Homemade hot cocoa mix is one of the easiest things to tuck into a Christmas gift basket. Fill a jar, add directions, and pair it with a mug and a few candy canes. It’s something people can enjoy without finding room for another decoration.
It’s also worth keeping a batch in your own kitchen. With the dry mix ready in the pantry, a cup of hot cocoa takes just a few minutes.
This recipe combines simple ingredients: sugar, powdered milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. My original version includes a small pinch of cayenne pepper. Keep it if you enjoy a little warmth with your chocolate, or leave it out for a plain batch.
For more kitchen gifts to pair with your cocoa, browse my homemade Christmas gift ideas.
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Start with a dry bowl. Sift the cocoa powder into a large bowl and break up any lumps in the powdered milk.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Whisk in the sugar, salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly. Continue whisking until the color is even throughout, scraping the bottom of the bowl so no pockets of powdered milk remain.
- Transfer to an airtight container. Use clean, completely dry mason jars or another tightly sealed pantry container.
- Label the mix. Add the preparation date and serving instructions.
Notes
Choosing Your Powdered Milk
The powdered milk makes this a mix you can prepare with hot water. Instant nonfat dry milk powder is a practical choice because it dissolves readily and is widely available at the grocery store.
Whole milk powder is another option, though its flavor, dissolving characteristics, and storage instructions can differ. Check the package before using it, particularly if you’re making several jars for gifts.
Which Cocoa Powder Should You Use?
Natural cocoa powder gives the mix a familiar chocolate flavor with a little more acidity. Dutch-process cocoa powder generally produces a darker color and a mellower flavor.
Either works here because this recipe doesn’t depend on cocoa reacting with baking soda. Choose an unsweetened cocoa you enjoy, rather than a sweetened chocolate drink powder.
For making several batches, this organic Cocoa Powder comes in a 5-pound bag. It’s unsweetened, so you can use it in this mix without adding extra sugar beyond the recipe.
The Optional Cayenne Pepper
A small pinch of cayenne pepper adds a little warmth alongside the chocolate. Start sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the cocoa.
You can also leave it out of the mix and add a tiny pinch to individual mugs. If you include cayenne in jars for gifts, mention it on the tag so recipients know what to expect.
How Much Cocoa Mix Do You Use Per Cup?
Start with:
- ¼ cup dry mix
- 1 cup hot water or hot milk
Put the mix in a mug and add a small splash of the hot liquid. Stir into a smooth paste, then gradually stir in the remaining liquid.
Starting with a paste helps you work out the lumps instead of chasing dry cocoa around the top of a full mug.
Taste before adding anything else. Use a little more mix for stronger chocolate flavor, or another splash of milk if you prefer it lighter.
Is Hot Water or Milk Better?
Hot water is convenient because the mix already contains powdered milk. Use 1 cup, or 8 fluid ounces, of hot water for each serving.
Hot milk makes a richer cup of hot chocolate. Warm it gently on the stove, stirring frequently, and avoid letting it boil over or scorch.
You can also add a splash of cream to the finished drink.
Easy Hot Cocoa Variations
Keep the main jar plain and change individual servings. That gives everyone a choice without making several different versions of the dry mix.
- Peppermint: Stir with a candy cane or add crushed peppermint candies.
- Extra chocolate: Stir in a few chocolate chips until melted.
- Vanilla: Add a small splash of vanilla extract to the prepared cocoa.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle in a little ground cinnamon.
- Marshmallows: Finish with mini marshmallows or a homemade marshmallow.
- Whipped cream: Add a spoonful and a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Package Hot Cocoa Mix for Homemade Gifts
A glass jar keeps the mix contained and makes the gift easy to use. Choose the jar according to how many servings you want to give:
- ½ cup mix: About 2 servings
- 1 cup mix: About 4 servings
- 2 cups mix: About 8 servings
Tie on a gift tag with the directions below. Add a mug, a small whisk, or separately packaged marshmallows. A thrifted basket lined with a kitchen towel makes a useful container for a larger gift.
Keep candy canes and toppings separate from the powder so recipients can choose what goes into their cups.
Copy These Gift Tag Directions
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Stir ¼ cup mix with a small splash of hot water or hot milk until smooth. Gradually add the remaining liquid, using 1 cup total.
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place. Use a clean, dry spoon.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container away from heat, moisture, and steam.
Its shelf life depends on the ingredients you use, especially the powdered milk. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage after opening, and use the earliest ingredient best-by date as a reference.
Make gift batches close to the holiday season rather than assuming they will keep until next year. Label each jar with the preparation date and any relevant ingredient storage directions.
With a batch mixed and ready, there’s very little standing between you and a warm cup of cocoa. Give a few jars away, and keep one in the cupboard for yourself.
