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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This looks so yummy! 🤩
Could Splenda be used in lieu of confectioners sugar?
Hi. What brand of powdered milk do you use?
Looks good. Always looking for recipes to store so ready when want I need them.
This recipe is a must try. I do have to watch my salt intake though. But I drink hot cocoa/ chocolate all the time in the winter. I love stirring in carmel occasionally. I am interested because there are no additives. Thanks for this!
I used to make this back in the 70s. I’ll have to revive making it. We’d also make something called Russian Tea. It was a mixture of instant tea, tang, and powdered Wyler’s lemonade. It was good hot or cold. I got the recipes from a Coffee House in Illinois.
Why cornstarch? Why confectioner sugar?
Thank you
I believe that the cornstarch helps thicken the mixture for a creamier texture. The confectioners sugar dissolves better than granulated sugar.
My wife has bad reactions to corn including corn starch do you think I could substitute something else, maybe potato starch?
Arrowroot powder does the same thing.
I added powered vanilla creamer to the recipe!
Is the powered milk lactose free? If not do they make it!
I couldn’t find Carnation Powdered Milk like my parents used, but I did find instant dry milk in the baking section of the grocery store. I left out the cornstarch since I add lots of marshmallows. The cocoa is amazing! The instant dry milk and powdered sugar dissolve very easily and it’s the perfect level of sweetness; less syrupy sweet than store bought.
Such a surprise that it was so good. I used regular Hershey Cocoa Powder with Carnation Powdered Milk along with the other ingredients. I whisked it on my kitchen aid and a little by hand as my whisk didn’t get my clumped milk powder (a little old) and it was superb! A very basic recipe with top notch results. I’m not a cocoa drinker, but I drank this. The powdered sugar was a new idea. That might have made the difference.