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.
This was very good! I had to improvise with the type of cocoa I had. It was a lighter cocoa that I wanted to use up and get out of my cupboard and it still turned out good. I’m sure when I use dark cocoa it will be even better.
Made this to exact measurements first time. Just made this a second time and used 3 pouches/ cups of powdered milk and rounded the dry measurements. I used hot water (not quite boiling) and it was DELICIOUS.
My coco didn’t taste as chocolate enough and I used the herseys coco since it’s why’s I had. How do I fix it
You can add more cocoa to fix an existing batch.
I made it first time exactly as the recipe. I , too, used Hershey’s cocoa. It was not enough chocolate for me. I just made it again, double batch. I added a bag of semi sweet mini chocolate chips ground up by my mixing wand (12 OUNCE), 1 extra teaspoon of salt, and 1 extra half cup powdered sugar. Husband approved!
My little sister made this one year and handed it out for Christmas gifts. And a half gallon jar with the big ribbon on it. It was absolutely delicious, better than you can buy in the store.
Love that!
Is the powdered milk instant or non-fat?
It’s so nice to have this all mixed up and ready to go for anytime we want hot chocolate. Love the ease of making it and using it! Love this!
How much milk or water we use per cup?
This is what it says in the recipe card, right under “Making a Cup of Hot Cocoa”
“use about ¼ of a cup of powder per cup of hot water or milk”
I used half powdered whole milk, half powdered heavy cream, added an extra half cup of cocoa, and an extra half cup of powdered sugar. Made five batches – kept a big liter jar for our family and gave the rest as gifts. Everyone loved it and the jar for our family was empty after three weeks. Had to make another batch. Great made with water or milk (have a family member with vitamin D deficiency who uses milk).
So generous and kind of you to bless others!
Love this simple hot chocolate recipe.
Does this recipe use the powdered nonfat or whole milk?