Bold Baking Basics, Drinks

How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix

4.61 from 682 votes
Make delicious mugs of hot chocolate at home when you learn how to Make Hot Chocolate Mix. It's a great drink for the winter months and an edible gift, too!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix in a glass jar. A mug of hot chocolate made from this is next to it with whipped cream on top.

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe is inexpensive to make and works as a great holiday gift. Make some Homemade Chocolate Truffles (hot chocolate bombs) to go with your Hot Chocolate Mix and give them out as holiday gift packages!

I loved making hot chocolate as a kid but I never knew you could actually make your own blend. The familiar routine of reaching for a jar of store-bought hot cocoa mix was a comforting ritual, yet little did I know that the true magic awaited in the realm of homemade concoctions. Now, blending cocoa and sugar is a personal tradition, turning ordinary moments into a warm, nostalgic treat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 12/6/2023, to include new photography, the definition, explanations of tools and ingredients of Hot Chocolate Mix, answers to the most commonly asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix in a glass jar with a golden spoon. A mug of hot chocolate made from this is next to it with whipped cream on top.

What is Hot Chocolate Mix?

Hot Chocolate Mix is a blend of powdered ingredients to make Hot Chocolate or hot cocoa.

  • It typically includes cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and sometimes cornstarch.
  • The mix is designed to be easily combined with hot water or milk to create a quick and convenient cup of hot chocolate.
  • Some variations may also include additional flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon, or even coconuts.

Tools for Hot Chocolate Mix

Key Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Mix

  • Dry milk powder

    • Dry milk powder adds a rich and creamy texture, contributing to a silkier mouthfeel compared to the one without it.
    • It provides storage convenience and simplifies the process by requiring hot milk or water.
    • Dry milk powder also enhances the overall taste by incorporating a subtle dairy tone that complements cocoa and sugar.
  • Granulated sugar

    • Sugar sweetens Hot Chocolate Mix, balancing the bitterness from cocoa powder.
    • Moreover, sugar dissolves easily in hot liquids, giving it a smoother texture.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

    • Unsweetened cocoa powder is the primary source of chocolate flavor. It imparts a rich and intense chocolate taste to the beverage.
    • Its deep, brown hue adds to the visual appeal.
    • Using unsweetened cocoa powder gives you greater control over the sweetness level of your hot chocolate.
  • Cornstarch

    • Cornstarch is a thickening agent, helping create a velvety hot chocolate.
    • In addition, cornstarch also absorbs moisture, preventing Hot Chocolate Mix from clumping. It Serves the same purpose as in Homemade Powdered Sugar.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix

  • Sieve: All you do is place a large sieve over a large bowl and sieve together all of the ingredients.
  • Mix: Now, the better the ingredients you use, the better the result you get out.
    • Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder. The better the cocoa, the richer your hot chocolate.
    • Next is a little sugar for sweetness to cut the richness of the cocoa powder.
    • I also add in cornstarch which will help thicken your hot chocolate. When cornstarch heats, it activates and thickens.
    • Lastly, to make our Hot Chocolate creamy we add dry milk powder. Lots of different brands make milk powder and it is widely available in most supermarkets.
  • To make a mug of homemade Hot Chocolate, place a couple of tablespoons of the Hot Chocolate Mix in a pot with a mug of milk. Bring this mixture to a simmer and pour into a mug. Enjoy with marshmallows.
  • Place my Peppermint Candy Spoons on the side of your mug and use it as a stirrer and you get a lovely hint of mint as it melts, which is a perfect combination with the chocolate.

How to Store Hot Chocolate Mix

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from moisture and heat, to maintain freshness and prevent clumping.

What is the Shelf Life of Hot Chocolate Mix?

It stays fresh for up to 12 months. But monitor for changes in flavor or texture.

FAQs

Is hot chocolate mix the same as cocoa powder?

No, Hot Chocolate Mix is different from cocoa powder.

  • Hot chocolate mix usually contains cocoa powder but may also include sugar, milk powder, and other ingredients.
  • In comparison, cocoa powder usually does not contain anything else.

Do You Make Hot Chocolate With Water or Milk?

For a creamy mug of hot chocolate, my preference would be to use milk instead of water to make your hot chocolate. However, there is dried milk in the mix so if you do use water it will still be ‘milky’.

What can I use instead of milk or water to make hot chocolate from this Hot Chocolate Mix?

You can also use almond milkcoconut milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or other dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice.

Can I make a dairy-free hot chocolate mix?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free hot chocolate mix by using non-dairy milk powder or omitting milk powder altogether.

Is this Hot Chocolate Mix gluten-free?

Yes, this is a gluten-free mix recipe.

Can I make a sugar-free hot chocolate mix?

Yes, you can make a sugar-free hot chocolate mix by using a sugar-free substitute from my Sugar Substitute Chart.

Can I Use Hot Chocolate Powder Instead of Cocoa Powder?

Great question! NO, no you can not!

