Best Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
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This is the very BEST Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe. Minimal ingredients means this comes together quickly and is the perfect homemade gift!

I never thought I would want to make homemade hot chocolate mix. It’s fairly inexpensive in store, but here’s the thing. This recipe is SO DANG EASY and incredibly simple.
Plus, it makes a TON which is perfect for a quick holiday gift idea!
Recipe Features:
- Minimal Ingredients: This recipe has a whopping 4 ingredients. Most of which are pantry staples!
- Easy to Customize: Read below for more information on how to quickly customize this recipe.
- Long Shelf Life: If stored properly, this recipe can last up to six months!
What You’ll Need:
This really is the BEST homemade hot chocolate mix. But the secret is in the quality of ingredients. Below is a quick look at what you’ll need with the brands I have tried and suggest.
- Powdered Sugar- Any brand will do.
- Cocoa Powder- We actually really love Hershey’s (affiliate) or Ghirardelli (affiliate) for this recipe.
- Dry/Powdered Milk- We find Carnation (affiliate) is our favorite.
- Cinnamon- Optional, but delicious.
- Marshmallows
For a full list of ingredients and measurements see the recipe card below.
Step By Step Instructions:
This 3 ingredient hot cocoa mix could not be easier to make!
- Add the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered sugar, and cinnamon to a shifter.
- Shift and mix until combined.
- Transfer to a container (I suggest a mason jar) until ready to use.
- Combine equal parts mix to hot water when ready to use.
Tips and FAQs:
I try to keep all of my recipes super simple, and this recipe falls right within that category. However, here are a few great tips for this recipe:
How to make hot chocolate mix recipe without dry milk:
Here’s the deal, I include dry milk so water is the only thing you need to add. HOWEVER, you can leave out the dry milk and mix the dry mix with warmed milk instead of water! Tastes the same and cuts out one ingredient.
How to make homemade hot chocolate mix:
When you are ready to make this recipe, mix equal parts mix to warm water. Stir until the powder is dissolved and top with your favorite topping ingredients.
Suggestions for serving:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mix for even more flavor.
- Place the mix in a mason jar, leaving 1 inch of space at the top. Pack with marshmallows.
- Stir in candy cane pieces for a peppermint flavor.
Related Recipes:
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Holiday Spice Cocoa
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Perfect Hot Cocoa
- Spiked Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Dry Milk
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Cocoa Powder
- 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
Instructions
- 1. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered sugar, and cinnamon to a shifter.
- 2. Shift and mix until combined.
- 3. Transfer to a container (I suggest a mason jar) until ready to use.
- 4. Combine equal parts mix to hot water when ready to use.
Video
Notes
How to make hot chocolate mix recipe without dry milk:
Here’s the deal, I include dry milk so water is the only thing you need to add. HOWEVER, you can leave out the dry milk and mix the dry mix with warmed milk instead of water! Tastes the same and cuts out one ingredient.Suggestions for serving:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dry mix for even more flavor.
- Place the mix in a mason jar, leaving 1 inch of space at the top. Pack with marshmallows.
- Stir in candy cane pieces for a peppermint flavor.
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
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Jesseca is the creator of One Sweet Appetite, sharing easy, family-friendly recipes. A full-time food blogger, photographer, and four-time cookbook author, she loves helping home cooks build confidence in the kitchen. When she’s not creating recipes, she’s spending time with family, sipping coffee, or planning her next adventure.