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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I’m considering making it without the powdered milk. When I want hot coco I can heat some unsweetened almond milk and add mix. What do you think?
I had quite some difficulty getting the mix to dissolve in a mug of hot milk. Next time I will try mixing it into the hot milk while it is still on the stove. I may have forgotten to put the cornstarch in. My husband liked it.
I made this exactly as posted, was very disappointed , won’t make again
What on earth are you disappointed with? It’s a cocoa mix and tastes exactly as I have described. Did you use a wrong ingredient? Salt instead of sugar?
Amanda or anyone that has made this could you share the Dutch processed Cocoa powder used? Will be making these for Christmas gifts this year and want to have all my ducks in a row with proper ingredients.
I used Costco Dutch process but any dutch process cocoa will work.
Thank you so much! Also the dry milk is nonfat or whole or either works?
Great to make as a gift too
Great recipe for your pantry if you are a hot chocolate drinker. I make this and store in a canister on my beverage bar! Also, adding mini marshmallows and giving in a cup as a gift!
My husband is a hot chocolate lover. But we live in a warm climate area where we usually get about 6 weeks of winter. I used to make a mix for him that I had to make in stock pot because it made so much. Then it would go bad before he couldn’t use it all. This recipe makes perfect amount. I made it for him as a surprise and he loved it! He can’t wait for his next cup.
I am pretty well known for making the BEST hot chocolate in town. Like, the hot chocolate Mrs. Claus would make for Santa to take with him to deliver presents around the world. You get the idea. I was pretty skeptical of an “instant” recipe, but wanted something to put in my cocoa bombs that would re-create the good stuff for friends at home. This recipe nailed it. Completely! I doubled the salt- it’s my secret ingredient- and it was perfect!
How long will it last in airtight container?
Looks so delicious
Can you give me the measurements for sugar free cocoa?