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    You Are Here: Home → Drinks and Cocktails

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

    December 24, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    29 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    close-up of spoon dipped in jar of homemade hot chocolate mix
    homemade hot chocolate mix in glass jar with mug behind it

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    This homemade hot chocolate mix is simple to make, cost-effective and better tasting than anything you can buy in the store.

    homemade hot chocolate mix in glass jar with mug behind it

    When it comes to the holidays, one of the first things that come to mind are drinks. And while most are alcoholic - from a gingerbread martini to a white Christmas margarita, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options.

    To most this time of year, eggnog is the go-to drink but I'm more of a hot chocolate guy. If you've never had homemade mix, this will change you forever.

    Why This Hot Cocoa Mix Works

    • By baking the dry milk powder, you add a little caramelization to the flavor profile.
    • You can make it large batches, which makes it the perfect holiday gift that can be enjoyed all year long.
    • It is cheaper than any cocoa mix you would buy in the store, but tastes 10 times better.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Hot Cocoa Mix Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Chocolate Drinks
    • Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
    overhead shot of ingredients for hot cocoa mix

    Ingredient Notes

    • Dry milk powder - gives that milk flavor if you use water for the base, or just makes for a creamier hot chocolate if you use milk.
    • Powdered sugar - where the sweetness comes from. You want a superfine sugar so it easy mixes in.
    • Cocoa powder - I typically use natural cocoa powder, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used too. The only difference is Dutch-processed is darker in color but neutral from an acid perspective.
    • Cornstarch - when heated up, it helps thicken the hot chocolate, making for a creamier drink.
    • Salt - enhances the flavors.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of roasting dry milk powder and pureeing in food processor

    Bake the dry milk powder on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 300°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Pulse in a food processor for 10 minutes to break it up.

    process shots of mixing ingredients in bowl before making hot chocolate in saucepan

    Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl.

    If making hot chocolate now, heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan until it starts to simmer before adding 3-4 tablespoon of the cocoa mix. Whisk until combined.

    FAQs

    How Much Hot Chocolate Does the Mix Make?

    You can make12 cups of hot chocolate with this recipe.

    Do I Make with Water or Milk?

    The benefit of using dry milk powder is if you make with water, you still get that milk flavor. If you use with milk, it just makes it creamier. I prefer whole milk, but use what you have.

    What Toppings are Best?

    While hot chocolate is great on its own. There are plenty of ways to add flavor. Some options include:

    • Marshmallows
    • Whipped cream
    • Peppermint sticks
    • Chocolate chips
    • Red hot candies

    How Long Will It Last?

    If stored in an airtight container, you can keep for up to 6 months.

    Equipment

    The equipment you use is important to how the hot cocoa mix turns out. What is needed is the following:

    • Baking sheet - used to bake the dry milk powder.
    • Food processor - needed to break up the dry milk powder after it bakes as it tends to stick together.
    • Large bowl - used to whisk together all of the ingredients.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Bake the dry milk powder to add a slight caramel flavor to the hot chocolate.
    • If you want a super fine cocoa mix, throw all of the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until everything is combined.
    • Store in 4 or 8 oz mason jars for gifts.
    close-up of spoon dipped in jar of homemade hot chocolate mix

    Other Chocolate Drinks

    • Godiva Chocolate Martini
    • White Chocolate Martini
    • Chocolate Peppermint Martini
    • Baileys Chocolate Martini

    If you’ve tried this homemade hot chocolate mix or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    homemade hot chocolate mix in glass jar with mug behind it
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

    This homemade hot chocolate mix is simple to make, cost-effective and better tasting than anything you can buy in the store.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12 drinks
    Calories: 86kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups nonfat dry milk powder
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • ½ cup natural cocoa powder
    • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 300ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the milk powder in an even and thin layer.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. The milk powder will be stuck together so place in a food processor and pulse until broken up.
    • In a bowl, add the milk powder, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch and salt and mix until combined. Cover or place in zip loc bag.
    • To make hot chocolate, heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to steam and bubbles appear around the edge of the saucepan. Add 3-4 tablespoon of the mix and simmer, whisking constantly, for 2-3 minutes longer. Pour into a mug and serve.

    Notes

    • Bake the dry milk powder to add a slight caramel flavor to the hot chocolate.
    • If you want a super fine cocoa mix, throw all of the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until everything is combined.
    • Store in 4 or 8 oz mason jars for gifts.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 86kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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