This Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe tastes rich and deeply chocolaty but this DIY hot cocoa mix is just as easy as using store-bought packets!
We all know that I am a chocolate snob. This is a fact, and I’m totally ok with it! I prefer my hot chocolate sinfully rich and decadent; but I cannot argue with the ease of hot cocoa packets, especially after a long day at in the kitchen for my bake shop Pastry Creations!
I had a hot cocoa craving awhile back so I made a personal challenge to develop a homemade hot cocoa mix recipe that tasted rich and chocolaty but was as easy as opening a packet. Perhaps I made it too good and too easy, because I proceeded to drink this hot cocoa every night for 3 straight weeks. This would make an adorable gift for a friend or a neighbor, and extra bonus points if you include a couple from-scratch sugar cookies! IMO homemade marshmallows are a must-have, unless you are a whipped cream on hot cocoa person. In that case, you go on with your bad self!
Table of Contents
- How to make homemade hot cocoa mix?
- What is hot cocoa made of?
- What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
- Ingredients
- Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Substitutions
- Can you make this hot cocoa mix ahead?
- Can I omit the semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Chef Lindsey's Recipe Tips
- Recipe
- Recipe
How to make homemade hot cocoa mix?
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Make your own hot cocoa mix at home!
- Microwave ingredients
Place all the DIY hot cocoa mix ingredients in a mug. Microwave on high 1 minute.
- Mix
Whisk gently to begin incorporating all the ingredients into the milk. They won’t completely combine at this point and that is okay!
- Microwave and whisk
Microwave an additional minute on high and whisk to combine. At this point the chocolate should be melted and the cocoa should be completely mixed but perhaps not as hot as you’d like. Continue heating in 30 second intervals until it is as hot as you’d like!
- Marshmallows!
Add marshmallows. This is not optional. The only option here is how many you will add!
What is hot cocoa made of?
Hot cocoa is made of milk (or milk alternative), cocoa powder, confectioner’s sugar, kosher salt and a little semi-sweet chocolate.
What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate uses melted chocolate to flavor the milk, whereas hot cocoa uses cocoa powder as the base. Hot chocolate recipes may use a combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder for additional flavor. I add an egg yolk to my hot chocolate for an extra rich, silky texture.
Ingredients
- Confectioner’s Sugar: I use confectioner’s sugar in my hot cocoa mix because it dissolves faster and better than regular sugar. Isn’t silky smooth the whole point? My thoughts exactly.
- Milk: I use whole milk for beverages like this hot cocoa mix because it adds a richness to the final flavor and texture.
- Cocoa Powder: I use Dutch processed cocoa powder, which has a rich, deep flavor and a darker color, but your favorite cocoa powder will be perfect.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is less salty than table salt and a teaspoon weighs less than other finer ground varieties. It heightens the flavor of the chocolate here and will keep your cocoa from tasting dull or flat.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: I am picky about my semi-sweet chocolate. I want it to be just sweet enough without touching on cloying and a high quality texture. I also love Guittard, but it isn’t always available.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Substitutions
- Whole Milk: Oat milk and its best friend, almond milk, are also delightful but not as rich as 2% or whole milk. If you want to use milk alternatives or water, you could add a teaspoon of milk powder (or more) to each mix.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: You could use granulated sugar in a pinch, but it will dissolve less quickly and result in a less smooth beverage!
Can you make this hot cocoa mix ahead?
You can make one giant batch and scoop 2 rounded tablespoons in a mug with the chocolate when a craving strikes or you can make them in single serving portions like I did in the DIY Hot Cocoa Tutorial video.
Can I omit the semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! The melted semi-sweet chocolate simply adds a little more richness. It isn’t as much as I would use in Hot Chocolate but I love the added flavor here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store hot cocoa mix in a tightly sealed container that is free from other lingering scents. I love to mix it up in a large batch and then store it in Rose Gold Mini Jars or OXO Mini Pop Containers.
The dry mix will keep for up to a year but will slowly clump. This is totally fine to use, but it will require a little more whisking or a quick pulse with an immersion blender or a milk frother.
Easily multiply this hot cocoa mix as large as you'd like. You can mix in individual portions or mix one large batch and then portion out into jars or zip top baggies.
Chef Lindsey's Recipe Tips
Adjust the sweetness of your hot cocoa mixture to your preference—but please, oh please, do not forget your marshmallows!
Recipe
Single Serving DIY Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 8 oz Milk or milk alternative of choice
- 1 tablespoon Confectioner’s sugar
- 4 teaspoons Cocoa Powder
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- ½ oz Semi-sweet chocolate (this is one square of a baking bar)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a mug. Microwave on high 1 minute. Whisk gently to begin incorporating all the ingredients into the milk. They won’t completely combine at this point and that is okay!
- Microwave an additional minute on high and whisk to combine. At this point the chocolate should be melted and the cocoa should be completely mixed but perhaps not as hot as you’d like. Continue heating in 30 second intervals until it is as hot as you’d like!
- Add marshmallows. This is not optional. The only option here is how many you will add. I am a 4-6 marshmallows kind-of-girl.
Video Instructions
Notes
Recipe
Large Batch Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 110 g Confectioner’s sugar
- 160 g Cocoa Powder
- 8 g Kosher salt
- 8 oz Semi-sweet chocolate
Instructions
- When ready to make, you will also need 1 cup of milk per person you are planning to serve.
- In a large bowl or sealable jar whisk together confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Portion into smaller jars or keep in a well-sealed container at room temperature.
- When ready to use scoop 2 rounded tablespoons into a mug with ½ oz semi-sweet chocolate, add milk, and microwave.
Video Instructions
Notes
Before You Go!
Check out our other delicious, chef-developed recipes for Desserts!
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