Rich Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix: A Winter Hug (Print Version)

Craft a sweet, comforting homemade hot cocoa mix for cozy nights. Easy DIY hot chocolate that warms you from the inside out.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 15 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup (96g) unsweetened cocoa powder, good quality
02 - 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
03 - 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
04 - 1 cup (90g) non-fat dry milk powder

→ Flavor Enhancers

05 - ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or vanilla bean powder)

→ Optional Spices

07 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more, to taste)
08 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

→ Serving Suggestions

09 - Mini marshmallows
10 - Whipped cream
11 - Chocolate shavings

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your ingredients out. I usually line them up on the counter, a little ritual. Grab a large bowl – one big enough so you don't make a cocoa-dust explosion like I did that one time. Get your whisk ready, too. This step just makes me feel organized, which is rare for me in the kitchen, honestly!
02 - Measure your unsweetened cocoa powder into a fine-mesh sieve set over your large bowl. Sift it through, breaking up any lumps with the back of a spoon. This step is a game-changer for a smooth homemade hot cocoa mix. Trust me, you don't want lumpy chocolate; I learned that when I tried to rush it once, oops.
03 - Now, add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar to the sifted cocoa powder. Give it a good whisk. You'll see the color lighten slightly as the sugars incorporate. It’s starting to look like proper hot cocoa mix! I always pause here and take a little sniff, it’s already smelling sweet.
04 - Next, sprinkle in the non-fat dry milk powder, salt, vanilla powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together really, really well. You want all those lovely flavors to be evenly distributed throughout your homemade hot cocoa mix. I always make sure there are no streaks of white powder left, that's crucial for an even taste.
05 - Continue whisking until the entire mixture is uniform in color and texture. It should look like a beautiful, light brown powder, ready to transform into a warm drink. Take a little sniff – it smells so comforting already! This is where the magic really happens for your homemade hot cocoa mix, transforming simple ingredients into something special.
06 - Transfer your finished homemade hot cocoa mix into an airtight container, like a pretty jar or a sturdy resealable bag. Label it! I always forget and then wonder what mystery powder is in that jar a month later. Keep it in a cool, dry place until you're ready for a warm mug. It's such a satisfying feeling to have it all put away, ready for a chilly night.

# Notes:

01 - Always sift your cocoa powder; it prevents lumps and makes for a smoother mix.
02 - For longer storage, make sure your container is truly airtight to prevent moisture.
03 - If you're out of vanilla powder, add vanilla extract directly to your hot milk when serving.
04 - Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra special treat.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - fine-mesh sieve
03 - whisk
04 - airtight container(s)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 75 kcal (per 2 tbsp mix)
Total Fat: 1g (per 2 tbsp mix)
Total Carbohydrate: 16g (per 2 tbsp mix)
Protein: 2g (per 2 tbsp mix)

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