Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Print Version)

Craft your own Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with simple pantry staples. Perfect for chilly evenings or heartfelt gifts.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup powdered sugar

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1 tablespoon vanilla powder (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract per mug when preparing)

→ Optional Add-ins & Garnish

06 - 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)
07 - Mini marshmallows (for serving)
08 - Whipped cream (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab a big bowl. Like, bigger than you think you need, especially if you’re prone to cocoa explosions like I am. Measure out your unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and that tiny pinch of salt. This is where the magic starts to happen, even if it just looks like a bunch of brown and white powder. I always get a little excited at this stage, thinking about those first sips.
02 - Now, get a whisk and go to town! You want to make sure all those dry ingredients are super well combined. No lumps of cocoa hiding out, no pockets of just sugar. Whisk it until it looks uniform, a beautiful, rich brown. This is critical for a smooth drink later. I once thought a quick stir was enough, and let me tell you, that first mug had some unfortunate cocoa clumps. Learn from my mistakes, friend!
03 - If you're using vanilla powder, now’s the time to sprinkle it in. Whisk it again to distribute it evenly. The aroma starts to build here, a warm, sweet scent that just makes you want to curl up with a blanket. If you're using vanilla extract, you'll add that later when you actually make the hot chocolate, so just hold tight for now.
04 - Feeling extra? Add those milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips now. Give it a gentle stir to mix them throughout the powder. They're going to melt into glorious puddles of chocolatey goodness when you make your drink. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but honestly, it takes your Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix to another level.
05 - Carefully, and I mean *carefully*, transfer your beautiful Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix into an airtight jar or container. I usually use a wide-mouth funnel for this because, well, I’m clumsy. This is where it starts to feel like a real accomplishment, seeing that jar filled with potential warmth.
06 - Slap a label on it! Include instructions for making the hot chocolate. A simple 'Add 2-3 tablespoons to 8oz hot milk' works. Now, you can either admire your handiwork and keep it all for yourself (no judgment here!), or package it up with a pretty ribbon for a truly thoughtful gift. It smells so good, you might just want to sniff it all day!

# Notes:

01 - Always use a big bowl when whisking cocoa, trust me on this.
02 - Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3-4 months.
03 - For an extra rich taste, add a tiny pinch of espresso powder to the mix.
04 - Serve with warm, full-fat milk and a dollop of whipped cream for ultimate comfort.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - airtight jars/containers
04 - funnel (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 3g