Simple Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix: Rich 4-Ingredient Blend (Print Version)

Whip up a delightful Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix with just 4 ingredients. My easy recipe creates a rich, comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings. So simple!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Hot Cocoa Base

01 - 1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for richer flavor)
02 - 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

→ Creaminess Factor

03 - 1 cup (100g) powdered milk (whole milk powder or non-dairy creamer powder)

→ Flavor Enhancer

04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Optional Add-Ins

05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your ingredients out. I usually line up my cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk, and that little salt shaker right on the counter. Make sure your mixing bowl is dry – no lingering water droplets! This is where I sometimes get a little messy, usually spilling a bit of cocoa powder before I even start. It just adds to the authentic home-cook vibe, right?
02 - Now, for the crucial part of making a smooth Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix: grab a fine-mesh sieve and sift your unsweetened cocoa powder directly into your mixing bowl. This is where I learned my lesson about clumpy cocoa! Sifting breaks up any lumps, making sure your final drink is silky smooth and not chunky. Trust me, you'll thank yourself later when you're not battling little cocoa blobs.
03 - Once the cocoa is beautifully sifted, add the granulated sugar, powdered milk, and that essential pinch of salt to the bowl. If you're using any of the optional powdered add-ins like vanilla powder or cinnamon, toss those in now too. The aroma starts to build even at this stage; it's honestly quite lovely.
04 - Grab a whisk and go to town! You want to mix everything really, really well. We're talking several minutes of whisking to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This is key for a consistent flavor in every single mug of your Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix. I usually hum a little tune while I do this, it makes the time fly by.
05 - I sometimes do a little taste test here, just to make sure the balance is right. Take a tiny spoonful of the dry mix and dissolve it in a tablespoon of hot water. Adjust sweetness if you feel it needs it, though the recipe as written is usually spot on for me. This step is totally optional, but it's a fun way to check your work!
06 - Once everything is perfectly combined and lump-free, transfer your glorious Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix into an airtight container. A pretty mason jar works wonders here, especially if you're thinking of gifting it! Make sure it’s sealed tight to keep it fresh. Now you’ve got a ready-to-go cocoa blend for whenever the craving strikes!

# Notes:

01 - Always sift your cocoa powder for a truly smooth drink; I learned this the hard way with clumpy mugs.
02 - Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to 3-4 months; moisture is the enemy!
03 - Try adding a tiny dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, it's a game-changer.
04 - This mix makes a fantastic, thoughtful gift! Layer it in a jar with mini marshmallows on top.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - fine-mesh sieve
03 - whisk
04 - airtight container

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 3g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 4g

Back