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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Thanks so much for hot cocoa mix recipe; plan to make a batch to share with friends and family at my annual Christmas Open House! Happy Holidays to you.
I used to make a similar recipe like this except I didn’t put corn starch and salt in it. I added a tall container of powdered original coffee creamer in stead and mixed it real good. Then, I added the water; mixed it up and added red hots, crushed peppermint or both. 😋 😋
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Can u show recipe for a diabetic recipe or how to substitute
All u use for diabetic friendly. Is use monk fruit Powdered Sugar in place of reg Powdered Sugar. Also make sure u use unsweetened cocoa powder
This is a good recipe. My suggestion is to sift all the ingredients before you use or store.
The only powdered milk that I can find is low fat from target. Is this suitable? Do you have a specific brand of milk powder that you can recommend?
Thank you.
I ordered a can of whole milk powder from Amazon for my food storage. The whole milk powder is much better than low-fat dry milk. I use it for making pancake mix for camping also.
about to make this recipe, question is in a 16oz cup how much mix should i use
1/2 cup of going by the recipe, but it’s totally up to you.
Can you tell me what oz jar you use to store the 4 1/2 cups of hot cocoa? Looking to make these for Christmas gifts!
5 half pint jars ( approximately 8 oz each)
What if I don’t include the powdered milk…do I need to change the measurements for the other ingredients at all? I plan to just mix it with milk when serving.
I’ve made a similar recipe for 50 years. My recipe makes a huge batch, about a 5# container full! You use an 8 qt size powdered milk, about 6 cups Nestles Quick, 20 Oz, about 3 cups powdered sugar ( depending on your taste), and a 16 Oz size coffee mate. Just mix it all together and store. I have tweaked this recipe over the years to suit my family’s taste, so you can do the same. I have also mixed in Ghirardelli chocolate powder in addition to the Nestles.
I too have used this recipe for years, but over time have converted the 3 cups powdered sugar to Stevia- 1 cup. It works and tastes great. No artificial sweetener taste.
Where can I find 8 quart size powdered milk? What size container would that be?