Ditch those flavorless packets from the store and learn how to make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. Nothing beats its thick and creamy texture.
Table of Contents
Make the Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with Pantry Staples
Hi Folks,
Are you looking for a decadent, indulgent treat you can enjoy anytime? This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe is the answer! With a blend of pantry ingredients, this mix is perfect for making a big batch to share or store in a mason jar for cozy nights by the fire.
Whether you prefer a simple cup or want to experiment with different toppings, this hot chocolate mix has all the flavors to make every sip a delightful adventure. Plus, a dash of cayenne pepper and warming spices like nutmeg and cardamom make this hot chocolate recipe truly special.
What I Love About This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix:
- Easy to Make: Whip up a big batch in minutes and store it for weeks of rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Homemade is Just Better: I promise that once you try this homemade mix, you’ll never go back to buying hot chocolate mix packets from the store again.
- Perfect for Gifts: Packaged in a mason jar with a candy cane, this mix makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients and Estimated Cost
Per Serving Cost: $0.68
Recipe Cost: $8.11
- 1 cup granulated sugar: $0.30
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped fine: $5.24
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process for a richer taste): $1.20
- ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder (or whole milk powder for extra creaminess): $0.75
- 5 teaspoons cornstarch: $0.10
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: $0.50
- ¾ teaspoon salt: $0.02
NOTE: Recipe prices and the amounts needed are based on grocery store websites. Actual costs may vary depending on your ingredients. Ingredient prices updated November 2024.
Needed Equipment:
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife
- cutting board
- Mason jar or some sort of airtight container
How To Make Hot Chocolate Mix
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- In a food processor, add granulated sugar, chopped unsweetened chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, nonfat dry milk powder, cornstarch, pure vanilla extract, and salt.
- Process on high for 30-60 seconds or until the mix is ground to a fine powder.
To Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate With The Mix:
- In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup of milk (or try using coconut milk for a non-dairy twist) over medium heat until it begins to steam, with bubbles forming around the edges.
- Stir in ¼ cup of your homemade hot chocolate mix. Continue heating and whisking until the mixture begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour into a mug and top with mini marshmallows, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy cane for a festive touch. Enjoy!
Hot Chocolate Mix Variations and Substitutions:
This recipe is a fabulous base for flavored hot chocolate mixes. To make different flavored hot chocolate mixes, follow the base recipe and add the additional ingredients below just before processing.
- Orange: add 1 Tablespoon of orange zest.
- Mint: omit the vanilla and use 1 teaspoon of mint extract instead.
- Malted: omit the nonfat dry milk powder and use ½ cup of malted milk powder instead.
- Mexican: add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¾ teaspoon ancho chile powder.
- Creamier Version: Stir in a spoonful of powdered coffee creamer or use whole milk powder to make your hot chocolate richer.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the dry milk powder with coconut milk powder and use hot water or plant-based milk.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, nutmeg, or cardamom to the mix for a warm, spiced kick.
Storage and Recipe Tips
- Store In Airtight Containers: Store your homemade hot chocolate mix in a sealed mason jar or other airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 months.
- Gift Idea: Decorate a mason jar with a ribbon and attach a small bag of mini marshmallows or a candy cane for an easy holiday gift.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Use the best quality chocolate that you can afford. High-quality chocolate enhances the quality and intensity of the hot chocolate.
- To Make Multiple Batches: While this recipe can be doubled, tripled, etc, it may not all fit in your food processor. I recommend processing one batch at a time. After all, it only takes a minute to make each batch!
Recipe FAQs:
What do you serve with homemade hot chocolate mix?
Although hot chocolate is the kind of beverage you can drink without anything added to it, we often like to pair this warm, sweet beverage with some of our favorite baked treats. Not sure what to serve with your hot chocolate? These are a few of my favorite choices:
- Biscotti
- Cookies
- Graham Crackers
- Scones
- Cheese (yes, cheese! It tastes amazing with hot chocolate. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!)
What are some fun add-ins for hot chocolate?
You can customize every cup of hot chocolate with a bunch of different extras that will go great with it, such as:
- Chocolate Syrup
- Whipped Cream
- Nutella
- Vanilla Extract
- Ground Cinnamon
- Coconut Flakes
- Caramel Sauce
- Instant Coffee Powder
Of course, these are just a few of the MANY ingredients you can add to your hot chocolate to give it a unique, super delicious taste!
More Hot Chocolate Recipes:
If you’re looking for other fun ways to make hot chocolate, check out a few of my favorite recipes here:
- Hot Chocolate Bombs – Who doesn’t love the popular hot chocolate bombs? Prepare these bombs and toss them into a warm glass of milk for a tasty cup of hot chocolate in no time.
- Instant Pot Hot Chocolate – Want to make hot chocolate like never before? This recipe is perfect for you! It’s super quick and easy.
- White Hot Chocolate – Try an alternative version of the traditional hot chocolate with this white chocolate recipe. It’s one of my favorites.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped fine
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 5 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor.
- Process until the mixture is ground to powder, about 30-60 seconds.
- Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutrition
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Does it have to be warm milk? Can you make this with hot water?
Hot water will work, too!
I tried making this nearly sugar free with 1/4 tsp stevia extract powder instead of the sugar (replaced volume with powdered milk) and using mostly 72% dark chocolate for the chocolate.
Drank a cup: Not bitter, but not sweet enough to enhance the chocolate flavor either. Will try adding a couple of Tbls of sugar to the mix.
Added 2 Tbls + 1 tsp
Drank a cup: Much better, less “dirt” tasting due to the added sugar.
Added 2 tsp, will call it good.
Rachel, thanks for sharing this almost sugar-free adaptation! I know it will be useful to others. 🙂