Go Back
–+ servings
featured homemade hot chocolate mix.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Course: Dessert, Drinks, How To
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 14
Calories: 146kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Made with just 4 ingredients, this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is super easy to make and store in the pantry all winter!
Print Recipe
US Customary - Metric

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
    overhead view of homemade hot chocolate mix in a white bowl.
  • 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.
    overhead view of prepared homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug with marshmallows.

Video

Notes

Yield: 4½ cups dry mix (approx. 14 servings).
*You can use granulated sugar, but I prefer powdered since it dissolves more evenly. If using granulated sugar, I recommend starting with just 1 cup and adjusting to your tastes.
**Be sure to use an unsweetened cocoa powder for this mix, or else it will be too sweet. Choose natural cocoa for classic sweetness or Dutch-process for deeper chocolate flavor.
Tips:
  • 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.
Variations:
  • 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.
Storage: Store homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33333333333333cup | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 1mg