February 1, 2024
Review RecipeHot Chocolate Mix
Table of Contents
There’s nothing quite like a warm cozy drink on a cold winter day, especially when you’ve made it yourself with your own hot chocolate mix. This winter, skip the packets from the store and make it homemade instead since it’s so easy to do, and you can customize it to your liking.
Hot Chocolate Mix Ingredients
This hot chocolate mix is a rich and velvety delight, blending semi-sweet and white chocolate for a balanced and indulgent chocolate experience.
Cocoa powder intensifies the flavor, while milk powder adds creaminess. A touch of sea salt enhances the sweetness, and vanilla extract provides a comforting aroma.
You’ll need:
- ¾-1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips
- 2 ounces of white chocolate bar or chips
- 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup of instant nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional, see note)
PRO TIP:
If you are not serving the hot cocoa mix made on the stovetop, you can omit the cornstarch from the mixture. It will not heat up enough to thicken the hot cocoa if you just mix it with hot milk/water. It doesn’t change the flavor of the mix though, and it won’t hurt to leave it in the ingredients either way.
Substitutions And Additions
SUGAR: Powdered sugar could be used in place of the granulated sugar in this homemade mix. It dissolves easily, making it a great substitution.
CHOCOLATE: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate to customize your hot chocolate mix.
Dark chocolate lovers can use a higher percentage of cocoa for an extra-rich taste, while those with a sweet tooth can opt for milk chocolate chips for a creamier flavor.
COCOA POWDER: For a unique twist, try using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
It will impart a smoother, less acidic flavor profile to your hot chocolate.
VANILLA EXTRACT: Infuse your hot chocolate mix with diverse aromas by using flavored extracts.
Try peppermint extract for a festive twist, almond extract for a nutty undertone, or even orange extract for a citrusy zing.
TOPPINGS: Get creative with toppings! Marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed peppermint candies, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup can take your hot chocolate to the next level. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
FLAVORED SYRUPS: Enhance the flavor profile with flavored syrups like vanilla, hazelnut, or raspberry.
Just a splash can give your hot chocolate a gourmet twist without any extra effort.
How To Make This Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
It’s hard to believe how easy it is to make your own hot chocolate mix. You’ll never want to use store-bought again.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
This mix keeps well for up to three months, and you can double the recipe to make a big batch to keep you warm all winter.
STEP ONE: Combine all of the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
PRO TIP:
Vary the types of chocolate and the amount of sugar for your own personal taste preference. Try to maintain a ratio of twice as much sugar as unsweetened cocoa powder.
STEP TWO: Pulse or run until the chocolate bar pieces are completely broken down, and the hot cocoa mix is a consistent powder.
STEP THREE: Package the dry mix in a container with a lid.
STEP FOUR: To serve, mix two tablespoons of hot cocoa mix with six to eight ounces of hot water or hot milk, stir, and enjoy.
PRO TIP:
To make hot chocolate on the stovetop, heat 2 tablespoons per 1 cup of milk over the stovetop until the mixture reaches a simmer. Stir constantly, and allow to simmer for 1 minute. Hot cocoa will thicken slightly. Serve.
How To Serve
Curl up in front of the fireplace on a cold night with a big mug of this creamy hot chocolate. Top your drink with a handful of mini marshmallows and a spoonful of whipped cream.
Add a tasty plate of snowball cookies or butter cookies for a sweet treat on the side.
This hot cocoa mix recipe also makes a great homemade gift to give to friends and family during the holidays. Add the mixture to a mason jar tied with a pretty ribbon and heating instructions.
For more cozy drinks to keep you warm when the days are cold, a pumpkin spice latte or apple cider would be a perfect choice.
MORE HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES
Storage
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re in a hurry on a chilly morning or simply want to have your hot chocolate mix ready to go, you can certainly make it ahead of time.
Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months. This way, you’ll have a comforting cup of hot cocoa at your fingertips whenever the craving strikes.
IN THE PANTRY: This homemade hot cocoa recipe will keep in an airtight container for up to three months.
IN THE FREEZER: While this hot chocolate mix does have a good shelf life, you could extend it by storing it in the freezer longer term.
Why We Love This Recipe
PURE CHOCOLATE BLISS: This recipe creates a hot chocolate mix that’s all about indulgent, rich chocolate flavor. The combination of semi-sweet and white chocolate, along with cocoa powder, delivers an exceptionally deep and satisfying cocoa experience.
CUSTOMIZABLE: You have the freedom to tailor this mix to your liking. Whether you prefer it sweeter, darker, or with a unique twist like flavored extracts or spices, this recipe welcomes your creativity and ensures your hot chocolate suits your palate.
LONG SHELF LIFE: Thanks to proper storage instructions, this mix can last for months without losing its quality. This means you can enjoy the taste of homemade hot chocolate whenever you desire, without the need for frequent preparation.
This is the best homemade hot chocolate mix since it uses not only cocoa powder but also pieces of real chocolate to make a creamy mug of cocoa. Serve this delicious drink all winter long to keep you warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unsweetened cocoa powder does naturally contain caffeine, so a cup of hot cocoa does have some caffeine which can give you a little boost.
This delicious recipe would be yummy with non-dairy options such as soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk
This easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe will keep in your pantry for up to three months.
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Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bar or chips
- 2 ounces white chocolate bar or chips
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup instant nonfat dry milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, optional (see note)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
- Pulse or run until the chocolate bar pieces are completely broken down and the hot cocoa mix is a consistent powder.
- Package in a container with a lid.
- To serve, mix two tablespoons of hot cocoa mix with 6-8 ounces of hot water or milk, stir, and enjoy.
- For the best results, include cornstarch in the mixture as listed in the ingredients. To serve, heat 2 tablespoons per 1 cup of milk over the stovetop until the mixture reaches a simmer. Stir constantly, and allow to simmer for 1 minute. Hot cocoa will thicken slightly. Serve.
Notes
- If you are not serving the hot cocoa mix made on the stovetop, you can omit the cornstarch from the mixture. It will not heat up enough to thicken the hot cocoa if you just mix it with hot milk/water. It doesn’t change the flavor of the mix, and it won’t hurt to leave it in the ingredients either way.
- This mix keeps well for up to three months, and you can double the recipe to make a big batch to keep you warm all winter.
- Vary the types of chocolate and the amount of sugar for your own personal taste preference. Try to maintain a ratio of twice as much sugar as unsweetened cocoa powder.
- To make hot chocolate on the stovetop, heat 2 tablespoons per 1 cup of milk over the stovetop until the mixture reaches a simmer. Stir constantly, and allow to simmer for 1 minute. Hot cocoa will thicken slightly. Serve.
Nutrition
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