Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

5 stars (1 rating)

Ditch store-bought and make this homemade hot cocoa mix instead. It's quick, easy, and made with just a handful of ingredients. When ready, add hot milk or water for the most delicious hot chocolate!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade hot chocolate mix, homemade hot cocoa mix recipe, hot cocoa mix

Servings: cups

Calories: 600kcal

Ingredients

½ cup cocoa powder
6 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 ½ cups powdered milk
¼ cup cornstarch
⅛ teaspooon salt just a pinch
½ cup chocolate chips mini
½ cup marshmallows mini

Instructions

For a large batch: Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, cornstarch, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together to combine. Then, gently stir in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. (This makes 3 cups of hot cocoa mix powder, which is about 12 cups of hot cocoa.)
For individual batch (or gifts): Grab 2 airtight containers, like a mason jar, and add ¼ cup cocoa powder to each. Then, add 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar, ¾ powdered milk, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, and a pinch of salt to each jar. Then, top each off with ¼ cup chocolate chips and ¼ cup marshmallows. (This makes 1 ½ cups of hot cocoa mix powder in each jar, which is about 6 cups of hot cocoa. Feel free to make smaller batches if gifting.)
The hot cocoa mix will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 year. If you're using homemade marshmallows, I recommend leaving them out as it will only stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
To make hot cocoa: Scoop ¼ cup of hot cocoa mixture and place in a mug. Pour about 1 cup of hot water or milk over. Stir (or froth) until combined.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: This hot cocoa mix is a wonderful make ahead recipe as it lasts for up to 1 year! Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Sift: If any of the ingredients (like cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or powdered milk) are lumpy, you can sift to get a smooth texture.
Chocolate Chips: It's best to use mini chocolate chips as they will dissolve a lot quicker than regular. You can also use a baking chocolate, just chop into very small pieces. You could also leave out completely (from the mix or when making), if desired.
Marshmallows: It's best to use mini marshmallows, store-bought or homemade. If using homemade marshmallows the mixture will only stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You could also leave out completely (from the mix or when making), if desired.
Powdered Milk: You can also use unflavored non-dairy creamer powder or powdered coconut milk.
Sugar: You can substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar, but you will need to stir the hot cocoa longer to get it to fully to dissolve.

Nutrition