This homemade hot cocoa mix recipe is perfect for warming you up on a cold night. Better than store bought, make it in bulk and share with friends and family!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Hot cocoa is a favorite of mine because I am not much of a coffee drinker. And let’s be honest…
I love marshmallow and whipped cream!
The store bought nonsense is for the birds which is why I prefer to make mine homemade.
AND…This way I can make a milk chocolate or a dark chocolate version without worrying about what’s available at the grocery store.
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Ingredients Needed
- instant dry milk powder
- powdered sugar
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- granulated sugar
This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe will just make a basic hot cocoa. But we all know that the real fun is in the garnishes and toppings!
Once you make your warm cup of cocoa, top it off with any of these:
- chocolate chips (white, semi sweet, milk, or dark)
- mini marshmallows
- whipped cream
- cinnamon
- peppermint extract
- candy canes
- chocolate wafer straws (Pirouline)
- sprinkles
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How to make Hot Cocoa Mix
First: In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar and instant powdered milk together.
Second: Sift in cocoa powder. Add granulated sugar and whisk together until evenly combined.
Third: Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months
For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.
This recipe is perfect for making hot cocoa mix in bulk!
I like to portion mine out in cute little mason jars with a tag and instructions. These little gifts are perfect to hand out to my neighbors!
More Homemade Mixes to Make

To make a mug of hot cocoa, add ⅓ cup of homemade hot cocoa mix in a mug, stir in 1 cup hot milk, and add your favorite toppings!
Tips for No Leftovers
- Use good quality cocoa powder. It makes all the difference.
- You can use low-fat instant milk powder but I like the full fat stuff!
- Measure your ingredients before sifting as it changes the volume.
- Place the mix in the mug and then add the warm milk. It will keep the clumps at bay.
- You can make the your hot chocolate with hot water but I prefer milk. It makes it much creamier and yummier!
- To mix the ingredients, you can add them all to a food processor and pulse a few times. This will also aerate the mixture but it’s not necessary.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!


Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
This homemade hot cocoa mix recipe is perfect for warming you up on a cold night.
Ingredients
- 2 cups instant powdered milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chips, white, milk or semi-sweet
- Mini marshmallows
- Peppermint extract
Instructions
To make hot chocolate mix
- In a large mixing bowl, sift powdered sugar. Sift instant milk powder on top of powdered sugar.
- Sift cocoa powder on top or milk. Whisk together.
- Whisk in granulated sugar until evenly combined.
- Store in airtight container or jar for up to 3 months
To make hot cocoa
- add ⅓ cup of mix in a mug.
- Stir in 1 cup warm milk until mixed.
- Garnish with toppings of your choice.
Notes
*If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave me a comment and rate it 5 stars. Thank you!
Recommended Products
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 209Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 6g
This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.
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Kim
Wednesday 25th of January 2023
This hot cocoa mix is so good! I love the fact that it doesn’t have all the additives of store bought. Really great with a splash of Bailey’s!
Jennifer
Thursday 26th of January 2023
Thank you so much!