I wrote a post for my ultimate ‘base’ hot cocoa mix, along with tons (and I mean a ton!) of ideas for putting on your very own hot chocolate bar at a party/event, or even to use as just inspiration to adapt the hot chocolate to anyone and everyone’s taste buds (including dairy-free, keto, paleo, etc. options). I also wrote a post on How to Make White Hot Chocolate. Here, I am sharing my favorite dry homemade hot chocolate dry mix. This homemade hot cocoa mix is perfect for anyone who wants to save time and effort during the colder months, while also allowing you to customize the ingredients to your personal requirements. Plus, this DIY hot chocolate mix also makes for a great Birthday or Christmas gift option – in pretty jars, wrapped up with a ribbon, label, and ‘how to use’ instructions. This hot cocoa mix is made up of just 4 ingredients and takes just moments to mix up. You’ll be enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate in no time. So let’s get straight into it.
The ingredients
Cacao Powder – You could also use cocoa powder, but cacao is the least processed option. Dry Milk Powder – If you plan to use warm milk with the mix (dairy or dairy-free), you can make the hot cocoa mix without powdered milk. You could also use a dairy-free powdered milk alternative (I’m still in the process of perfecting my coconut milk powder, but I’ll share it when it’s ready!) or even dry malted milk. Sugar – I tend to use cane sugar, as it’s less processed. You can use whatever sugar you prefer: brown sugar, coconut sugar, white sugar, etc. For a sugar-free hot chocolate mix, you can omit it entirely or use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, monk fruit, stevia, etc. The sugar you use will also affect whether or not this mix is keto/paleo (along with the choice of milk powder). Salt – I always add a pinch of salt to deepen and add depth to the chocolate flavor.
Optional add-ins
Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cayenne or chili powder, ginger powder, turmeric powder, chai mix, pumpkin spice, gingerbread spice, vanilla powder, etc. Superfood powders – i.e., maca, carob, etc. Besides flavor, these bring in lots of extra nutrients. Coffee powder – Another ingredient like salt that can be added in small amounts to help intensify the chocolate flavor without actually flavoring the mix. Chocolate – For even creamier results, you could add chocolate to the hot cocoa mix. I like to add some of my homemade dark chocolate (sugar and dairy-free, but it adds the richness of cacao butter). Freeze the chocolate for 20-30 minutes before pulsing in a blender/food processor into fine bits, then mixing into the mix (if you don’t freeze it, they’ll melt while blending). Cornstarch – if you prefer a thicker instant hot cocoa, then you can add a little cornstarch to the mix. It will thicken when the heated milk/water is added.
How to make hot chocolate mix
All you need to do to prepare this hot cocoa mix recipe is to mix all of the ingredients and then decant into a jar. To reduce the risk of any lumps/clumping, sift all of the powdered ingredients into a bowl before mixing and then move to jars/containers.
How to store
Keep the mix in an airtight jar, in a cool, dry location – like a kitchen cupboard. The hot chocolate mix will last at least six months, and far longer if you omit the milk powder. Just make sure to keep it dry.
How to use
To use the homemade hot chocolate mix, add 2-3 Tbsp of the mix into a regular-sized mug and top up with 1 cup of hot water or milk (including any dairy-free milk of your choice), then mix. Add another spoonful of the mix for a more pronounced flavor. Optionally, top off with some whipped cream (or dairy-free whipped coconut cream) and the toppings of your choice. Enjoy your delicious cup of cocoa!
Recipe notes
To put together a cute bundle as a gift, you could include a large jar of the hot cocoa mix with 2-3 small jars of ‘toppings,’ such as crushed up candy canes, cookies, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or more – check out my hot cocoa recipe for tons more ideas). Choose the toppings based on their dietary requirements, and you have a fun, tasty, and thoughtful gift for family and friends! For a finer mix and easier ‘melting,’ you can pulse your granulated sugar of choice into finely powdered sugar before mixing it with the remaining ingredients. Use a combination of cocoa powder and dutch processed cocoa powder, for a deeper, ‘Oreo’ flavored hot chocolate mix. Instead of manually mixing, you could also chuck everything in a blender/food processor and pulse for a few seconds.
If you try this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe, then let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d also really appreciate a recipe rating and would love to see your recreations – just tag @AlphaFoodie.
