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Rich & Creamy Big Batch Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Perfect for Gifting)

Close-up of a steaming white mug filled with rich, dark hot cocoa mix topped with small bubbles.

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Make this easy, big batch homemade hot cocoa mix using simple pantry staples. It creates a rich, creamy chocolate drink that is much better than store-bought versions. This recipe is perfect for keeping on hand or packaging as a thoughtful DIY gift in a jar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use high-quality for best flavor)
  • 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder (omit for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Gather all your dry ingredients: powdered sugar, cocoa powder, dry milk powder (if using), salt, and cornstarch (if using).
  2. Place all ingredients into a large bowl.
  3. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly for at least one minute. You must break up all the cocoa clumps to ensure a smooth mix.
  4. Transfer the finished hot cocoa mix to an airtight container for storage. This recipe makes a big batch.
  5. To prepare one serving: Whisk 3 to 4 tablespoons of the mix into 1 cup of hot milk or hot water until fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of mix to suit your taste preference.

Notes

  • For a richer, fudge-like hot chocolate, add 1/2 cup of finely grated semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dry mix before storing.
  • Storage: Keep the sealed mix in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
  • Gift Idea: Layer the dry mix ingredients in a clean mason jar. Attach a tag with the preparation instructions (3-4 tbsp mix per 1 cup hot liquid).
  • For a dairy-free option, simply omit the dry milk powder. The mix will still be rich when prepared with water or a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk.

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