Rich Homemade Cocoa Mix: Simple Comfort in a Jar (Print Version)

Craft your own delightful Homemade Cocoa Mix. It's easy, customizable, and brings warm, chocolatey comfort to every mug.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (or 1 tsp vanilla extract, added to mug)
06 - 1 teaspoon optional espresso powder

→ Make It Special

07 - 1/4 teaspoon optional ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch of optional cayenne pepper

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, gather all your ingredients for this Homemade Cocoa Mix, hon. I like to lay everything out on the counter; it just makes the process feel so much calmer. Grab a big bowl, because we're going to be doing some serious mixing. Make sure your cocoa powder and powdered sugar are ready. I find a clean, dry space always helps keep the kitchen chaos to a minimum, mostly! You want to see everything clearly.
02 - This step for your Homemade Cocoa Mix is crucial, honestly, especially for the powdered sugar and cocoa. Sift the cocoa powder, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, salt, and espresso powder (if using) into your large bowl. I've skipped this before, thinking "oh, it'll be fine," and ended up with annoying little lumps in my finished mix. Don't be like me! Sifting ensures everything is super fine and blends seamlessly, making for a truly smooth drink later. It feels good to see those fine powders fall into the bowl!
03 - Now for the fun part! Grab a whisk and really get in there, mixing all the sifted ingredients for your Homemade Cocoa Mix. You want to combine them thoroughly, making sure there are no streaks of unmixed cocoa or sugar. I usually whisk for a good two or three minutes, just to be sure. It should look like a uniform, beautifully chocolatey powder. The aroma starts filling the kitchen at this point, which is just wonderful!
04 - If you're using vanilla powder, now's the time to add it to your Homemade Cocoa Mix. Give it another good whisk to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the mix. If you only have liquid vanilla extract, hold off! We'll add that when we actually make a cup of cocoa, not to the dry mix. I once added liquid vanilla to the whole batch, thinking it would work, and ended up with clumps. Oops, lesson learned!
05 - Once your Homemade Cocoa Mix is perfectly blended, transfer it to an airtight container. I love using pretty glass jars, especially if I'm planning to give some away as gifts. Make sure the container is completely dry inside to prevent any moisture from clumping up your beautiful mix. I usually label mine with the date, just so I know it's fresh. It's satisfying to see it all neatly stored!
06 - To make a delicious cup of Homemade Cocoa Mix, simply add 2-3 tablespoons of your mix to a mug. Heat up about 8 ounces of milk (or water, but milk is better, honestly!) until it's steamy, not boiling. Pour the hot milk over the mix, stirring well until everything is dissolved and smooth. This is where you'd add a splash of vanilla extract if you didn't use powder. See how it looks? Rich, dark, and inviting!

# Notes:

01 - Always sift your cocoa powder and powdered sugar for this Homemade Cocoa Mix; it prevents lumps and ensures a smooth drink.
02 - Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6-8 months.
03 - Try adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick—it worked surprisingly well for me!
04 - Serve with a mountain of mini marshmallows for the ultimate comforting experience.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large bowl
02 - whisk
03 - airtight jar
04 - sifter (optional but recommended)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 100 kcal
Total Fat: 2g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 3g

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