How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

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How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

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I’m a bit of a hot chocolate snob. It’s one of my favorite treats at home or when wandering around a city, and I’d almost always choose it over a cookie. I don’t love most store hot chocolate mixes – it needs to be homemade hot chocolate for me to like it. I really wanted a homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk because I don’t often keep it on hand. And honestly, who wants to use powdered milk when you can use real milk?

How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

It almost feels silly to share something so simple, but after finally nailing down the ratios and methodology for this homemade hot chocolate recipe, it feels worth sharing if even one other person can enjoy this deliciousness.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

This is the homemade hot chocolate recipe of my dreams. It is, in my opinion, the very best homemade hot chocolate of any I’ve tasted. It’s smooth and chocolatey without being too rich to drink. It’s sweet but not cloyingly so. It holds up well to and benefits from freshly whipped cream. It takes less than 5 minutes to make, so while you can make the mix in advance, I never do.

It’s really a homemade hot cocoa mix that you can drink in a big mug while curled under a blanket, rather than one you sip in a tiny shot glass in a cafe. It’s casual and comforting and I make it all winter long. I also keep a giant pot of it warm on the stove or in the crock pot on Christmas Day!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Ingredients

One quick note on ingredients – they make a big difference in this recipe. Since the cocoa is the primary flavor, you’ll want to use good quality cocoa if you can. My favorite is the Guittard dark cocoa powder, but the Trader Joe’s cocoa powder is also very good!

I hope you love this easy homemade hot chocolate as much as I do!

How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix without Powdered Milk

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Without Powdered Milk

This is the homemade hot chocolate mix of my dreams. It uses basic, quality ingredients to create an easy and delicious homemade hot cocoa that's smooth and chocolatey and not too sweet.

  • Heavy duty pot

  • Whisk

  • 4 Tbsp good quality cocoa powder Guittard is my favorite!
  • 4 Tbsp white sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Again, Guittard is my favorite!
  • 4 cups whole milk (you can sub half with cream if you want it extra rich)
  • Optional mix ins: vanilla extract, peppermint extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate sprinkles, salted caramel sauce, mini marshmallows, a candy cane, a gingerbread cookie, etc.
  • Freshly whipped cream, to top

  • Mix cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a heavy pot. Add water and turn heat to medium. Whisk constantly until everything is dissolved to create a completely smooth syrup.

  • Add in chocolate chips. Whisk until completely melted.

  • Add milk. Heat, stirring frequently, until cocoa begins to steam. Do not allow to simmer or bubble.

  • Serve, preferably with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.


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How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

You only need three ingredients to make your own homemade hot chocolate mix. Keep on hand for whenever your sweet tooth strikes - you can make a single mug or enough for the whole family. 

How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

Homemade hot chocolate mix is a must-have in my kitchen cabinet. It's so easy to scoop out a serving for yourself - or a make larger batch for a crowd.

You also don't have to rely on pre-packaged store bought hot chocolate. Instead, spoon out exactly the amount you need to match the amount of milk you're using.

Or, make your hot chocolate extra chocolate-y and sweet with an extra spoonful.

Mix in a mason jar

For this recipe, you only need three ingredients, which can be shaken up in a 16 ounce mason jar.

Simply add your ingredients to a mason jar, seal tightly with a lid, and shake until your ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Less work and mess! This method makes a quick and easy gift, too. Add a ribbon and gift tag, and pair with a new coffee mug.

How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

Cinnamon hot chocolate

Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon to your hot chocolate mix. This is nice especially during the holiday season.

It adds a little warmth and spice, without overpowering the chocolate flavor. 

How to make homemade hot chocolate mix without powdered milk

Cocoa powder

This hot chocolate mix can be made with natural cocoa powder or dutch process cocoa powder.

Keep in mind, dutch process cocoa powder is darker, but with a milder chocolate flavor. Using dutch process cocoa will also give your mix more of a grey color instead of brown.

You only need three ingredients to make this sweet Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. Keep on hand for whenever your sweet tooth strikes - you can make a single mug or enough for the whole family. 

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 47kcal

  • 1 cup confectioner's sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional

  • In a bowl, add all ingredients and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container until ready to use. Optionally, add all ingredients to a 16 ounce mason jar, seal, and shake to combine.

  • To prepare hot chocolate:  Add two tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to 8 ounces of hot milk. Stir until dissolved and serve immediately.

    (The average coffee mug is 12 ounces, so you may need extra hot chocolate mix to match the amount of milk used).

  • Optionally, top prepared hot chocolate with marshmallows, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or cinnamon.
  • The average coffee mug holds 12 ounces of liquid. Keep this in mind, you may need to add 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix to a coffee mug filled with hot milk. 
  • This recipe cannot be made with water. Store bought hot chocolate mixes also contain a dried milk powder, which allows them to be mixed with water. This recipe does not, and needs to be mixed with milk.

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

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Reader Interactions

Can you use water instead of milk for hot cocoa?

Believe it or not, you can also use water instead of milk. Water allows the chocolate to show off its true flavors and unique characteristics, however you lose the creamy feel and flavor.

What can you use instead of hot chocolate powder?

What can I use if I don't have cocoa powder? If you do not have cocoa powder, you may substitute carob powder or cacao powder in the same unit of measurement. Cocoa powder is probably the easiest to find in the aisle with the baking goods in the grocery store.

Do you make hot chocolate with milk or water?

To make hot chocolate on the stovetop, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, and a bit of water over medium heat to make a chocolate syrup and then whisk in milk and a pinch of salt and heat until steaming.

Can you mix hot chocolate powder with water?

The easiest way to make hot chocolate mix is by putting 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tsp of cocoa powder, and 2 tsps of water in a mug.