Rich Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix: Winter Comfort (Print Version)
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe: Craft your own rich, comforting drink. Easy to customize for cozy evenings. So much better than store-bought!
# 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 Mix
01 -
1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality, please!)
02 -
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
03 -
1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
04 -
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 tablespoon vanilla powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract per cup when serving)
06 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Optional Extras
07 -
½ cup mini chocolate chips
08 -
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a subtle kick)
→ Serving Suggestions
09 -
Hot milk (dairy or plant-based)
10 -
Whipped cream
11 -
Mini marshmallows
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients out and ready. I find that having everything laid out on the counter just makes the whole process feel calmer, more intentional. Take a moment to breathe in the rich smell of the cocoa powder – it's like a preview of the deliciousness to come! This is where I always make sure my biggest mixing bowl is clean, because things can get dusty.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and fine sea salt. Now, for the critical part: SIFT them together through a fine-mesh sieve. Honestly, don't skip this! I learned the hard way that skipping this step leads to a lumpy, frustrating mix. You're aiming for a super smooth, uniform powder – no one wants a clump of unmixed cocoa in their hot chocolate, trust me on this.
03 -
Once everything is sifted into the bowl, grab your whisk and give it a really good stir. You want to make sure all those beautiful powders are thoroughly combined. Keep whisking until the color is consistent throughout the mix. This step is pretty satisfying; you'll see the distinct ingredients transform into one harmonious, dark brown blend. It should look like a rich, inviting cloud of chocolatey goodness.
04 -
Now for the magic! Stir in the vanilla powder and ground cinnamon. These are your secret weapons for that extra layer of warmth and complexity. I always add a little extra cinnamon because I love that subtle spice. Whisk again until these new additions are evenly distributed. You'll start to notice a slightly different, more aromatic scent wafting up from the bowl – that's the good stuff!
05 -
If you're using them, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and that tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. The chocolate chips will just hang out in the mix, waiting to melt into creamy bliss later. The cayenne, if you're brave enough, adds a surprising little kick that makes your homemade hot chocolate mix feel extra special. Be gentle here, we don't want to crush those tiny chips!
06 -
Carefully transfer your finished homemade hot chocolate mix into an airtight container or a pretty jar. I love using clear jars so I can see the beautiful mix inside. Give it a good seal to keep it fresh. Now, you’ve got a batch of homemade hot chocolate mix ready for whenever a craving strikes! It should smell incredibly rich and inviting, promising warm mugs of comfort.
07 -
When you're ready for a delicious cup, simply scoop 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade hot chocolate mix into a mug. Heat about 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based) until hot, but not boiling. Pour the hot milk over the mix in your mug and stir, stir, stir until everything is completely dissolved and smooth. Then, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or whatever your heart desires!
# Notes:
01 -
Always, always sift your dry ingredients. I learned this the hard way with a lumpy disaster, so trust me on this one.
02 -
Stored in an airtight container, this mix keeps for up to 6 months in a cool, dark pantry.
03 -
For a deeper chocolate flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of espresso powder to the mix – it's a surprising game-changer!
04 -
Serve with a splash of Kahlúa for an adult treat, or a peppermint stick for a festive twist.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
fine-mesh sieve
03 -
whisk
04 -
airtight container/jar
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 3g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 2g