This is the best homemade hot cocoa mix! This powdery mix is full of whole milk powder, cocoa powder, and chocolate and will be your go-to on cold winter nights.

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The holiday season is my favorite! It’s a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, spend plenty of quality time with those you love, and enjoy many gift exchanges. Be sure to save this homemade hot cocoa recipe to enjoy a cup of cocoa

Ditch those little packets of store-bought mixes. They are full of extra ingredients. After you taste this hot cocoa mix, you’ll never go back.

Nothing warms you up during the cold weather months like a mug of hot cocoa.

What’s the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?

Hot cocoa and hot chocolate are delicious sweet drinks to enjoy throughout the winter months by young and old alike. While they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Hot cocoa is made with powdered milk and cocoa, and mixed with hot water or milk. Whereas hot chocolate is chocolate that is melted into hot liquid. An easy way to make hot chocolate is to stir in homemade chocolate syrup to hot milk.

Why Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Mix?

Healthier – Many hot chocolate mixes from grocery stores are full of preservatives. Starting with easy swaps like this is the best way to begin creating healthier options. Make this homemade cocoa mix with 5 simple ingredients.
Gifts – I like to double or triple this recipe to create a big batch of homemade hot cocoa mix and divide it into small jars to create a homemade holiday gift.
Easy – Making your own homemade hot cocoa mix comes together in minutes using a food processor. No food processor? No problem. You’ll just need to chop the chocolate with a sharp knife and whisk the remaining ingredients together in a large bowl.

Hot Cocoa Ingredients

Bittersweet chocolate bar – I like to add chopped chocolate for a rich, chocolate flavor. Don’t use chocolate chips because they won’t melt as well.
Cocoa powder – I like to use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its deeper color and smooth flavor. You can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder too.
Milk powder – Milk powder, sometimes referred to as powdered milk, is a shelf-stable milk that’s had the moisture removed. Just like liquid milk, powdered milk comes in a variety of fat levels. Opt for a whole milk powder for a richer cup of cocoa. Using nonfat dry milk powder will create a thinner cup of cocoa.
Sugar – Grind the cane sugar in the food processor with the chocolate. If you mix by hand, you can opt to substitute with powdered sugar, called confectioner’s sugar, for easy dissolving.
Salt – A pinch of salt will balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.

How to Make the Best Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Break the bittersweet chocolate bar into chunks and add to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse the chocolate finely. Add the sugar and pulse to break it up a bit.

Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until combined.

chocolate chopped finely in food processor

adding the remaining ingredients for hot cocoa mix

Making A Cup of Cocoa

Combine 3 tbsp of dry mix with 8 oz cup of hot milk or water. Stir until the cocoa mix is completely mixed in. Be sure that the milk or water is hot enough to melt the chocolate.

How to Store Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Store the homemade mix in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to a year.

Can I Add Milk To Hot Cocoa Mix?

Yes! This is our preferred way to enjoy hot cocoa. It creates a smooth, creamy cup of hot cocoa. Both hot water and hot milk are delicious. Another option is adding hot coffee.

Add-ins

Marshmallows – Top your cup of cocoa with homemade marshmallows for a special, decadent touch, or mini marshmallows for an easy option.
Flavor with extracts – Add a splash of vanilla extract, peppermint extract, or almond extract makes a great addition.
Whipped cream – Add a dollop of whipped cream with chocolate shavings.