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My kids love hot chocolate. In the Fall and Winter time, I can barely keep enough in stock as they drink it constantly.  In an effort to save money, I created this Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix.  Now I love it more than the store bought ones.

Close up image of hot chocolate mix in a mason jar with a spoon. Also a white mug with hot chocolate with marshmallows.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe:

We love making homemade cocoa mixes as they taste better and can control the ingredients. We have made Homemade Nesquick recipe which is easy to add some powdered milk to make this easy Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe.

Hot Chocolate is one of our favorites We make Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe, Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Crock Pot Hot Chocolate when the weather stars to get colder. They are so delicious and saves me money making them at home.

We also love making this Slow Cooker White Hot Chocolate as it is so flavorful and easy to make in the slow cooker. It is perfect for when we have friends over and we are hanging by the fire.

Make sure you check out 20 of our favorite Hot Chocolate Recipes. The weather is going to start getting colder and these recipes are sure to keep you warm. We love hot cocoa.

Close up image of hot chocolate mix in a mason jar with a spoon. Also a white mug with hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix is Budget Friendly:

This is WAY cheaper than the boxed variety (and tastes better). A typical 10-count box of cocoa will coast you about $1 (if you get it on sale).

You can make this homemade hot chocolate mix for under $1 and it will give you over 20 servings! Plus, there is something to be said about knowing ALL of the ingredients in your cocoa.

Close up images of ingredients to make hot chocolate mix.

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe:

  • Granulated Sugar
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Milk
  • Salt

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix:

  • Step 1 – Combine ingredients in a mason jar. Shake until everything is well combined. You can also mix ingredients in a large bowl and then pour into the mason jar.
  • Step 2 – To make hot chocolate, add 1-2 tablespoons of homemade hot chocolate mix to hot water. Stir and enjoy.

How long will Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix last?

I like to store my hot cocoa mix in a cute designated container. This hot cocoa mix recipe will last up to 6 months. The first sign that it is getting colder, we start mixing up hot cocoa as I know the kids will be asking for it.

We also love giving this hot cocoa mix out as holiday gifts. Everyone loves getting it as I always include some cute holiday mugs and a Christmas movie. You can also include some baked goods. It is a cute but practical to give to give out to your neighbors and your kids teachers.

Close up image of hot chocolate mix layered in a mason jar with a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

What to Serve with Hot Chocolate:

Hot chocolate is perfect to serve any time of the day. We have even done a hot chocolate bar when we have had friends over.

  • Baked Cookies
  • Slice of Pie
  • Marshmallows
  • Graham Crackers

What to Add to Hot Cocoa Mix:

  • Cinnamon
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract
  • Chai

What is Powdered Milk?

You do need dry milk powdered for this recipe so that your hot chocolate is creamy.  All it takes is ½ cup Powdered milk it is essentially an evaporated milk product that is used in cooking and baking recipes.

By using dry milk, you no longer have to worry about your milk in your refrigerator going bad.  It’s a great way to extend the self life of milk in your home.

I found this product in the baking aisle of my local grocery store for this best hot chocolate mix recipe.

Close up image of hot chocolate mix with a white mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Do you make Hot Chocolate with Milk or Water?

For a creamier hot chocolate we recommend using Whole Milk. But you can use low fat milk as well and you will still end up with a creamy cup of hot chocolate.

Substitutions for Homemade Hot Cocoa:

This recipe is very versatile.  You can definitely use different ingredients if you prefer. 

  • I have used powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) instead of regular sugar when I was out.  I did find that this made our hot cocoa a bit sweeter but we still enjoyed it.
  • Also, if you cannot find dry milk in your local grocery store, using instant coffee creamer will work as well.  I don’t think that it makes the hot chocolate as creamy but is a great option if you cannot locate powdered milk in your area.
  • In addition, the salt in this recipe is optional.  I find that it brings out the flavor in the cocoa powdered but is not needed if you are watching your salt intake.
Close up image of a mason jar of hot chocolate mix with a white mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and a red towel.

