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.
Not bad considering it’s healthier than store bought hot cocoa. I thought it would be sweet on its own but you stil need to add your sweetener of choice. I used Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup and it was pretty good. It has a creamy taste. This recipe makes a good amount and we are loving it. Thank you for a great recipe.
I added some vanilla powder and a little malted milk powder and it’s the BEST hot chocolate I’ve ever had. I think I’m going to take some of the mix to add cinnamon for a Mexican hot chocolate. This is an awesome recipe. Many thanks!
Wonderful recipe. Tastes yummy. Will be filling up mason jars for Christmas gift giving. Thanks for sharing recipe. And so easy to make.
Grandkids love it and no fears when they ask for seconds. Healthy, easy to make, delicious. I might jar it for Xmas as presents and I’ll give you credit. Tks
Would it be possible to make variations of this recipe with pulverized candy canes or pulverized hard caramel? Also thinking of a cinnamon/Mexican version by adding some warm spices. If you think it would work, any idea of how much of each to add to get the desired flavor, or should I just experiment?
Thank you so much!
Just made my first batch, it’s very good. The only thing I did different was to add 8 oz of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate to the recipe. It’s wonderful, thank you for sharing your great recipe. I’ll be giving this as winter gifts to our children and grandchildren, of course, we’ll be keeping some for ourselves.
Why add cornstarch if it’s already in the powdered sugar?
In this Hot Cocoa Mix recipe, the extra cornstarch helps thicken the hot cocoa as it heats up, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Although a small amount is already in the powdered sugar, adding a bit more ensures the cocoa isn’t too thin or watery and keeps the mix smooth and satisfying with every sip. This little trick really enhances the drinking experience!
I was wondering if I could substitute powdered sugar instead of confectioners sugar and cacao powder instead of Dutch cocoa, since I already have those things at home. They will be given as gifts so I want them to be good, thanks!
Hi Ashlea! Powdered sugar and confectioners sugar are the same thing. And yes, you can use cacao powder, but it is more acidic. Cacao powder will provide a stronger, more complex flavor, while Dutch cocoa offers that familiar, smooth chocolate taste. So I would recommend making a small batch and taste testing to see if you need more sugar. So sweet of you to give this as gifts!
I love that this isn’t too sweet. You can sweeten it more if you’d like, but this is great. Very easy to make. I easily doubled this recipe, though I did need sift all the ingredients together.
Can’t wait to make this Cocoa !!!! Gifts for friends with a chocolate covered spoon, small Ziploc Christmas bag of mini marshmallows ⛄🎅🎄❄️.
Thanks for the recipe
Can I use Stevia instead of powdered sugar?
Sure