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
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Love it!
Mmm MADE THIS FOR MY FAMILY IN BIG BATCHES AND THEY STILL TALK ABOUT IT. My OLDEST SON MENTIONED IT THIS CHRISTMAS !!
We are on our 5th batch and added rich & creamy coffee creamer as didn’t have powdered milk and still very creamy & yummy and added real 100 percent cacao powder to make a bit more chocolate and then added extra miniature marshmallows. We put peppermint candy canes in them to stir hot chocolate and that was a big big hit to kids & grownups. I would definitely advice or recommend anyone to try it as it is so so tasty 😋.
This is a fabulous recipe & easy and a spectacular special gift for anytime as we put it in pint & quart jars as gifts and it was so pleased & loved them. So we give Amanda a blessed & happy Thank You for sharing this wonderful ❤️ Hot Chocolate recipe.!!
Can I omit completetly the milk powder????
For a powdered sugar substitute we put sucralose granulated sugar substitute( Brand name Splenda but I buy store brands) in a blender or food processor(completely dry). Blend until it becomes powder.
Hi, did you replace all of the powdered sugar in the recipe and use the same amount of sugar substitute as the recipe calls for powdered sugar? I would really like to try that. Thanks very much
Hi Brooke!
Splenda is replaced 1 for 1 in recipes, so would be the total equal amount listed on the recipe.
I hope this helps!
I will be doing the same.
I’m interested in making this for a February, outdoor birthday party for my son and his friends. Are there any suggestions/tips for making a large, insulated drink dispensing cooler full of this for a group of about 8-10 kids? I plan to use water for simplicity and I’m thinking of doubling the batch to make sure I have plenty of homemade mix.
I have a picky connoisseur of hot cocoa. Her go to was Swiss Miss. Due to the ingredients in store bought hot cocoa, the economy & being on a tight budget, I decided to try this recipe. My 10 yr old loves it! She said it is wayyyy better than store bought! My 15 yr old son has not come out to complain about his, so taking that as a win 🤣
Can you use powdered cream instead of powdered milk?
Made this today was a hit at my house.My kids thought it could have been a little sweeter,I thought it was right on the spot.Perfect on this cold Indiana day.
Is this made with non fat powdered milk or whole milk powder?