The Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

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

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! 

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

This Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe: 

• Serves: 10-12
• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients Needed

Add ins, optional 

Instructions To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate

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.

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! 

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! 

Our Experience With This Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe

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. 

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

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!