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This homemade hot chocolate mix is simple to make, cost-effective and better tasting than anything you can buy in the store.
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.
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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.
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.
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
You can make12 cups of hot chocolate with this recipe.
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.
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
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.
Other Chocolate Drinks
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
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.
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