Why You’ll Love this Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Every home deserves a jar of this homemade hot chocolate mix waiting in the pantry for those moments when only something warm and chocolatey will do.
I’m telling you, once you make this, store-bought versions will seem like distant memories.
What’s to love? It’s ridiculously economical, contains no mystery ingredients, and can be customized to your exact taste preferences.
Too sweet? Reduce the sugar.
Want it darker? Add more cocoa.
Craving something unique? Toss in some peppermint or cinnamon.
Plus, it makes the perfect last-minute gift.
Who wouldn’t appreciate a jar of comfort they can stir into hot milk whenever the mood strikes?
What Ingredients are in Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix?
This homemade hot chocolate mix brings together a perfect balance of ingredients that create a rich, chocolatey experience without any artificial additives or preservatives you might find in store-bought versions.
The beauty of making your own mix is knowing exactly what goes into it, and these simple pantry staples combine to create something truly magical when stirred into hot milk on a chilly evening.
- 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder (about 90 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (about 45 grams)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (about 60 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch for extra silky texture
When selecting your ingredients, quality matters—especially with the cocoa powder.
A good Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a smoother, less acidic flavor, while natural cocoa provides a more intense chocolate punch.
The salt might seem insignificant, but don’t skip it! That tiny amount balances the sweetness and actually enhances the chocolate flavor.
And if you’re planning to gift this mix or store it for longer periods, consider adding the cornstarch, which not only creates a silkier texture but also helps prevent clumping during storage.
How to Make this Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Making this dreamy homemade hot chocolate mix couldn’t be simpler, and your future self will thank you on those cold evenings when you’re craving something sweet and cozy. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch if you’re opting for that extra silky texture.
The key to a perfectly smooth mix is breaking up any lumps as you go—nobody wants to discover a pocket of cocoa powder in their otherwise perfect mug of hot chocolate, right?
Simply whisk all these ingredients together until you’ve achieved a uniform mixture. This is where a little extra effort pays off. For a truly luxurious texture, consider pulsing the mixture in a food processor for about 10-15 seconds. This extra step transforms your homemade mix from great to professional-grade, breaking down any remaining tiny lumps and creating that velvety consistency we all dream about.
Store your finished mix in a clean, dry, airtight container—those cute Mason jars work perfectly and make for an Instagram-worthy pantry addition.
When you’re ready to enjoy your creation, the ratio is straightforward: whisk about 3 tablespoons of your mix into 1 cup of hot milk until smooth and perfectly dissolved. While milk creates the creamiest result, water works too, especially if you’ve added that cornstarch for extra body.
Feel free to adjust the amount of mix to suit your taste preferences—some like it richer, others prefer it less sweet. And if you’re planning to gift this delightful mix to friends or family, consider layering it with mini marshmallows in a clear jar and attaching a simple tag with instructions. There’s something so thoughtful about giving someone the gift of instant comfort in a jar, don’t you think?
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic mix, let’s explore how to transform your homemade hot chocolate into something truly special with a few simple tweaks.
I’m obsessed with the peppermint version during winter—those crushed candy canes melt into the most magical swirls.
For morning indulgence, try the mocha variation; I sometimes sneak it in before coffee.
The Mexican-style with cinnamon and cayenne? Absolute game-changer on chilly nights.
And when I’m out of milk, I just boost the mix-to-water ratio for creamy perfection.
Got dairy-free friends? Skip the milk powder and use alternative milks—coconut milk powder works wonders too.
What to Serve with Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
What pairs perfectly with a steaming mug of homemade hot chocolate?
I’m convinced that nothing beats a plate of warm cookies—chocolate chip or snickerdoodle, still a bit gooey inside. For something lighter, try cinnamon toast points dusted with sugar.
When I’m feeling fancy, I serve my cocoa with a side of biscotti for dunking, or homemade marshmallows (so much better than store-bought, trust me).
Small shortbread cookies or graham crackers work beautifully too.
For dessert pairings, a slice of pound cake or churros creates a memorable treat.
And on cold nights? A warm blanket isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Final Thoughts
After enjoying countless mugs of hot chocolate throughout my life, I’ve come to believe that this homemade mix might be the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction.
There’s something magical about creating something so comforting from basic pantry ingredients.
Unlike store-bought versions with their mysterious ingredients, you control exactly what goes into your cup.
Plus, the variations are endless—a dash of peppermint for holiday cheer, a hint of cinnamon for warmth.
Whether you’re making it for yourself on a cold evening or gifting jars to friends, homemade hot chocolate mix brings joy with every steamy sip.
Couldn’t we all use more of that?
