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–+ servings
Two containers of hot cocoa mix in a pint and quart canning jar.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Just 3 Ingredients!)

By Tammy Spencer
All it takes is three pantry staples and five minutes to make this easy 3-Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix. Just add hot water for a rich, creamy cup - no fresh milk needed. Keep a batch on hand for chilly days, or package it up for an easy homemade gift!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 200kcal

Special Equipment

Ingredients

For the cocoa mix

  • 2 cups (227 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (227 grams) dry milk powder, see Recipe Notes
  • 1 cup (86 grams) cocoa powder, or dark chocolate cocoa powder, see Recipe Notes

For hot cocoa

  • hot water
  • whipped cream, optional
  • mini marshmallows, optional
  • flavorings, optional, like extracts, spices, or spirits

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 cups dry milk powder, and 1 cup cocoa powder together.
    For best results, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to remove any lumps.
  • Transfer the mixture to a storage container with a tight fitting lid. I use wide-mouth canning jars, and a wide-mouth funnel to easily pour the mixture into the jars.
  • To make hot cocoa: Pour ½ cup (67 grams) of the mix into a heat-proof mug. Add in 1 cup (230 grams) of hot water and whisk until smooth. Top with whipped cream and mini marshmallows, if desired.
  • You can flavor your hot cocoa with extracts, spices, and/or spirits for variety. Use a light hand to flavor your hot cocoa to taste. See the post for some flavoring ideas.
  • Storage instructions: Store the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For best quality, use it by the earliest best-by date of the ingredients used, particularly the dry milk powder.
  • Yield Notes: Makes 5 cups (540 grams) of hot cocoa mix and about 10 servings of hot cocoa.

Recipe Notes

You can use any type of dry milk powder  you prefer (whole or nonfat), or substitute your favorite non-dairy milk powder for a dairy-free hot cocoa mix.
For a richer, more intense chocolate experience, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
For a hint of vanilla, add 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder to the full batch of cocoa mix for a warm vanilla note that complements the chocolate. Since vanilla bean powder is made from finely ground whole vanilla beans, you may see tiny vanilla flecks in the finished cocoa.
Using a glass bowl to whisk the cocoa mix ingredients helps. You can see if all the powders are thoroughly mixed.
DIY cocoa mix gifts: Because this cocoa mix is shelf stable, it's easy to make a homemade hot cocoa mix gift jar:
  • Layer the ingredients in a quart-sized wide-mouth canning jar. I recommend starting with the powdered milk, then add in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
  • Top the mix with mini marshmallows. You can even use homemade marshmallows if you'd like!
  • Tie a ribbon around the top with a tag printed with instructions for making the hot cocoa.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gram | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 131mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 1mg