Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

What's better than curling up with a warm, creamy mug of homemade hot chocolate? Maybe two mugs. This easy DIY Hot Chocolate Mix comes together in seconds, is made without dry milk powder, and makes the most delicious hot cocoa you've ever sipped!

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Jump to:

• How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix From Scratch--without powdered milk!
• Is it better to make hot chocolate with milk or water?
• Is hot chocolate mix gluten free?
• Is this hot chocolate mix dairy free?
• Serving Suggestions:
• Storing Your Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
• Give the Gift of Hot Chocolate In a Jar!
• Other Recipes You Might Like:
• Homemade Food Gift Ideas:
• 📖 Recipe

I'm so glad the holidays are finally here because now I can share with you this scrumptious hot chocolate mix recipe!!

It's a little different than your traditional hot cocoa mix because it does not contain powdered milk! So to all my friends out there who have an aversion to dairy, this one's for you.

This recipe uses unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar (for sweetness and creaminess), and mini chocolate chips. The chocolate chips give the mix an extra chocolatey and creamy boost!

The dash of salt rounds things out between the bitter chocolate and super sweet sugar. It's the perfect marriage and the perfect cup of cocoa.

One batch makes a generous amount to share with friends and leaves enough left over to treat yourself. And frankly, you deserve it, for being such a great gift giver!

Here's how we make this mix:

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix From Scratch--without powdered milk!

The Ingredients You'll Need

Makes 2 ¼ Cups of Mix or 7 servings

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (dairy-free or regular)
• A dash of salt
• 1 cup of your favorite milk (for serving)

Mixing Instructions:

Sift together the powdered sugar, cocoa and salt into a bowl.

Add the mini chocolate chips to the cocoa mixture and give a toss until evenly distributed.

The mix is now ready to be used or packaged up in cute little jars and given to loved ones.

To Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate:

On the stovetop or in the microwave, heat up 1 cup of your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.

Just heat until steaming, not boiling.

Scoop ¼ cup of the mix into your favorite festive mug.

Pour the hot milk over the cocoa mixture and mix until smooth. You can do this with a fork, mini whisk, or handheld milk frother.

Once your hot chocolate is smooth and creamy, top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows, and enjoy while watching the snow fall by the fire.

Is it better to make hot chocolate with milk or water?

For this recipe, I recommend using milk instead of water. And it can be any milk you like- dairy or dairy free!

This recipe is a little different than traditional hot chocolate mixes in that it does not contain powdered milk. So adding heated milk provides extra richness and flavor.

Is hot chocolate mix gluten free?

This one is!

None of the ingredients used in this recipe contain gluten naturally.

But always make sure to read the labels and look for the gluten free certified marking--just to make sure your ingredients haven't been processed in a facility that processes wheat too.

Is this hot chocolate mix dairy free?

It definitely can be! There's no powdered milk in this recipe, however, the chocolate chips I personally use have some lactose in them. But those can easily be swapped out for dairy free mini chocolate chips!

This mix is delicious when paired with a dairy free milk! I love making my hot chocolate with oat milk for extra creamy deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions:

This hot chocolate mix is creamy and dreamy and wonderful on it's own. But some days we need a little extra embellishment. If today is one of those days, here are some suggestions on how to dress up your hot chocolate:

• Serve in a clear glass mug, topped with billowy whipped cream and some shaved chocolate flakes. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a thin butter cookie and you are off to the races my friend!
• Mix your hot chocolate mix with some coffee to make a delicious mocha!
• Spike your cocoa with your favorite chocolate, almond, or hazelnut liqueur
• Top with peppermint marshmallows instead of traditional ones
• Or make your own marshmallows and toast them before topping your hot chocolate
• Have fun with flavorings and add a pump or two of your favorite syrup to your mug. Some yummy ideas would be caramel, hazelnut, coconut, peppermint, or vanilla
• Use chocolate milk or vanilla flavored milk (dairy or dairy free) in place of unsweetened milk
• Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the mix
• Sub out the semisweet chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, peppermint, or white chocolate chips
• Make a mug of cocoa, let cool and freeze in ice cube trays. Then use your hot cocoa cubes in your favorite, creamy cocktail

Storing Your Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

When not using your hot chocolate mix, keep it stored in a jar or airtight container with a tight fitting lid. Store in a cool place.

This mix does not need to be refrigerated, but if it's 90 degrees in your house, you may need to pop the mix in the fridge so the chocolate chips don't melt.

Give the Gift of Hot Chocolate In a Jar!

Hot Chocolate Mix makes a great gift and what better way to say "Happy Holidays!" than a batch of homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar!

To assemble, scoop out enough hot cocoa mix for a couple of servings into a cute mason jar. Top with mini marshmallows, additional mini chocolate chips, and even a few chunks of a crushed candy cane!

Bonus--if you're savvy in the kitchen and want to try your hand at making homemade marshmallows, I suggest Alton Brown's marshmallow recipe. I've made this recipe numerous times and it always comes out great!

Pop your homemade marshmallows into a cute cellophane bag to include with your hot chocolate mix in a jar!

Lastly, make sure to include these free printable labels! I've included labels for both the jar and the lid--with instructions on how to make the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

They're so cute and provide that little extra special touch to your homemade hot chocolate mix. They fit perfectly on wide-mouthed, pint sized mason jars.

Other Recipes You Might Like:

Hot Cocoa With Oat Milk

Homemade Sweet Cream Cold Foam

At Home Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Homemade Food Gift Ideas:

These recipes below are perfect for gifting during the holidays or all year round!

All Purpose Mexican Spice Blend

Sweet And Spicy Pineapple Pepper Jam