Name: Hot Cocoa Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar.; 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa.; 2 ½ cups (250 g) dry milk powder.; 2 teaspoons cornstarch.; 1 teaspoon kosher salt.; For serving:.; Mini marshmallows (if you want).; Hot water (or milk).

A glass jar filled with cocoa mix showing a spoon dipped inside, surrounded by chocolate chunks on the counter. | emilyscooks.com

Whipping up a mug of scratch-made hot cocoa during cold weather just warms my soul. I've tweaked this large-batch mixture through many winter evenings with loved ones. These days, I always keep some ready in my cupboard for those times when we're craving that snug, toasty feeling.

Ditch Those Store Packets

Once you sample this DIY mix, those supermarket packets won't cut it anymore. There's something wonderful about crafting your own blend when you know all the ingredients. And you can adjust it to hit that perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate that your family craves.

Nail The Blend Every Single Time

Let me spill the tricks for the creamiest hot cocoa mix ever. The powdered sugar dissolves beautifully in hot milk, giving each gulp velvety smoothness. Dutch cocoa delivers that rich chocolate kick we want. A bit of powdered milk adds extra creaminess, while my hidden trick - a touch of cornstarch - creates an amazing thickness. Just a tiny bit of salt brings all these tastes together.

Time For Kitchen Wizardry

This couldn't be easier to throw together. Find your largest mixing bowl and stir the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, cornstarch and salt until everything's mixed up nicely. Transfer to your go-to sealed container, and you've got comfort waiting whenever you want it. When you need a pick-me-up, just dump some into your cup, pour in hot milk or water, and watch it turn into pure bliss.

Fancy It Up

My children go wild creating their own hot cocoa creations. We've always got puffy marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate drizzle nearby for toppings. We'll sometimes dust on some cinnamon or nutmeg when we're feeling extra. Each cup becomes their own little tasty project.

A clear glass mug filled with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, surrounded by cocoa powder and jars of marshmallows. | emilyscooks.com

Stays Good Forever

Pop your mix into a cute sealed container somewhere cool in your pantry. It'll stay good for about a year - though at our house it vanishes way before then. When you lift the lid, that chocolate smell hits you right in the feels.

Tweak It To Your Taste

The best part is playing with different flavors. I'll throw in vanilla powder sometimes for that cookies-and-milk vibe. A dash of espresso powder really brings out the chocolate notes. Friends who like heat swear by adding tiny amounts of cayenne. And mixing in small chocolate chips gives you melty surprises in every sip.

A Bit Of Cocoa Background

Ever wondered about hot cocoa vs hot chocolate? While true hot chocolate uses actual melted chocolate bars, this mix gives you that same rich feeling without all the work. The mix of quality cocoa powder and my special add-ins makes a cup that's just as yummy and satisfying.

Spread Some Joy

This mix makes the most thoughtful presents. I love filling up glass jars, adding cute ribbons, and sticking on little instruction notes. My friends always say how touched they feel getting homemade cocoa mix. It's basically giving someone cozy memories in a jar.

The Game-Changing Ingredient

Folks always ask about why I add salt to my mix. Just trust me on this tiny detail that transforms the whole drink. It enhances all that chocolate goodness and cuts the sweetness for the perfect sip every time.

A glass jar filled with brown powdered ingredients sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by small pieces of white and dark chocolate. | emilyscooks.com

Perfect Pairings

Winter afternoons in our home mean cocoa time with snacks. We can't resist dipping cookies into our mugs or munching on fresh banana bread alongside. That warm chocolate seems to make every treat taste even better.

Get The Cocoa Gathering Started

When we have company over, I love setting out a make-your-own cocoa station. Everyone gets all excited picking their favorite toppings and mix-ins. From crushed candy canes to gooey caramel, you can try so many things. It's such a great way to bring the group together.

Quality In Every Gulp

My favorite thing about crafting this mix is knowing exactly what's in it. No weird additives or fake flavors, just basic, wholesome stuff that makes the most soothing cup of cocoa. You can tweak everything to match your preferences, making it as sugary or strong as you want.

Make Extra

During Christmas season I always cook up massive batches. It's super simple to multiply the amounts, and having loads on hand means you're always ready for unexpected guests or family cuddle time.

Clean And Simple

Another great thing about this recipe is how tidy it is to whip up. Just scoop, dump and stir - no messy cleanup or tons of dishes to wash afterward. I store my mix in a pretty jar right on my coffee and tea counter, ready whenever the craving hits.

A glass bowl contains a mixture of white flour and cocoa powder, set against a wooden surface. | emilyscooks.com

Festive Wonder In Your Cup

Around the holidays I love tossing smashed candy canes into the powder. That mint-chocolate combo tastes absolutely fantastic. It brings Christmas vibes to every drink, perfect while decorating the tree or wrapping gifts.

For Total Chocoholics

I'll use black cocoa powder sometimes when I'm craving a super bold chocolate taste. You can even drop a few chocolate chips into your hot cup and watch them slowly melt into heavenly goodness. It's basically dessert you can drink.

Kid-Approved Cup Of Joy

My kids bounce with excitement when cocoa's brewing. We turn it into playtime with rainbow marshmallows, chocolate jimmies, and sometimes even a scoop of ice cream on top. Their happy faces with chocolate-rimmed mouths are everything.

Memory Creator

Nothing beats snuggling up with a hot cup of cocoa on a quiet night. Whether I'm deep in a good book, watching flicks with the family, or just enjoying some alone time, this cocoa turns ordinary moments into something special.

Year-Round Goodness

Though we think of hot cocoa as winter comfort, don't box it in! Try pouring it over ice in summer or mixing it with ice cream for an amazing shake. This blend brings smiles throughout the year in countless tasty ways.

A close-up of a glass jar filled with brown powder and a metal spoon resting inside. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why use Dutch-processed cocoa?: Dutch-processed cocoa gives you a deeper, less bitter chocolate taste compared to regular cocoa powder.
→ How long does this keep?: The mix will stay good for up to a year if you keep it in a container that doesn't let air in.
→ Can I make it sweeter?: You can definitely add up to 2 more cups of powdered sugar if you want it sweeter.
→ Why add cornstarch?: The cornstarch stops the mix from getting lumpy and makes your drink smoother when you mix it with liquid.
→ Can I use milk instead of water?: Hot milk works great instead of water and will make your hot chocolate much creamier and richer.

Cozy Cocoa Mix