How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate:

  • Step 1 – Begin heat water in a sauce pan over medium heat.
  • Step 2 – After you have created your homemade hot cocoa mix, all you have to do is mix 1-2 Tablespoons of the mix with a cup hot water.  I add the amount of mix needed based on how chocolatey you want your cocoa.
  • Step 3 – All you have to do is stir until the mix is thoroughly dissolved and then your hot chocolate is ready to be enjoyed.

Toppings for Hot Cocoa

Ok now that you have created a delicious and easy cup of hot cocoa, what would use to top it? 

  • My kids love topping theirs with mini marshmallows.  We also have a pack of those on hand!
  • Also, whipped cream is always a winner on hot cocoa! 
  • Also, you can top it with your favorite type of chocolate chips.  I love using a mixture of white and milk chocolate chips.
  • Some friends put red hot candies in their hot chocolate.
  • Be sure to have some peppermint sticks or candy canes for stirring.

However you decide to enjoy it, you’ll love having this homemade chocolate mix in your pantry for your family to enjoy.

Print Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe Here:

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

4.90 from 277 votes
This homemade hot chocolate mix is much easier to make than you might think. It is also much cheaper to make your own hot chocolate mix than to buy in the store.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 20
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 74

Ingredients

  • 1 1/3 cup sugar (granulated or powdered)
  • 2/3 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/2 cups powdered milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
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Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in a mason jar. Shake until everything is well combined.
  • To make hot chocolate, add 1-2 tablespoons of homemade hot chocolate mix to hot water. Stir and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Adding the powdered milk makes this hot chocolate nice and creamy and oh so yummy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 74kcal, Carbohydrates 16g, Protein 1g, Fat 1g, Cholesterol 3mg, Sodium 27mg, Potassium 86mg, Sugar 14g, Vitamin A 30IU, Vitamin C 0.2mg, Calcium 33mg, Iron 0.4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.90 from 277 votes (261 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that your alternations worked great in this recipe – Thank you for sharing!

  2. Victoria says:

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious! Thank you! I made a couple of adjustments: 1) because of diet restrictions I used bulk Splenda instead of sugar and 2) I doubled the powdered milk to 1 cup. The whole family loves it!

  3. Leslie says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is perfect and without all the extra nasty stuff in the big box stores.

  4. Asiya says:

    5 stars
    I just made this. I cut the amount of sugar in half. It tastes great. I love being able to control the amount of sugar.

  5. Kathryn Ojerio says:

    Needs much more cocoa powder and milk powder. Very thin and watery.

  6. Ellen says:

    This recipe has been around for ages. Made for my children when younger, now in their 40’s. Good to have on hand as price in grocery store is ridiculous.

  7. Heather says:

    I made a big jar of this (triple recipe) and sent it in to work with my husband, and he is the most popular guy in the office right now. 🙂 Thank you!

  8. Chelsey says:

    5 stars
    This is my go to hot chocolate mix. I follow the recipe exactly as stated. I love adding a few tablespoons to my green or black tea in the morning. Delicious!!

  9. Anonymous says:

    This is very good. I cut the sugar in half and probably could go even lower. I also added an additional tablespoon if dry milk directly to the cup when making because it was too watery for my taste.

    Thanks

  10. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes, you can

  11. Jessica says:

    Can I use milk instead of water, even if I use powdered milk?

  12. Grammacat says:

    WOW! This recipe makes EXCELLENT hot cocoa. Easy too. I used granulated sugar. Nestle baking cocoa and the powdered milk. Mixed it all together. Makes quite a bit. I LOVE LOVE chocolate. Great chocolate flavor. I added 2 heaping teaspoons of mix to my cup with about 6 ounces of water. I needed room for the Reddi Whip! I will never buy hot cocoa mix again. Will be making this for Holiday gifts. Thank you for the great recipe!

  13. Carrie says:

    Here is the recipe that we follow when we make hot chocolate bombs and we love it – Hot Chocolate Bomb Recipe

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