Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Mix is like your favorite Oreo cookies in a warm, chocolatey cup! It is creamy, sweet, and full of cookie crumbs. Just add hot milk, give it a good stir, and you have a fun treat to enjoy on a chilly day!
For a classic version, try my Big Batch Hot Cocoa Mix, too! And if you love a warm cup of chocolate, check out more of my Best Hot Chocolate Recipes for even more sweet sips to make at home.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Oreo cookies: One 36-count package gives you the cookies-and-cream flavor. Regular Oreos work best, but you can try Golden Oreos for a different flavor.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Also called powdered sugar, this sweetens the mix and helps it blend into the cocoa.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Gives the mix its rich chocolate flavor. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder can work, but the taste may be a little different.
- Powdered milk: Makes the mix creamy when you add hot water, although I recommend using hot milk for the best cup of cocoa.
- Cornstarch: Helps give the hot cocoa a thicker, smoother texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor. If using table salt, use a little less.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of Oreo cookies?
Yes! Golden Oreos would be fun for a vanilla cookies-and-cream flavor. You could also try mint Oreos for a chocolate mint hot cocoa mix.
Can I make this hot cocoa mix without a food processor?
Yes! Place the Oreo cookies in a large, sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin. For the finest crumbs, keep crushing until the cookies look like powder. The mix may have a little more texture, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I make this hot cocoa with water instead of milk?
Yes. The powdered milk in the mix helps make the cocoa creamy when mixed with hot water. For a richer, creamier cup, use hot milk instead.
How much hot cocoa mix should I use per cup?
Start with ¼ cup of mix for every 1 cup of hot milk or water. Whisk well, then add a little more mix if you want a stronger chocolate flavor.
Can I make the hot cocoa mix smoother?
Yes! Grind all of the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs instead of saving some larger pieces. The finer crumbs will blend in more easily, although small cookie bits may remain.
Can I give Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Mix as a gift?
Absolutely! Spoon the mix into a clean jar or airtight container and add a label with the serving directions. It makes a fun homemade gift for the holidays, birthdays, or any chocolate lover.
How To Store Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Mix
Room Temperature: Store the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 to 2 months. Keep it away from heat and moisture so the mix stays fresh and easy to scoop.
To Use: Give the mix a good stir or shake before each use, since the cookie crumbs and cocoa powder may settle. Then add it to hot milk or water and whisk well.
Can I freeze the mix? I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. Moisture can get into the mix when it thaws and cause clumps. An airtight container in a cool, dry pantry is your best bet!
Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 1 package (36-count) Oreo cookies
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners' sugar
- ¾ cup (89 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 ½ cups (250 g) powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the Oreo cookies to a food processor and pulse a few times until roughly chopped.
- Measure out 1 cup of the roughly chopped cookies and set aside.
- Return the remaining cookies to the food processor and process until finely ground.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add the finely ground Oreo crumbs and whisk until evenly distributed.
- Stir in the reserved chopped Oreo pieces.*
- Transfer the cocoa mix to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
How To Make Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa
- Heat 1 cup of milk until hot.
- Add ¼ cup of the Cookies & Cream Hot Cocoa Mix and whisk well.
- Let the cocoa sit for 1 minute, then whisk again to help the cookie crumbs soften and dissolve as much as possible.
- Serve hot.
Notes
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This is amazing! Can the milk powder be substituted for a vegan alternative? If there is one! Surprisingly, Oreos are vegan!
Hi Leslie! Yes, there are vegan alternatives! 😊 I would look for powdered oat milk or coconut milk powder as a substitute for the dry milk powder. I haven’t tested either in this recipe, so I can’t guarantee the exact same texture or creaminess, but they’re worth experimenting with! I’d start with the same amount and adjust as needed. And yes, it’s pretty fun that Oreos are made without dairy ingredients! ❤️ Just be sure to check the labels on your specific ingredients if you’re making this strictly vegan.
Can you leave out the powdered milk? I’ve heard stories with other recipes- that the powdered milk will go rancid, ruining the whole thing. Maybe using half and half, or heavy whip when actually heating?
Hi Kelly! Yes, you could leave out the powdered milk and prepare the hot cocoa with warm milk or a combination of milk and half-and-half instead of water. The powdered milk is included so the mix can be made with just hot water while still tasting creamy. Properly stored nonfat dry milk is quite shelf-stable, so rancidity generally isn’t a concern when the mix is stored correctly and used within its recommended storage period. Hope that helps!