving, making it ideal for customization. Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cocoa powder, since it provides the main flavor. You can tailor the sweetness level by adjusting the powdered sugar or swap in coconut sugar for a slightly different profile. For a dairy-free version, simply skip the powdered milk and add more cocoa powder, then mix the cocoa blend with plant-based milk when serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sifting step: This can leave you with clumps of cocoa or sugar, making your mix grainy.
• Using low-quality cocoa: The cocoa is the star ingredient—cheap versions can taste flat or bitter.
• Adding too much salt: A small amount enhances flavor, but more than ½ tsp can overpower the mix.
• Not storing in an airtight container: Moisture will ruin the powdery texture and shorten shelf life.
• Mixing with water only: While water works, using hot milk makes for a much richer and creamier drink.

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Storage Instructions

Store your Hot Cocoa Mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. If you’ve added marshmallows or chocolate chips, keep an eye out for moisture and clumping. For longer shelf life, store without mix-ins and add them fresh when serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (per 3 tbsp serving, without add-ins)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Hot Cocoa Mix dairy-free?

Yes! Omit the powdered milk and mix the cocoa blend with a hot dairy-free milk like almond, oat, or soy.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Absolutely. You can decrease the powdered sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, but results may vary slightly in taste and texture.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes, this Hot Cocoa Mix is kid-friendly. Just be mindful of sugar levels and optional flavorings like peppermint.

How much mix should I use per cup?

Three heaping tablespoons per 8 oz (1 cup) of hot milk or water is the recommended ratio.

Can I gift this mix?

Definitely! Package in mason jars or festive bags, and include a tag with mixing instructions. It makes a perfect holiday or winter gift.

Does it dissolve better in milk or water?

It will dissolve in both, but hot milk creates a creamier and more indulgent cocoa.

Can I make this in bulk?

Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by two or three to make large batches for gifts or storage.

How can I make it extra chocolatey?

Add finely chopped dark chocolate or a tablespoon of chocolate syrup when mixing it into hot milk.

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Conclusion

With its smooth texture, rich chocolate flavor, and easy prep, this Hot Cocoa Mix is a pantry essential for cold days and cozy nights. Perfect for gifts, gatherings, or a solo treat, this DIY mix brings warmth and joy in every cup. Make a big batch, store it well, and let the comforting sips of homemade cocoa bring smiles all season long.

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