Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
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Skip the store bought hot chocolate mix and make this easy homemade hot chocolate mix! Make sure you have this easy mix in the pantry so you can warm up with a mug when you come in from ice skating, sledding and more. It’s the perfect treat on a cold winter day.

If there’s one thing that makes our bitter cold Minnesota winters a little more bearable, it’s warm mugs of hot chocolate! And not that flavorless kind in a packet – I’m talking homemade hot chocolate mix made from scratch. It’s so easy!
I make a batch of this hot cocoa mix at the start of each winter because it keeps well for months! We usually burn through it, though, because the kids love it and we make it a lot when friends and family come over. So, sometimes I have to replenish our batch halfway through the winter!
The Best Hot Chocolate Mix
- You only need four ingredients to make it!
- This is a mix with powdered milk, which makes a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate.
- It’s shelf-stable for three months, so you can make a big batch to keep on hand all through the cold weather months.
Serve up mugs of steaming hot chocolate with a batch of sugar cookies on a cold day – your family will love it!
Ingredients
- Instant dry milk (powdered milk)
- Powdered sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
Products Needed
How to Make the Mix
This is the easiest hot chocolate mix recipe – just sift, whisk, and store it!
Sift the powdered milk, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder into a large bowl. Pour the granulated sugar on top.
Whisk all of it together until it’s well combined.
Store it in an airtight container for up to three months!
How to Make a Cup of Cocoa
When you’re ready to treat yourself to a warm mug of hot chocolate, just pour 1/3 cup of the mix into a mug with 6 oz. warm milk, stir well, and enjoy!
Ways to Dress Up Hot Chocolate!
- Top it with mini marshmallows!
- Add some chocolate chips or white chocolate chips before adding the warm milk – they will melt into the drink for extra chocolate goodness.
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa powder or grated chocolate over the top.
- Or, drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for an extra treat.
- For the adults, add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee for a DIY mocha! Or, add a splash of peppermint schnapps for a boozy kick.
- Use this mix to make hot chocolate bombs for a special treat!

Give it as a Gift!
I LOVE to gives this as a gift because it’s easy to make and fun to package up for friends and family.
I like to find cute containers that hold four to six servings of the mix. Sometimes I add a small bag of chocolate chips or mini marshmallows to go with it.
Write out how to make a cup on a cute tag and use a ribbon to finish it off!

I hope you give this mix a try this year – it’s so much better than store-bought cocoa mix and will keep you and your family warm and cozy all winter!
More Hot Drink Recipes
- For a fall twist, make my Pumpkin Hot Chocolate. It has real pumpkin puree in it along with lots of fall spices.
- It’s really easy to make homemade Apple Cider in your Instant Pot! It’s warming and so cozy on a cold day.
- Treat yourself to a White Chocolate Latte and skip the expensive coffee shop ones!
- Make a batch of Chai Tea Mix to give away as gifts or keep it all to yourself. It’s another homemade mix I love to make!
- Whipped Hot Chocolate is a fun way to make hot cocoa!
Post a picture on Instagram and be sure to tag me so I can see it too! I’m loving all of your delicious foodie pics!
You can find me at @julieseatsandtreats or just #julieseatsandtreats – if you hashtag me, I’ll get to see it that way too!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 2 c. instant dry milk
- 2 c. powdered sugar sifted
- 1 c. unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- ⅓ c. granulated sugar
Optional Add-Ins for Hot Chocolate
- ½ c. chocolate chips white, milk or semi-sweet
- Mini marshmallows
- Peppermint extract
Instructions
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, instant dry milk and cocoa powder. Then add the granulated sugar on top. Whisk together until well combined.
- Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months.
How to Make Hot Chocolate
- To make hot cocoa, add ⅓ cup of mix in a mug, stir in 1 cup warm milk, add toppings and optional add-ins of your choice.
Tips
- Top it with mini marshmallows!
- Add some chocolate chips or white chocolate chips before adding the warm milk – they will melt into the drink for extra chocolate goodness.
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa powder or grated chocolate over the top.
- Or, drizzle some caramel sauce or chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for an extra treat.
- For the adults, add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee for a DIY mocha! Or, add a splash of peppermint schnapps for a boozy kick.
Ashley F. says
We have hot chocolate on repeat every winter, LOVE this homemade version!
Julie says
Us too! Glad you enjoyed it!
Beth says
This is perfect for us! We love hot chocolate and it’s so delicious! I can’t wait to make this with my daughter!
Julie says
So glad it was a hit!
Erin says
This was so easy to make! And it lasts the whole season long!
Julie says
Yes! So glad you loved it!
NITA says
I’VE BEEN WANTING TO TRY THIS HOMEMADE MIX FOR THE GRANDKIDS. NOW TO MAKE IT FOR THEM FOR CHRISTMAS EVE GATHERING! YUM
Julie says
I hope you all love it!