Winter is coming and that means a season of comfort! A sweater, thick socks, a fluffy blanket, and creamy hot cocoa are all you need for ultimate comfort. In this article, you’ll find a recipe for a bulk hot cocoa mix that will keep you warm and cozy all winter long. It’s easy to make, requires fewer not-so-pretty ingredients, and is so delicious that you won’t buy it in the store anymore.
I’ve been wanting to make hot chocolate mix for years and finally got around to it this year! I love having a large container of homemade hot chocolate mix sitting on my kitchen counter. It reminds you to relax, sit back and be comfortable. This reminder is often needed. I’m sure you can relate… I also love that this recipe cuts down on unnatural ingredients that aren’t good for your overall health. This isn’t the healthiest hot cocoa recipe, but it’s a much better alternative than the pre-made packaged hot cocoa mixes sold at grocery stores.
I found this recipe i am baker. I doubled it and added chocolate chips. Feel free to reduce the recipe. I made a big batch because I knew my husband and daughters would eat up this mix in no time!
Why make your own hot cocoa mix?
Let’s be honest, making your own hot cocoa mix doesn’t save you much money. You’ll save a little money, and once it’s all mixed, you’ll have ingredients left over for other recipes. However, if you compare it to Swiss Miss’ 8-meal package, you’ll probably save 0.5 cents. But what you get by making your own hot cocoa is both a cleaner version of this cold-weather staple and the pride of having made your family’s favorite winter drink from scratch.
Below is the cost of each ingredient using Target’s brand Good & Gather.
- 2 boxes of powdered milk – $7.38
- Cocoa powder-$2.69
- Powdered sugar-$2.29
- Mini Chocolate Chips – $2.99 (optional)
- Salt-$0.75
- Cornstarch-$1.99
Total: $18.09 per meal = $0.45.
Swissmiss 8-pack box $2.99 = 0.38 per serving
Swiss Miss ingredients:
- Sugar, corn syrup, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated coconut oil, nonfat milk, marshmallows (sugar, corn syrup, modified cornstarch, gelatin, natural flavors), less than 2%: salt, dipotassium phosphate, monoglycerides. and diglycerides, natural flavor
You can save a little money by making your own hot cocoa mix, but the real reason is to cut out nasty ingredients like corn syrup, hydrogenated coconut oil, dipotassium phosphate, and natural flavors.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Ingredients and Substitutes:
sugar: It is best to use powdered sugar (caster sugar), which dissolves better than granulated sugar. I found it powdered monk fruit sweetener You may also want to try healthier alternatives.
Cocoa powder: I heard that processed cocoa powder from the Netherlands is the best, but I couldn’t find it at the supermarket. You can use any brand of cocoa powder. I chose the Ghirardelli one. I’m not 100% sure, but I think you have a choice. raw cacao powder For healthier options.
Milk powder: I found the powdered milk at my local grocery store. There were several options. i used this milk. I think I’ll look for whole milk powder next time. If you are vegan or dairy intolerant, try the following dried coconut milk.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to cocoa powder makes hot cocoa creamier.
salt: Don’t leave any salt behind! Salt actually enhances the sweetness of the mix and brings out more of the chocolate flavor.
Chocolate chips: No need to use chocolate chips. This is an addition I decided to try as I felt the mix could be a little sweeter. This time I used semi-sweet mini chips, but you can use whatever you like. I read on another blog that white chocolate chips are amazing. I think adding chips will shorten the expiration date a little. I really don’t understand.
marshmallow: There’s no need to add marshmallows to the mix. I didn’t. I prefer to add them to each mug I make, but jet puff mini marshmallow
Related article: Sleepy Girl’s Mocktail Recipe – My Wine Alternative
material
- 5 cups powdered milk
- 2 cups cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1-2 cups mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 mini marshmallow container (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a large sealable container or bowl.
- Mix well
- Use 1/4 cup mix to make 1 cup cocoa. Add the mix to a mug and pour hot milk or water over the top.
- Stir thoroughly. It may take a few minutes for the milk powder to completely dissolve.
Precautions
- Modify this recipe to suit your tastes. I found that 4 cups of powdered sugar didn’t give it much sweetness, so if you like it sweeter, you can add more chocolate chips or increase the amount of chocolate chips. If you want it to be less sweet, you can reduce the sugar.
- I didn’t add them to the mix because I like to add dried mini marshmallows on top of my hot cocoa, but you can add them or omit them all together if you like.
- This mix can be added to hot water or hot milk. I added some hot water and then some fresh cream.
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How to use homemade hot cocoa mix:
- Add 1/4 cup to an 8-12 oz mug.
- Pour hot water or hot milk into the mug.
- Stir until the powder is dissolved.
- If using water, feel free to add milk, heavy cream, or heavy cream.
**This recipe makes approximately 40 servings and approximately 90 oz. of powder. I don’t know the expiration date, but the ingredients other than the chocolate chips should last quite a while. My research has shown that once you open powdered milk, there is a risk that it will spoil within three months. If you don’t plan on completing this recipe soon, we recommend not adding chocolate chips to the mix and using the mix within 3 months. Halving the recipe is also a good option.
I found a large flip top container here.
What is the difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate?
Believe it or not, there is a difference between hot cocoa and hot chocolate. Hot cocoa is usually made from a powdered mixture and blended with hot water or milk. Hot chocolate is usually made by melting actual chocolate in hot water or milk.
DIY hot cocoa mix makes a great gift!
My homemade hot cocoa mix makes a great gift. I think it’s a fun idea to bring to a party as a hostess gift. What you need is 8 oz jarwith a decorative ribbon tied around the lid; gift tags Or a label explaining how much to use per mug. You can also find a larger jar and use 8 ounces of the mix and top it with marshmallows or chocolate chips. What happens when you tie a small bottle of Baileys to the lid? Everyone will love the gift of homemade hot cocoa mix!
Looking for more homemade gift ideas? Find out more in our Easy Homemade Gifts Everyone Will Love post.
Just to be clear, I’m not saying this recipe is healthy. However, it’s a much better alternative than most hot cocoa packets. If you’re looking for a healthy hot chocolate, give this one a try. However, this healthy hot chocolate recipe is meant to be made on the stove for one person.
I hope you found this homemade hot cocoa recipe useful and delicious.
xx, Jenny
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