Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa is the easiest little recipe to whip up. Serve it for sledding parties, breakfast on cold days, or anytime you need a warm drink.

Plus, this Hot Cocoa Mix is made with milk powder and is a thoughtful and practical gift from the kitchen. It’s rich, creamy, and convenient since you don’t need fresh milk to enjoy it—just add hot water!

This simple recipe combines cocoa powder, powdered milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. A lot of people like to use powdered sugar, and you can too, just swap it out.

I just think the flavor is off when you use powdered sugar. So we make ours with granulated sugar.

DIY Cocoa

Making your own hot cocoa mix allows you to control the ingredients. If you like it more or less sweet change the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Plus, making it at home means avoiding unnecessary additives in store-bought mixes.

How To Store Homemade Cocoa

Storing this homemade mix is easy, any recycled glass jars with tight-fitting lids work well. As long as it’s kept cool and dry, you can store it in any sealable container.

If you’re making it to give away it looks lovely when paired with a festive ribbon or tag. Include the instructions for use on a simple paper tag. You can layer the mix with marshmallows or mini chocolate chips for an eye-catching presentation.

Change Up This Recipe!

Use the base mixture and try adding some simple additions to the mix. For extra flavor, you can add:

vanilla powder
ground cinnamon
crushed candy canes
or whole mini candy canes
mini chocolate chips
mini marshmallows
a handful of Junior Mints

You can add the extras TO the cocoa mix. Or you can add any extra ingredients to a cup of hot cocoa after being made.

Easy Hot Cocoa Mix

No ratings yet

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings: cups

Calories: 182kcal

Rich and creamy hot cocoa mix made with milk powder delivers the perfect cup every time—just add hot water! It’s easy to make, store, and enjoy whenever you need a cozy treat.

Print Recipe