Do you know how I know that you were thinking of doing that? because when I was young I used to use hot chocolate powder in my baking when I had used all of my mum’s cocoa powder. Although hot chocolate powder does contain cocoa powder it also has extra sugar and other ingredients that you just don’t want in your baked goods.

What are some creative hot chocolate mix toppings?

Creative toppings for hot chocolate mix include crushed candy canes, chocolate shavings, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Can I add flavored syrups to hot chocolate mix?

Yes, you can enhance the flavor by adding Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract, or Homemade Simple Syrups like vanilla, peppermint, or caramel to your hot chocolate made from a mix.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in this Hot Chocolate Mix?

Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder but keep in mind:

  • Dutch-processed cocoa powder is milder so not to adjust the quantity of sugar in your hot chocolate mix to ensure the right level of sweetness.
  • Its darker color can be visually appealing, but if you prefer a lighter color, you might want to adjust the ratio of cocoa powder in this Hot Chocolate Mix.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix in a glass jar with a golden spoon.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

  1. As you know me, I recommend you use whole milk powder for a richer taste, creamier texture, and more nutrients.
  2. Top your hot chocolate with real whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top.
  3. Consider grating a small amount of high-quality chocolate into your hot chocolate for an extra boost of richness and flavor.
  4. A small pinch of salt can enhance the overall flavor of hot chocolate, balancing sweetness and enhancing the chocolatey notes.
  5. If you plan to make a big batch and give it out in mason jars as gifts, use a blender after sifting, to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Pair your hot chocolate with these treats or your favorite cookies for a delightful and comforting snack:

More Homemade Festive Drinks Recipe


IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 12/6/2023, to include new photography, the definition, explanations of tools and ingredients of Hot Chocolate Mix, answers to the most commonly asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Watch The Recipe Video!

How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix

4.61 from 682 votes
Make delicious mugs of hot chocolate at home when you learn how to Make Hot Chocolate Mix. It's a great drink for the winter months and an edible gift, too!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 15 mugs
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Make delicious mugs of hot chocolate at home when you learn how to Make Hot Chocolate Mix. It's a great drink for the winter months and an edible gift, too!
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 15 mugs

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (7 ½ oz/212 g) dry milk powder
  • ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (2 oz/57 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Sieve all the ingredients into a bowl.
  • Keep in an air-tight container indefinitely. 

To make a mug of hot chocolate :

  • Add 3 tablespoons of the Hot Chocolate mix to 8 oz milk or water into a saucepan and stir. Simmer on medium/low heat for 2 minutes.
  • Pour into a mug and serve with marshmallows.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix
Amount Per Serving (2 tablespoons)
Calories 56
% Daily Value*
Sodium 41mg2%
Potassium 44mg1%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 150IU3%
Vitamin C 0.8mg1%
Calcium 20mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Jody Cherry
Jody Cherry
4 years ago

General question here… What is the corn Starch for?

PsychoMoose
PsychoMoose
4 years ago

Could I make it in the microwave instead of a saucepan?

Beth
Beth
4 years ago

My daughter and I mixed this in our coffee. We added a splash of half and half and a little bit of sugar. It was very yummy.

Annette Bonomo
Annette Bonomo
4 years ago

Hi – I’ve been advised to “avoid dairy”. I use almond milk and sometimes an oat beverage. Also I have to watch my sugars, being diabetic. Can I modify your recipe somehow?

Jane
Jane
4 years ago

Can you use stevia in place of sugar for those of us who are diabetics?

Fiona O’ Leary
Fiona O’ Leary
3 years ago

Hi Gemma, I just made this and it is soooooo good, I don’t think I’ve ever had hot chocolate this creamy before no matter where I’ve bought it or what Restaraunt I’ve had it in, I actually used coconut dried milk powder as my sons girlfriend is vegan and I can give her some now as well, I made mine with full fat milk and not water and they can make theirs with plant based milk so that way everyone’s happy, now all I’ve got to do is find a recipe somewhere for vegan marshmallows 🤞, thanks again Gemma your… Read more »

Melinda
Melinda
4 years ago

oh sounds yummy! I am going to make some tonight. I am going to go ahead and add dehydrated marshmallows too for the full hot cocoa mix experience 🙂

Kathryn
Kathryn
4 years ago

My 10 y.o. made this recipe to fill ornament gifts. Simple recipe for a delicious mix, and she could do the whole project herself!

Ruth
Ruth
4 years ago

I found it was way too much milk powder for the amount of cocoa and sugar. Topped my jar up with both after making first batch of hot chocolate.

mary catherine martin
mary catherine martin
2 years ago

lovely gift idea, I used grocery store brand chocolate & it isn’t very rich, so I would use a more flavorful brand next time. Also, it needs hot milk, hot water is just way too watery. Half hot water half milk is ok. Overall I think it could be good with better ingredients and some fun additions like crushed peppermints or dehydrated marshmallows. I did use a sugar substitute, a monkfruit blend, in the same amount & the sweetness was right on. I will fill hot cocoa bombs with this batch & I think it will be just right.

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Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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