This Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix combines powdered milk, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt for a creamy, sweet, spiced chocolate drink. Mix the dry ingredients with hot water or milk for a perfect indulgence on chilly Fall days or any day you need to warm up from the inside out! I love adding a few marshmallows and a dollop of whipped cream to my mug and highly recommend you do as well 😀. You should stock up for the cooler months, and make a Big Batch of Hot Cocoa Mix if you want the classic flavor and to use the BEST recipe online!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Powdered Milk: Powdered milk is milk that has been dried out so it lasts longer than regular liquid milk. It’s also called milk powder or dry milk. For a non-dairy substitute, you could use coconut powdered milk.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) brings sweetness and dissolves easily (no unwanted lumps)! Granulated sugar will work, too, but it will not dissolve as easily.
- Cocoa Powder: After testing this hot cocoa mix with both Dutch-processed and regular unsweetened cocoa powder, we all liked the unsweetened cocoa powder the best. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives the mix a more classic, traditional hot cocoa flavor. Plus, it has a more intense, natural chocolate taste. But, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, too.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star of this recipe is the pumpkin pie spice! If you don’t have any on hand, make your own! (You probably have all the spices you need to make it!) It gives each sip of the hot cocoa a seasonal twist. If you are all about pumpkin spice drinks, you will also love my homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, another seasonal favorite.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps thicken the cocoa mix when mixed with the hot liquid, giving your drink a smooth, velvety texture.
- Kosher Salt: Even though there is a small amount of salt in the mix, it is still important! The salt helps create a more well-rounded, flavorful hot cocoa.
Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate
Both hot cocoa and hot chocolate are tasty (and popular) drinks for cold weather, but they are a little different. Hot cocoa is usually made from a powder that you mix with hot water or milk (like this recipe). Hot chocolate, on the other hand, is made by melting real chocolate in hot liquid. Most of the mixes you find in stores are for hot cocoa. Of course, marshmallows are delicious in both!
If you love classic hot chocolate, you’ve got to try my best homemade hot cocoa! It’s rich, velvety, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Is It Better To Use Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix With Water Or Milk?
It’s all about preference when using this pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix. Here is a breakdown of using water or milk with the hot cocoa mix: (There are pros and cons to each.)
Using Milk:
- Creaminess: Milk gives hot cocoa a rich, creamy texture, making it more indulgent and comforting.
- Flavor: The natural sweetness of milk enhances the overall flavor, resulting in a more balanced and delicious drink.
- Nutritional Value: Milk adds protein, calcium, and vitamins, making your hot cocoa more nutritious.
Using Water:
- Lighter Option: Using water makes for a lighter hot cocoa, which some might prefer if they want a less rich drink.
- Fewer Calories: Water significantly reduces the calorie count, making it a suitable option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Quick Mix: If you’re in a hurry, water is easier and faster to mix with powdered cocoa, especially if you don’t have milk on hand.
How To Store Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix
To store pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix, keep it in an airtight container (I like a glass jar with a tight lid). It makes a great homemade gift for all of the lovers of pumpkin spice (and I know a few)! When stored in a cool, dry place, the mix can last up to a year. It will lose a little bit of its flavor the longer it’s stored, so use it up (which won’t be a problem once you taste it)!
Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa
- 1 ¼ cups (85 g) powdered milk
- 1 cup (125 g) confectioners' sugar
- ½ cup (59 g) regular unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving
- hot water, or whole milk (I prefer milk)
- mini marshmallows, optional
- whipped cream, optional
Instructions
Hot Cocoa Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and kosher salt.
- Whisk all ingredients together until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.*
To Make a Cup of Hot Cocoa
- Measure ¼ cup of the hot cocoa mix into a mug.
- Pour 1 cup of hot water or milk over the mix. Stir until the powder has dissolved and is smooth.
- Top with mini marshmallows, if desired. (I highly recommend adding marshmallows, especially if using water, as they will add a silky velvet-like quality to the hot cocoa once melted.)
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I love the hint of pumpkin spice in each sip of this! So cozy!
Elizabeth
I am not ashamed to say I am a fan of all things pumpkin spice, and I loved this hot cocoa mix! Perfect for chilly days!
Annabelle
If you are a fan of pumpkin spice drinks, you will probably like this hot cocoa mix.
Bella
Such a delicious twist on regular hot chocolate! I like it best when it's made with milk.
Selena
Perfect for chilly days. The pumpkin spice makes it unique, and it dissolves well in hot water or milk.
