Make a large batch of this homemade hot chocolate mix to have on hand all winter long. It’s easy to make, tastes better than store bought and makes a festive gift!
My homemade hot chocolate made on the stovetop or crockpot hot chocolate are other favorites!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
- Easy to make and tastes amazing: Homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is budget-friendly, can be made in 10 minutes and makes a rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa!
- Great for gifting: I love making a large batch of homemade hot cocoa mix that can be portioned out in minutes for gift giving during the holiday season!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Scroll down for the printable recipe with full instructions.
- Dry powdered milk: Nonfat dry milk powder adds creaminess to the homemade hot chocolate and is shelf stable. For a dairy free version, use coconut milk powder.
- Powdered sugar: I prefer this over granulated sugar as it dissolved into liquid more quickly.
- Cocoa powder: I used Dutch-processed cocoa powder but you can use natural unsweetened cocoa powder or a combination of the two.
- White chocolate bar: I love using white chocolate, but you can use any type of chocolate you like including mini chocolate chips.
- Cornstarch: An important ingredient that prevents clumping.
- Salt: Don’t skip adding the salt! It balances the flavors in this recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix
Combine whole milk powder, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chopped white chocolate, cornstarch and salt in a large food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined.
Store in a jar until ready to serve.
Serving Hot Cocoa Mix
When ready to serve, add 1/3 cup of the hot chocolate mix to 1 cup of hot water or milk in a mug. Stir to combine. Add these fun garnishes to your homemade hot chocolate recipe:
- Add whipped cream the pile on the mini marshmallows.
- For an even creamier mug, stir in some coffee creamer.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or add a dash of vanilla extract.
- Add spices like cayenne pepper or nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- Garnish with a candy cane for a peppermint flavor.
- Drizzle with easy caramel sauce or hot fudge.
Gifting
I love making this for a Christmas treat gift! Make a big batch by doubling the hot cocoa mix recipe and then portioning it in small mason jars with a ribbon and festive tag with instructions.
It’s one of my favorite neighbor gift ideas and just like my peppermint brownie mix in a jar, they can enjoy it right away or keep it on hand for later.
Can’t get enough hot chocolate? Try hot chocolate cookies or make a hot chocolate charcuterie board.
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Video
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cup dutch processed cocoa powder , or natural unsweetened
- 4 ounce Ghirardelli white chocolate bar , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt , or 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Hot chocolate Mix
- Combine all ingredients: Combine 2 1/2 cups whole milk powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 1/4 cups cocoa powder, 4 ounces chopped white chocolate, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a large food processor or blender. Pulse until well combined.
- Store: Store in a jar until ready to serve.
For serving
- Combine with hot water or milk: Add 1/3 cup of the hot chocolate mix to 1 cup of hot water or milk in a mug. Stir to combine. Add whipped cream or marshmallows if desired to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
FAQs
While you can use milk or water, for the best homemade hot chocolate milk makes it creamier! Use whole milk, almond milk or even chocolate milk.
While the two are used interchangeably, hot chocolate is normally made my melting chocolate into a warm liquid while hot cocoa is made from a dry cocoa powder mix.
This recipe makes 18 servings if you use 1/3 cup of the mix stirred into 1 cup of water or milk. If you use more mix in a larger mug, the serving size will decrease.
This homemade hot chocolate mix with powdered milk will stay shelf-stable to up to a month if stored away from direct sunlight and heat in an airtight container. You could also store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Categorized as: American, Beverages, Christmas, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Nut-Free, Reader Favorites
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I just got this recipe from you. I made hot chocolate as gifts to my adult children. However, I see that you added white chocolate. I have some white chocolate left over from Christmas baking and will be adding that to my mix. Great idea! Yummy! Thank you and Happy New Year!
Enjoy the hot chocolate mix and thank you for the kind words!
Wonderful blend very smooth.
So glad to hear you enjoyed the homemade hot chocolate!
Yes, five stars!
So glad you enjoyed the hot chocolate mix! Thanks for sharing.
I use coconut milk powder, Splenda, Aldi baking cocoa, water or Almond or coconut milk sometimes. Better and smoother than the the popular H brand. Sometimes I add collagen powder, turmeric, vanilla, cherry syrup or cinnamon. I love white chocolate the Moser Roth brand, creamy and blends smoothly. I like all their chocolates. I stick to the dark I will try the corn starch addition. I use mostly dark chocolates because of the benefit to stem cells I have read about. Thanks for your recipe. 😊
We used milk to mix and it was creamy and delicious! Perfect for cozying up on a cold fall or winter day. – Alisha, recipe tester
So cozy! Thanks for the review of the hot chocolate mix.