Rich Creamy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix: Easy Recipe (Print Version)
Craft a delightful Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. This recipe brings warmth, rich chocolate flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to every cup.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Mix
01 -
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
02 -
Granulated Sugar
03 -
Powdered Sugar
04 -
Salt
→ Creaminess & Smoothness
05 -
Milk Powder (whole milk powder for richness)
06 -
Cornstarch
→ Flavor Boosters (Optional)
07 -
Vanilla Powder (or vanilla extract added at serving)
08 -
Espresso Powder
09 -
Ground Cinnamon
→ Spicy Kick (Optional)
10 -
Cayenne Pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your dry ingredients measured out. I always lay them out on the counter, almost like a little assembly line. Sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar is a step I used to skip, honestly, but it makes such a difference in preventing lumps later. Trust me, finding a lump of dry cocoa in your hot chocolate is just... a bummer. Use a fine-mesh sieve over a big bowl; you'll see those little stubborn bits that need a bit of coaxing.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted cocoa powder, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and that tiny pinch of salt. Grab a good whisk—one you love, maybe even one that's a bit bent from all your kitchen adventures. Whisk these together really, really well. You want it to be a uniform, light brown color. This is where you're building the foundation for your delicious hot chocolate.
03 -
Now, add the milk powder and cornstarch to your chocolate-sugar base. The milk powder is what gives this mix its incredible creaminess when you add hot water or milk later. The cornstarch, bless its heart, helps keep things smooth and prevents the mix from settling into a hard block over time. I once forgot the cornstarch, and let's just say my jar of mix turned into a solid, unyielding brick after a week. Don't be like me!
04 -
This is the big mix! If you're adding any optional extras like vanilla powder, espresso powder, or ground cinnamon to your hot chocolate, now's the time. Whisk everything together again with gusto. You want every single granule to be friends with every other granule. I usually whisk for a good two minutes, really getting into the corners of the bowl, making sure there are no hidden pockets of just one ingredient. It should look like a beautiful, homogenous chocolate cloud.
05 -
Once your mix is perfectly combined, it's time to transfer it to an airtight container. A pretty glass jar works wonders, especially if you're planning to give some away. I love how it looks, almost like a little treasure waiting to be discovered. Make sure your container is clean and dry. I've had jars that weren't quite dry and, well, let's just say moist cocoa powder isn't a friend to anyone. This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix will be ready for action whenever a craving strikes!
06 -
To prepare your hot chocolate, simply scoop 2-3 tablespoons of your delicious mix into a mug. Pour in about 8 ounces of hot milk (dairy or non-dairy, whatever you fancy!) or hot water, and stir until it's completely dissolved. Watch it transform into that rich, inviting beverage you've been dreaming of. It should smell wonderfully chocolatey, maybe with a hint of vanilla or cinnamon. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a drizzle of caramel. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always sift your cocoa powder and powdered sugar; it makes a HUGE difference in smoothness, trust me on this one.
02 -
Don't skip the cornstarch! It really helps prevent clumping in the jar and gives a better texture to the final drink.
03 -
A tiny pinch of salt is crucial; it doesn't make it salty, it just brings out the chocolate flavor like magic.
04 -
For an extra-rich flavor, toast your cocoa powder lightly in a dry pan before mixing.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
whisk
03 -
fine-mesh sieve
04 -
airtight jar
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: Approx. 100-150 per serving (mix only)
Total Fat: Approx. 2-5g per serving (mix only)
Total Carbohydrate: Approx. 20-30g per serving (mix only)
Protein: Approx. 2-4g per serving (mix only)