Mmm, homemade hot chocolate mix! What could be better than the perfect drink for cold weather fun? Warm up this winter with a mug of rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate!
Hot cocoa mix in a jar also makes a great gift for someone special. I’ve include a printable gift tag below so you can make this perfect last minute holiday gift and attach it to the jar with some ribbon!
Try this homemade version of one of America’s favorite drinks! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use it to make hot chocolate cookies, spiked rumchata hot chocolate, or trendy hot cocoa bombs!
Why You Will Love This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- Making homemade hot cocoa mix is less expensive than store bought mix.
- It makes an easy and affordable DIY holiday gift for friends, family, teachers, neighbors and almost anyone else you can think of!
- Use your homemade mix to make some hot chocolate bombs and hot cocoa cookies and package them all up to make the ultimate cocoa gift for this holiday season.
Key Ingredients
Dry milk – Powdered milk is dry milk that has been dehydrated so that it is shelf stable. Usually the dry milk sold in grocery stores is non fat dry milk. But you can buy whole milk powder online or at some stores. If you use whole milk powder the drink will be richer and creamier and more like a gourmet hot chocolate mix.
Powdered sugar – I use mostly powdered sugar because it dissolves better in the hot liquid.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Cocoa powder gives the drink its rich chocolatey flavor!
Granulated sugar – A little bit of granulated sugar amps up the sweetness.
How to Make Hot Cocoa in a Jar
Sifting is important to make sure there are no lumps in the final mixture. Use a flour sifter or a mesh strainer. Start by sifting the powdered sugar into a large bowl.
Then sift the instant dry milk on top of the confectioners sugar. Then sift the cocoa powder on top of that.
Finally add the granulated sugar and whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.
How to Store
Store the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container for up to 6 months. I like to use a small Mason jar or another decorative jar with an airtight lid.
Spoon the hot cocoa mix into the jar and close it tightly.
Cocoa Mix in a Jar Topping Ideas
You can make the hot chocolate even better by adding some extras to the top of the jar. Here are some suggestions.
- Miniature marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Candy canes or peppermint sticks
- Mints
- Red hot cinnamon candies
How to Make Hot Chocolate with the Mix
To make a cup of cocoa add 2 tablespoons of the mix to a mug. Then stir in 1 cup of warm milk or 1 cup of boiling water into the mug. Add some marshmallows or peppermint extract for an extra flavor boost.
Giving as a Gift
This homemade cocoa mix in a jar makes a great DIY Christmas present. To give it as a gift tie some ribbon around the top of the jar and fasten on one of the printable tags below, which include a printable recipe. Add a candy cane to make it more festive.
Printable Gift Tag for Hot Cocoa in a Jar
Print these tags on white cardstock or colored paper for an easy gift giving.
FAQ
It could go bad, but it would take quite a while. Powdered milk has a shelf life of about 18 months. Over time the flavor of the mix will get less intense and rich however. I suggest using it within 6 months. If you add more perishable ingredients such as marshmallows or chocolate chips it will not stay fresh as long.
Either hot milk or hot water will make tasty hot cocoa. Since the cocoa mix contains dry milk it will be creamy even if made with hot water. But it will be richer and creamier if made with milk. Use whichever you prefer.
Find more Homemade Food Gift Ideas
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups instant dry milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Optional
- ½ cup chocolate chips white, milk or semi-sweet
- Mini marshmallows
- Peppermint extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar2 cups powdered sugar
- Sift instant dry milk on top of powdered sugar2 cups instant dry milk
- Sift cocoa powder on top1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Whisk together
- Whisk in granulated sugar until well combined⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months½ cup chocolate chips, Mini marshmallows, Peppermint extract
Notes
- To make hot cocoa, add 2 tablespoon hot chocolate mix to a mug. Then stir in 1 cup hot liquid, such as hot milk, hot water or hot coconut milk. Add toppings of your choice, such as marshmallows or whipped cream.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
I followed this to a tee and had to add about 2.5 morw cups of sugar. It was not sweet at all. Glad I tasted it before giving as gifts, that would have been embarrassing. Please adjust your recipe. Thank you.
I’ve been making my own about 25 years. If you have a preferred flavor (mine is hazelnut) add 1/2 cup flavored powdered coffee creamer to the mix.