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?
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Why cornstarch?
Bye bye Swiss Miss family size. I just made a double batch recipe exactly as you have posted and immediately tried a cup. I Love it and using the powered milk with the added vitamins and minerals was a great way to make a dent in my canister.
Love that you added the vitamins and minerals!
I made three (yes THREE) batches of this in a giant container. I used good quality, Dutch processed cocoa. I portioned some out into cute tins and will be giving this (along with a baggie of homemade marshmallows) to my kids’ teachers this year for Christmas gifts. My kids LOVE this cocoa! They say it tastes like my homemade chocolate pudding but in hot cocoa form. 🙂 I don’t think we can go back to buying cocoa packets ever again!
So glad you all enjoyed it!! I bet the teachers will love the generous gift!
Question??? Could you use this recipe as a base substituting Stevia in place of some of the powdered sugar? What ratio of substituting would you recommend? How much would that change the taste? Thanks for your insight!
Dumb question but I’m going to ask it anyway. I’ve made this hot chocolate for years, another recipe, but I’ve never seen it call for cornstarch. What is that used for?
It says it makes it creamier.
Cornstarch is a thickener. So I think it makes it creamy and sort of richer especially in hot cocoa made with water rather than milk.
I love hot cocoa but haven’t been able to drink it because I have to watch my sugar. I just bought sugar free powdered monkfruit sweetener. I’m going to try it with that. Thanks for the recipe.
Can I use evaporated milk if I don’t have powdered milk?
love hot chocolate in the winter, thats all you need as comfort food .
Could you substitute powdered sugar for Splenda or sweet n low??
Can you adjust the powdered sugar so it isn’t as sweet? If so how much would you use?
Swerve is also available in powdered sugar form. I’ve seen another brand too. Maybe Lakanto. Depends on what sugar substitute you choose to use.
I am thinking this could easily be converted to Sugarfree by using Lakanto Sugar free Powdered Monkfruit Sweetener.
Can you use the regular Hershey’s powered mix, I use in baking? Is it Dutch Processed?