Winter is here and that means it’s cozy season! Sweaters, thick socks, fuzzy blankets and a creamy cup of hot cocoa are all required for ultimate coziness! In this post, get my recipe for a big batch of hot cocoa mix that will keep you warm and cozy all winter long! It’s easy to make, cuts back on some not so lovely ingredients and is so yummy you’ll never go back to store bought!
I’ve been wanting to make hot chocolate mix for years and this year I finally did it! I love having a big container of homemade hot chocolate mix sitting on my kitchen counter! It reminds me to chill out, sit down and get cozy. I often need this reminder. I bet you can relate… I also love that this recipe cuts back on some unnatural ingredients that aren’t great for overall health. While this isn’t the healthiest hot cocoa recipe, it is a much better alternative than a pre-made and packaged hot cocoa mix from the grocery store.
I found this recipe via I Am Baker. I doubled it and added chocolate chips to the mix. Feel free to reduce the recipe. I just know my husband and daughters will go through this mix rather quickly so I made a lot!
Why Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix?
I’ll be honest, making your own hot cocoa mix doesn’t save much money. It does save a little and when your mix is all done, you will have ingredients left over for other recipes. However, when compared to an 8 serving package of Swiss Miss, you’re saving maybe .5 cents. However, what you are gaining by making your own hot cocoa is a cleaner version of this cold weather staple as well as the pride that you made your family’s favorite winter drink from scratch!
Below is the cost of each ingredients according to Target, using their brand, Good & Gather.
- 2 boxes of Powdered Milk-$7.38
- Cocoa Powder-$2.69
- Powdered Sugar-$2.29
- Mini Chocolate Chips-$2.99 (optional)
- Salt-$.75
- Cornstarch-$1.99
Total: $18.09=$.45 per serving.
Box of 8 packets of Swiss Miss $2.99=$.38 per serving
Swiss Miss Ingredients:
- Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Whey, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Nonfat Milk, Marshmallows (Sugar, Corn Syrup, Modified Corn Starch, Gelatin, Natural Flavor), Less Than 2% Of: Salt, Dipotassium Phosphate, Mono- And Diglycerides, Natural Flavor
Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients & Substitutions:
Sugar: Using powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) is best because it dissolves more thoroughly than granulated sugars. I found a powdered monk fruit sweetener you could try for a healthier alternative.
Cocoa Powder: I have heard that Dutch=processed is the best cocoa powder but I didn’t find it at my grocery store. You can use any brand of cocoa powder. I chose Ghirardelli’s for mine. I’m not 100% sure but I believe you could opt for raw cacao powder for a healthier option.
Powdered Milk: Powdered milk was found at my local grocer. There were several options. I used THIS milk. I’d prefer next time to find powdered whole milk. If you are vegan or dairy intolerant, you could experiment with dried coconut milk.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the cocoa powder will give the hot cocoa a creamier consistency.
Salt: Don’t leave salt out! Salt actually enhances the sweetness of the mix while bringing out more chocolate flavor.
Chocolate Chips: You don’t have to use chocolate chips. It’s an add on I decided to try since I felt like the mix could be a bit sweeter. I used semi-sweet mini chips but you could use whatever you’d like. I read on another blog that white chocolate chips were amazing. I do wonder if the chips will bring the shelf life down a bit. I’m really not too sure.
Marshmallows: You don’t have to ad marshmallows into your mix. I did not. I prefer to add them to each mug I make but you could also add the jet puffed mini marshmallows
Related Post: The Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail Recipe-My Wine Alternative
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe (Big Batch)
This recipe is for a BIG BATCH of hot cocoa mix to last you all winter long! I love having it on hand knowing it contains zero high fructose corn syrup, hydrogentated oils or preservatives. I do not claim that this is a healthy version of hot chocolate. However, it is a healthier version than store bought hot cocoa mixes.
Ingredients
- 5 Cups Powdered Milk
- 2 Cups Cocoa Powder
- 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 4 tsp. Cornstarch
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1-2 Cups Mini Chocolate Chips (optional)
- 1 Container of Mini Marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a large sealable container or bowl.
- Mix thoroughly
- Use 1/4 cup of mix to make 1 cup of cocoa. Add the mix to your mug and pour either hot milk or hot water over the top.
- Stir thoroughly. The powdered milk may take a couple minutes to fully dissolve.
Notes
- Change this recipe to your personal taste. I found that 4 cups of powdered sugar was not giving much sweetness so if you'd prefer sweeter you could add more or up your chocolate chips. You could also reduce the sugar if you'd like it less sweet.
- I did not add dried mini marshmallows to my mix because I prefer to add them to the top of my hot cocoa but you can add them however you like or omit them all together.
- This mix can be added to either hot water or hot milk. I have been adding hot water and then a dash of heavy whipping cream.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Post: Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
How to Use Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix:
- Add 1/4 cup to an 8-12 ounce mug.
- Pour hot water or hot milk into the mug.
- Stir until the powder is dissolved.
- If using water, feel free to add a splash of milk, cream or whipped cream!
**This recipe makes about 40 servings and is around 90 oz. of powder. I am unsure about the shelf life but every ingredient besides the chocolate chips should last quite a long time. Once you open powdered milk you do run the risk of it going bad within 3 months from what I’ve found in my research. I recommend not adding chocolate chips into your mix and using the mix within 3 months if you don’t anticipate going through this recipe quickly. Halfing the recipe is also a good option.
I found my large flip top container HERE.
What is the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
Believe it or not, there is a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Hot cocoa is typically made from a powdery mixture and blended with hot water or milk. Hot chocolate is usually made with actual chocolate that is melted in hot water or milk.
DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Makes A Great Gift!
My homemade hot cocoa mix would make a great gift. I think it’s a fun idea to bring to a party for a hostess gift! All you’d need is an 8 ounce jar, a decorative ribbon to tie around the lid and a gift tag or label explaining how much to use per mug. You could find larger jars, use 8 ounces of mix and top off with marshmallows and chocolate chips. What if you tied a little bottle of Baileys to the lid? I think anyone would be excited to get homemade hot cocoa mix as a gift!
Looking for more homemade gift ideas? I’ve got you covered in my Easy to Make Homemade Gifts Everyone Will Love post.
And just to be clear, I am not saying this recipe is healthy. However, it is a much better alternative to most hot cocoa packets. If you’re looking for a healthy hot chocolate, I’ve got you covered. This healthy hot chocolate recipe is meant to be made over the stove for 1 person though.
I hope you find this homemade hot cocoa recipe helpful and yummy!
xx, Jenni
PIN IT!!!
Made this for my husband…he loves it!!
Eileen-Oh good! It’s been a hit around here too!