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Our homemade Hot Chocolate Mix recipe uses real chocolate bars and Dutch-process cocoa for a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate that’s better than mix you could buy.
Real Chocolate Makes A Difference
I promise you will taste the difference between this Hot Chocolate Mix and those sad packets in the store. The biggest difference is we grind up actual chocolate bars to add that deep, rich chocolate flavor (and we use good quality cocoa powder, so you get the flavor and texture)! My family is already obsessed with this mix, we have a dedicated jar of it in our pantry now. It dissolves in a cup of hot water or milk.
This makes a great gift, whether for the holidays or just a simple hostess gift during the cooler months. We have free printable gift tags you could attach to jars for gifting.
Try more of our beverages, like Homemade Eggnog, Wassail, Iced Tea, Chocolate Milk, and Frozen Hot Chocolate!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bars: Use real chopped chocolate bars (high quality like Ghirardelli or Baker’s). Real chocolate bars have cocoa butter, which melts and makes it super rich and creamy in a way cocoa powder can’t do on its own.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Has a richer, darker color and a much smoother, more mellow chocolate taste than regular cocoa powder.
Powdered milk: Makes the mix rich and creamy, even if you only use hot water. Whole milk powder is best, but nonfat works too.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves instantly without grittiness and keeps the dry mix from clumping.
Brown sugar: Adds a depth of flavor that powdered sugar can’t do alone.
Cornstarch: Helps thickens the hot chocolate as it heats for a velvety, café-style texture.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
How to make Hot Chocolate Mix:
Blend: Chop the chocolate into pieces. In a food processor, blend the chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk powder until completely smooth with no large chunks. (Work in two batches if your processor is small).
Mix: Add the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse about 20 seconds until evenly mixed. (If you worked in batches, whisk everything together in a large bowl.)
Storage and Gifting
Store the mix in airtight jars in a cool, dry pantry for up to 3 months. Don’t refrigerate it, since moisture causes clumping. Shake or stir before using because the mix settles.
For gifting, spoon the mix into jars and add a tag with the serving directions. It’s a thoughtful homemade gift for teachers and neighbors.
Vanilla option: If you want to add vanilla bean powder, add 1½ Tablespoons directly to the dry mix. You can also add a little vanilla extract to the hot chocolate at the end. Check out all of my homemade food gifts!
How to Gift Hot Chocolate Mix:
This is such a fun gift for neighbors and friends! Just load it in a quart size mason jar, add a free label with the serving directions, and tie on a bow!
- Quart Mason Jars
- Free Hot Chocolate Mix Label
- Rectangle Label Paper
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bars, , chopped*
- ¾ cup high quality Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered milk (whole is best but nonfat works)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
- Mini marshmallows, , optional, for serving
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate into pieces.8 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bars
- In a food processor, process the chocolate, cocoa powder, and milk powder until completely smooth with no large chunks. (Work in two batches if your processor is small).¾ cup high quality Dutch-process cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered milk (whole is best but nonfat works)
- Add the powdered sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse about 20 seconds until evenly mixed. (If you worked in batches, whisk everything together in a large bowl.)1 ½ cups powdered sugar, â…“ cup cornstarch, 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt, 1 cup brown sugar
To Make Hot Chocolate:
- Use 3-4 Tablespoons of mix per 1 cup (8 oz) of milk (depending on how sweet you want it).
- Microwave Method: Whisk the mix into the milk in a large microwave-safe mug. Microwave 1½–2 minutes and stir. Microwave 30–60 seconds more, until it just bubbles around the edges. This cooks the cornstarch so it thickens and has no starchy taste. Stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and serve.
- Stovetop Method: Whisk the mix into the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, and simmer 1 minute until slightly thickened. Pour into mugs and top with mini marshmallows, if desired.Mini marshmallows
- Storing Instructions: Store in airtight jars in a cool, dry pantry for up to 3 months. (Don't refrigerate, because moisture causes clumping). Shake or stir before using, since the mix settles.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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