Homemade hot cocoa mix

View Recipe

Hot Cocoa Mix is a simple treat with just three ingredients that brings quick comfort on cold days. It’s super easy to make and stores well, so you can keep it ready for busy moments. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift because it feels warm and personal.

Pin this recipe

Table of Contents

Hot Cocoa Mix

My boys love ‘hot chocolate’, but I don’t like the list of preservatives and additives in the store-bought kind. I came up with this recipe that they love anytime the temperature falls below 50 degrees – yeah, they’ll use any excuse to drink a big mug of chocolate. I usually mix a double batch of this mix in the fall and store it in a handy-dandy Mason Jar so it’s ready at a moment’s notice.

What Is the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?

Hot cocoa comes from a powdered mix that contains cocoa. You stir into hot water or milk. Hot chocolate is real chocolate. The chocolate melts in warm liquid, giving it a thicker, richer texture. Most store-bought mixes are hot cocoa.

Why you’ll ❤️ this recipe.

🏃🏼‍♀️Quick and easy

🕜Easy to adjust to personal taste

🧥Comforting on cold days

🎁Great for gifting

🫙Simple to store

Can I Add Milk to Hot Cocoa Mix?

Absolutely. My boys actually like using milk more than water. Both will work, so use whatever you enjoy most. You can also add coffee or chocolate milk for a richer drink.

Cooking tips and substitutions

Adjust the chocolate level based on how rich you like it.

Add a small spoonful of instant coffee to your hot cocoa mix for a deeper flavor.

A pinch of salt keeps the mix balanced.

Store hot cocoa mix in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place. It will lose flavor the longer it sits, so use it in 6 months to one year.

Add this to card and attach if it’s a gift:

To make Hot Cocoa: Add 3 Tablespoons of mix per 8 oz whole milk. Add the mix and milk to a saucepan and simmer. Whisk constantly to avoid scorching. Heat for about 2 minutes, do not allow it to boil. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring, if you want. Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows.

A jar filled with hot cocoa mix with a bow.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Spoons is also a fun DIY gift.

Hot Chocolate Mix Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it last?

It keeps well in an airtight container for two months.

How do I make a cup?

Stir a few spoonfuls into hot milk or hot water until smooth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, the mix itself is dairy-free. You can mix it with water or your favorite non-dairy milk.

Conclusion

Homemade hot cocoa mix brings ease and warmth with very little preparation. It offers a steady go to option for busy days and cozy nights. It is simple to customize and easy to share, which makes it a dependable recipe to keep on hand.

Need a snack to go with your hot cocoa mix? Enjoy these favorite recipes too!

Curious about how to serve hot cocoa? Read Sipping in style: A guide to the types of cocktail glasses.

Hot Cocoa Mix

Easy and economical hot chocolate mix.

Author: Paula

4 from 1 vote

Print Rate

Save To Your Recipe Box

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: 1 cup

Items in blue & underlined below can be clicked for more detail or to purchase.

Ingredients

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together and store in jar.
To make Hot Cocoa: Add 3 Tablespoons of mix per 8 oz whole milk. Put mix and milk in saucepan and simmer whisking constantly to avoid scorching. Heat about 2 minutes, do not allow to come to boil. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract if desired. Ladle into mugs and top with marshmallows.

Notes

This is the ratio, make this as many times as you need to fill your jar. For a pint jar, I made this twice.

Nutrition

Paula Jones is the founder, creator, and cook at CallMePMc.com, where she provides simple recipes & time-saving strategies for nutritious & delicious meals for your family. Born and raised in the South, Paula, or PMc as her friends call her, understands that many life events happen around the dinner table, & she wants you to enjoy that time in the kitchen & around the table stress-free with your family and friends. You’ll enjoy a variety of recipes at CallMePMc.com, from updated Southern classics, to practical, healthy, and indulgent. Learn more about Paula. Shop Paula’s favorites link on her Amazon storefront.