This Big Batch Hot Cocoa Mix is a powdery mix made with sugar, cocoa powder, and powdered milk that will be your go-to when it comes to mixing with hot water or milk. It’s worth having on hand for the cold months ahead. Be sure to check out my stovetop Hot Chocolate, too!
Hot Cocoa Mix {Big Batch}
Nothing warms a body up like a mug of rich hot cocoa, especially in the winter. And, it’s a beverage that can be enjoyed by all ages. When you can make your own mix like this one inspired by Food Network’s Alton Brown, it even tastes better! Plus, you know exactly what is going into the powdery mix with no added preservatives. Try adding this to Peppermint Hot Cocoa Bombs. I also have a big batch of White Hot Chocolate Mix, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sugar: Use confectioners’ sugar (also known as icing sugar or powdered sugar) in the mix. It will dissolve much easier than coarser kinds of sugar.
Cocoa Powder: I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a slightly darker color and smoother chocolate flavor. However, you could use regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
Powdered Milk: Powdered milk is evaporated milk with a longer shelf life when compared to liquid milk. It is also called milk powder or dry (dried) milk.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the cocoa powder will give the hot cocoa a creamier consistency.
Salt: Yes, salt is an important ingredient that should not be left out. Salt actually enhances the sweetness of the mix while bringing out more chocolate flavor.
How Much Does the Mix Make?
The dry mix makes about 4 1/2 cups of powder. The amount of servings you will have is dependent on the size of the mug you are using and how much chocolate flavor you are craving. I would recommend starting with 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup powder. If you add about 1/4 cup of hot cocoa mix to a cup of hot water or hot milk, you will have enough mix to make about 18 cups of hot cocoa.
Can I Add Milk to Hot Cocoa Mix?
Sure! In fact, we had a couple of taste testers that preferred to add hot milk to the mix. But, both hot water and hot milk are delicious when added. Try adding hot coffee or even chocolate milk as additional options.
What is the Difference Between Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate?
Although both hot cocoa and hot chocolate are popular cold-weather drinks, there is a slight difference between the two. Hot cocoa is usually made from a powdery mix, blended with hot water or milk. On the other hand, hot chocolate is generally chocolate that has been melted in hot liquid. So, most of the mix you buy from the store is hot cocoa. Of course, marshmallows can be added to both.
How to Store Hot Cocoa Mix
This is a big batch of hot cocoa mix, so be sure to keep it handy for when you are craving a mug of hot cocoa. The mix can be stored in a cool dry place for up to a year when properly stored. It may lose some of the flavors the longer it is stored, so it’s best if you can enjoy it within that time.
Want More Hot Chocolate Options?
Hot Cocoa Mix {Big Batch}
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl I like using these glass bowls!
- Airtight container For long-term storage
- Serving glasses These glass coffee mugs look great!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup (118 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 ½ cups (250 g) powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
- mini marshmallows, optional
- hot water (or milk)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk together to combine.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container for up to a year. This will make 4½ cups of hot cocoa mix, or enough for about 18 cups of hot cocoa.
Making a Cup of Hot Cocoa
- When making a cup of hot cocoa, use about ¼ of a cup of powder per cup of hot water or milk, or adjust to taste preference.
- Top the powder with ¼ cup of mini marshmallows if adding.
- Pour hot liquid over the cocoa powder, stirring until the powder has dissolved. Enjoy!
Video
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Could you add cinnamon or chili powder to the recipe? If so, how much?
Made this last night as part of a gift. Used 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Nice subtle flavor. I would add a bit more (like 1 1/2 tablespoons ) for my taste buds – but didn’t want to chance it since it was a gift.
I was nervous it’d be too sweet so I cut the powdered sugar to 1 1/2 cups – stick to the recipe, use the 2 cups.
This is hands down a keeper!!
Curious why it needs cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps prevent clumping and adds thickness to the drink without changing the flavor.
Delicious!!! Thank you!!
Could you use this in hot cocoa bombs?
Yes!! I definitely do and it makes them the BEST hot cocoa bombs ever! 🙂
https://iambaker.net/hot-chocolate-bombs/
Thank you for this recipe. I use milk and it’s so rich. I just added 3 tbsp. Rumchata before warming the milk oh so good 👍
Made it this morning! With inflation it is just about the same price as the packets, but I love knowing exactly what goes into it. It’s delicious!
in my area it is way cheaper to buy the packaged stuff. A bag of sugar $5, coco powder $5, $10 for the dried milk – to get 18 servings. The $10 sams club container was $10 and it had like 90 servings. So way more expensive to make it this way. Plus – it doesn’t have a bunch of fillers and crap. I have 3 kids who drink it daily – this batch will be gone in a week and that $20 down the tube. It does taste good but it takes a lot – I did mix with water but I am sure maybe milk would make it better
Delicious! Love it with the confectionery sugar…makes it smoother. I also had a tsp of cinnamon to spice it up a little.
How much cocoa for one mug ?
It really depends on what size mug you are using. This is what it says in the post:
I would recommend starting with 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup powder.
Thanks for the simple recipe! Made it for gifts for my co-workers and it worked out great! Thanks again? Gjenkins – Kansas 😊
This hot chocolate is sooooo good!
I noticed the calories : 124kcal.
I have difficulty calculating how much that would be for 1 cup of chocolate.
Can you help me with this information.
I will be making them for my stocking stuffers for Christmas!
Thank you for the recipe!