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Is there anything better than a warm mug of hot chocolate after a big snow day? I love a homemade hot cocoa mix from scratch, especially a batch big enough for a holiday cocoa bar or gifting. Scoop out just what you need for a mug or two on a chilly evening. This batch will make about 3.5 cups of cocoa mix, and yield 24 to 28 cups of prepared 6 oz mugs of hot cocoa. This is one of my favorite DIY hot cocoa mix recipes because the brown sugar really adds a caramel-like depth.
My recipe uses brown sugar for a richer overall flavor, but without milk powder, so you will end up with creamier mugs of cocoa if you use a hot dairy or plant-based milk (instead of just water) when you are ready to drink it.
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Turn a batch of hot cocoa mix into a gift
Tools you’ll need
If you’re looking for homemade, economical food gifts this year, this hot cocoa mix in a jar is a great way to make that happen for someone special: a teacher, a neighbor, for a gift exchange, or no reason at all. Use a clear mason jar and layer in the cocoa mix with mini marshmallows or crushed candy canes. Cap tightly and wrap a festive ribbon around the neck.
Remember, this recipe makes 3.5 cups of dairy free hot cocoa mix and yields 24 to 28 prepared 6-oz cups of hot cocoa.
Serving a mug at a time
To make a serving of hot cocoa from this big batch, just mix 2 tablespoons of this hot cocoa mix into 6 oz of hot water, dairy milk, or any plant-based milk beverage. You can heat them together in a small saucepan on the stove, or combine and heat through in the microwave in a microwave-safe mug. Stir well and add your favorites after you get it to your preferred temperature: mini marshmallows, freeze-dried marshmallows, chocolate mini-chips or chopped dark chocolate, even crushed candy canes.
Tips
- Add your favorite accents. You can add vanilla powder or cinnamon to the batch.
- Using a food processor to blend all of the dry ingredients will create a smooth batch that will melt and dissolve more quickly and easily when it’s time to make a hot mug. You only need to pulse everything a couple of times to break down the sugars more finely.
- To make a tester cup to help you customize the perfect batch, use the recipe as written then prepare a warm cupful. From there, add more brown sugar if you want it sweeter, or more cocoa if you like it more chocolatey.
- This hot cocoa mix in a jar without powdered milk makes about 24 to 28 prepared cups of cocoa. A bit less if you’re thinking you might want super rich flavor per prepared cup of cocoa.
- If you are sensitive to dairy, try adding a plant-based milk alternative for added richness. We love nondairy Silk Half-and-Half and this would go great to top off each cup of dairy free hot chocolate mix.
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix without Powdered Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or vanilla powder for added flavor
Instructions
- Mix together the pure, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and any optional ingredients in a large bowl.
- For a finer consistency, blend the dry ingredients together in a small food processor.
- Transfer the dry mix to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. For gifting, layer mix and some mini marshmallows or crushed candy canes into a clear jar. Cap tightly then add a ribbon and gift tag with preparation instructions (see next step).
- To make one serving of hot cocoa: Use 2 tablespoons of the mix with 6 oz of hot water or milk (dairy or plant-based) per cup. Adding more liquid would create a more diluted flavor. For a 12-oz mug of prepared cocoa, use 4 tablespoons of dry mix.
- Top the prepared mug of cocoa with whipped cream, marshmallows, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or caramel as desired.
Sounds very yummy
I never thought of putting brown sugar in my hot cocoa mix. It would sweeten it and taste delicious. Thanks for the basic recipe and variations.
This sounds so good. I don’t think I have ever had a hot chocolate with brown sugar in it.
This looks so darned good and I pined this one to make for my husband 😉 He will go wild for this Hot Cocoa!
To be honest, i never cared much for hot chocolate, the just add hot water to an envelope type anyway. But these are different and i very much would like to try!
Yummy. Saved!
hubby and I are planning a party with a hot cocoa bar, and we’re wondering how much hot cocoa this recipe will yield? Thanks so much!
Hi Elaine! This batch of cocoa mix will prepare about 24 to 28 cups of prepared cocoa (a range because you may want to add a touch more or less mix for each prepared cup). –Renee’
Have to leave a email to print. My mail is already locked up and can’t receive anymore from stuff like this.
Hi there, I can email a link to you if you still want it. Let me know here or write us at hello @ cookingchew.com
I wanted to give this recipe a 5 but it wouldn’t let me. This is truly the best hot chocolate recipe I have tried.
This is the best mix I’ve found. I made it all organic, and the grandkids loved it. Just added to their milk/almond milk.
Do you ever use powdered milk in your bulk recipe ? I’d still make it with milk from the carton, but those who just add water would need some form of milk, wouldn’t they ?
This particular recipe has no milk on purpose, whether not in the pantry or for those with dairy sensitivity and they don’t have nondairy options on hand. –Andi
I only gave it 2 stars because NO you can’t add this to just water. You need milk of some kind. You might want to rethink that. Try it actually & you’ll know first hand that’s NOT A GOOD IDEA.
It’s not as rich and creamy, but it’s drinkable with hot water. A spin with an electric frother may help a lot with texture too. There are also plant-based dairy alternatives that would help with the creamy texture if it’s a dairy issue. We like Silk Half-and-Half.
Should I use light or dark. Brown sugar?
Hi lisa. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, but use whatever you have on hand. Hope this helps.
If I wanted to add powdered milk to the mix, how much would I need?
Hi Jan. Use this recipe: https://cookingchew.com/hot-cocoa-vs-hot-chocolate.html#recipe and use 2/3 to 3/4 cup of powdered milk and 2 cups of water instead of the regular milk.