Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Never be without your favorite winter beverage when you make this homemade hot chocolate mix and keep it on hand all season. This hot chocolate mix is made with cocoa powder, chopped dark chocolate, dry milk, and spices for a beverage better than anything you can get from powder pockets—or even from coffee shops.

Learn how to make homemade hot chocolate mix. Then, package it up and store it for a cold day (or go ahead and make a cup right now). Better yet, make a second batch and share it with friends and neighbors as a sweet token of appreciation during the holidays.

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

You need only mix together a handful of ingredients for this classic beverage:

• Nonfat dry milk: Also known as powdered milk, dry milk has a much longer shelf-life than liquid milk (and doesn't need to be refrigerated). It will lend the final drink a creaminess only milk can.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: For rich cocoa flavor, a hint of chocolate bitterness, and no extra sugar.
• Powdered sugar: This type of sugar usually has added cornstarch, which helps give hot chocolate a thicker texture. This is the source of most of the sweetness, too.
• Cornstarch: Repeat that thickness by adding regular cornstarch.
• Ground cinnamon: A bit of cinnamon will elevate the chocolate flavor and add a cozy warmth.
• Dark chocolate: We like dark chocolate for this hot chocolate mix because it has a bolder flavor, but you could use milk chocolate if you want.
• Mini marshmallows or whipped cream: Optional, and for serving, but what's hot chocolate without marshmallows and a little whip?

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

There are two stages to making homemade hot chocolate mix: making the mix, and then making the drink when you're time to enjoy it. We briefly cover both here, but the full recipe is below with step-by-step instructions.

• Step 1. Add the dry ingredients to a bowl, and whisk to combine.
• Step 2. Transfer the mix to a jar or other airtight container for storage.

When you're ready to drink this hot chocolate:

• Step 1. Add 1/4 cup of mix to a large mug.
• Step 2. Pour 1 cup of hot water over mix. Whisk or stir to combine.

How To Store Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

If you're making this hot chocolate mix for a cold day in the future, you'll want to make sure you store it properly so it's fresh when you're finally ready for that cup of cocoa. Transfer the mix to a container, such as a mason jar, and seal. Keep in a cool, dry place up to 3 months.

How To Give Homemade Hot Chocolate as a Gift

Homemade hot chocolate mix makes a wonderful gift at the holidays. You know everyone loves hot chocolate, it keeps for months, and it feels extra special to have something homemade. So if you're making this mix for a gift, these ideas will be useful:

• Look for gift-worthy jars: Around the holidays, decorative jars are more common because people make drink mixes and baking mixes, like this hot cocoa and Friendship Tea, as gifts. Stock up, and use those for this special present.
• Add holiday touches to a classic jar: Can't find anything special? Grab a regular mason jar, and add things like a fabric square over the lid, ribbon, or stickers.
• Don't forget instructions: Tie a tag to the jar with instructions: "1 cup of boiling water for every 1/4 cup of hot chocolate mix."
• Give with related items: Use this hot chocolate mix to complete a larger gift. Mugs, gloves, scarves—all things warm and cozy go with hot chocolate.

More Wonderful Food Gifts

Food gifts are a time-honored holiday gift. Many of the most treasured presents we get every year are the sweets and treats people make. These include:

• Cheese Straws
• Peanut Brittle
• Homemade Turtles
• Christmas Butter Mints
• Millionaire Candy