When winter hits, I love having this homemade hot chocolate mix ready in my pantry. It saves me from last-minute grocery runs and makes the creamiest cup of cocoa in minutes! With just four simple ingredients–cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, and powdered coffee creamer–this hot cocoa mix stirs up into smooth, chocolatey comfort every single time. It’s rich, cozy, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix with Powdered Milk and Creamer
Ever since I learned how to make homemade hot cocoa mix, I’ve never gone back to the packets. The flavor is so much fresher, and I know exactly what’s in it–no fillers or mystery ingredients. The powdered milk adds creaminess without needing extra dairy, while the creamer gives that café-style body that makes every sip feel indulgent.
I’ve tested this hot chocolate mix with powdered milk and creamer several ways, and this balance of ingredients keeps it smooth and shelf-stable for up to six months. Just whisk it all together and store in an airtight jar so it’s ready for snowy mornings, gifts, or those late-night chocolate cravings.
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Upgrade Your Cocoa for the Best Flavor
I tested this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe with a few different cocoa powders, and the flavor totally changes depending on what you use. Natural unsweetened cocoa gives that classic milk chocolate taste, while Dutch-process cocoa makes it darker, smoother, and more luxurious, almost like European drinking chocolate. If you prefer bold, rich cocoa flavor, go Dutch! Whatever you choose, make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder, so your mix isn’t overly sweet.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar *
- 1½ cups powdered instant milk (nonfat dry milk)
- ½ cup powdered coffee creamer
- ½ cup cocoa powder **
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.2 cups powdered sugar, 1½ cups powdered instant milk (nonfat dry milk), ½ cup powdered coffee creamer, ½ cup cocoa powder
- To make the hot chocolate, add ⅓ cup of the mix to 1 cup of milk or water. Add more mix if you want it richer.
Notes
- Use flavored instant coffee creamer, such as hazelnut, french vanilla, or vanilla caramel to add flavor.
- For a smoother cocoa mix, you can pulse it in a food processor to break up the larger granules of instant milk. This will help it dissolve even quicker.
- Add ¼ cup of chocolate chips flavored baking chips, such as caramel, butterscotch, peanut butter, or mint to add flavor!
- Easily scale up the recipe and portion into mason jars to give as festive holiday gifts!
- Stirring the mix into warm (not boiling) milk/water prevents scorching and brings out the cocoa’s smoother flavor. Aim for about 185°F.
- For gifting, layer the dry mix in a mason jar, top with mini marshmallows, and tie with a tag that includes mixing instructions. It’s my favorite homemade holiday gift!
- Nutritional information is for the powder only, not prepared hot chocolate with milk.
- Mexican: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Salted: Add ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Mocha: Add ¼ cup of instant espresso or coffee granules.
- Malted: Add 2 tablespoons of malted milk powder.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix Step-by-Step
Prep: Gather up all of the ingredients needed for this homemade hot cocoa mix recipe. If your cocoa powder is clumpy, I recommend sifting it through a fine-mesh sieve so it mixes more evenly and dissolves better.
Make the Mix: Whisk 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1½ cups of powdered instant milk (nonfat dry milk), ½ cup of powdered coffee creamer, and ½ cup of cocoa powder together in a large bowl, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
To Make Hot Cocoa: Add ⅓ cup of the mix to 1 cup of milk or water. You can add more mix for a richer cup, or more milk for a lighter, less sweet cup. It’s totally up to you!
How to Store
Store homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container or jar in the pantry for up to 6 months. Since it’s made with just powdered ingredients, it lasts a long time. To keep it tasting fresh for months, keep it away from humidity or sunlight. I like to tuck in a food-safe desiccant packet to prevent clumping.
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