The Best Hot Cocoa Mix

Homemade hot cocoa is one of the most comforting recipes of all time. This hot cocoa mix will let you have it on repeat every single day all through the winter season. It is rich, simple and so good! Makes for a delicious edible gift as well.

With hot cocoa season in full swing it only makes sense to learn how to make it at home as it is the best and you will never want to buy one from the store again. Also, it is cheaper but more importantly it is so simple to make and doubles up as an edible gift situation for the holidays. If you are a purist and want to make it from scratch then check out my hot cocoa 3 ways. Alternatively you could make this no Fudd recipe on repeat as needed.

What is hot cocoa? Is hot chocolate and hot cocoa the same?

Hot chocolate or hot cocoa is a drink made with chocolate, milk and sugar. Some recipes use cocoa powder and heavy cream, while others use spices, vanilla and alcohol. It is served with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, marshmallows and cinnamon. It is commonly enjoyed in winter months around the festive season mainly Christmas. Today people make hot chocolate inspired desserts and recipes like cakes, cupcakes, tarts and puddings.

What ingredients do you need to make this hot cocoa mix?

To make this recipe we need dark chocolate, milk chocolate, unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder, milk powder, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla powder, corn starch, instant coffee powder. I have used water and milk to make it and you must serve it with marshmallows – I prefer giant ones but mini will do as well. Mum loves it with whipped cream.

What equipment do you need to make this hot cocoa mix?

We need a food processor to blitz the ingredients together, I have tried using a blender to make it but it it is best with a food processor. We need a glass jar to store the powder, I have used a blow torch to torch the marshmallows.

How to make hot cocoa mix?

We add the dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa powder, corn starch, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla powder, salt, milk powder, instant coffee in a food processor and blend until smooth and has the consistency of fine powder. Transfer the powder to an air tight container/jar and use as needed.

How to turn this hot cocoa mix into hot cocoa?

I like a thick and rich hot cocoa so my ratio is 3 tbsp of the hot cocoa mix with 1/4 cup hot milk and 1/2 cup hot water. Stir well until the mixture has dissolved. Serve it hot.

Serving hot cocoa options?

There are many ways to serve your hot cocoa, I like going with giant marshmallows that are torched. You can use mini marshmallows as well. Add whipped cream on top for a richer texture. Grate chocolate on top or dust with cinnamon as well. You can add a candy cane to the hot cocoa as well. I love keeping it simple and delicious.

Turning this hot cocoa into an edible gift?

Once the mixture is transferred to an air tight container, add a label and ribbon to make it festive. Write a note on how to make and serve it, attach the note to the jar and wrap in a festive paper.

Storing this hot cocoa mix?

The best part about this recipe is it can keep for months. I store it in an air tight glass jar for over a month at room temperature in a dry place away from the sun. The heat will melt the chocolate in the powder and make it sticky hence it must be stored in a dry place away from sunlight.

Looking for more hot cocoa recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this hot cocoa mix, you can have a look at the video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more baking recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on pinterest or instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.