The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (No Dry Milk)

Sharing is caring!

If you need a homemade gift or just want a quick hot chocolate that actually tastes good, this homemade hot chocolate mix is a total win. Made with everyday pantry ingredients—and no yucky dry milk—this DIY cocoa mix brings big chocolate flavor and comes together in minutes.

I’m always putting together homemade gifts, so I’ve learned to keep things simple, quick, and genuinely tasty. This hot chocolate mix is one of my go-tos because it skips the powdered milk (which is pricey and not great flavor-wise) and uses everyday ingredients that come together in minutes.

I’ve tested it with both plant-based and dairy milk, so no matter what you drink, it turns out creamy, chocolatey, and perfectly balanced every time.

Cocoa powder, powdered sugar, mini chocolate chips, and a tiny pinch of salt make the mix rich and cozy—and the best part is how easy it is to package up for a thoughtful homemade gift or stash in your pantry for festive winter drinks. It’s a fast win that looks and tastes special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Powdered sugar – because we’re making this hot cocoa mix recipe without dry milk, the powdered sugar will act as the sweetener and a thickening agent. The powdered sugar will give the cocoa a creamy and silky texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – I like unsweetened cocoa powder (baking cocoa) for this recipe. It’s easy to find in the baking aisle, and it allows you to control the sweetness of your hot chocolate.
• Mini chocolate chips (dairy-free or regular) – mini chocolate chips are my second level of chocolatey-ness in this recipe. It adds an extra hint of sweetness, creaminess, and boosts the flavor of the hot chocolate. To make this recipe dairy free, use dairy free chocolate chips!
• Kosher Salt – a pinch of Kosher salt is great for balancing the sweetness and cutting the bitterness of the cocoa.
• For Serving – to make a cup of hot chocolate from your homemade cocoa mix, you’ll need milk. Both plant-based (oat milk or your favorite nut milks) and dairy milks work in this recipe!

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

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

Step 3:

Store in an airtight jar in the pantry for up to a month, or package up into jars with cute labels and gift to loved ones!

To Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate:

Step 1: Warm 1 cup of your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy) on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat it until it’s steaming, but don’t let it boil.

Step 2: Add ¼ cup of the cocoa mix to your favorite cozy mug.

Step 3: Pour the hot milk over the mix. Stir until everything is completely smooth. A fork, mini whisk, or milk frother all work great.

Step 4: Once it’s creamy and well-mixed, top with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sip and enjoy—preferably somewhere warm and comfy!

Dairy Free Hot Chocolate Mix

There’s no powdered milk in this mix—but to make your hot chocolate mix completely dairy free, use dairy free chocolate chips instead of regular ones (which usually contain a little lactose).

Then simply pair the hot cocoa mix with your favorite nut milk or plant based milk, and you’re all set. If you love oat milk in your cocoa, then you’ll love my creamy oat milk hot chocolate recipe!

Substitutions

• To make this cocoa healthier, swap the powdered sugar for 1 to 1½ tablespoons of maple syrup and add ¼ teaspoon cornstarch to help thicken it.
• Prefer a cocoa that’s less sweet? Use more cocoa powder, switch to dark chocolate cocoa powder, or use chopped dark chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mix your hot cocoa mix with some coffee to make a delicious mocha!
• Top with vanilla or peppermint marshmallows.
• Have fun with flavorings! Add a pump or two of your favorite coffee syrup right into your mug. Some delicious options: caramel, hazelnut, coconut, peppermint, vanilla, or even sugar cookie syrup.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the hot chocolate mix
• Mix peanut butter chips, peppermint, and/or white chocolate chips

Storing Your Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

When not using your hot chocolate mix, keep it stored in a jar or airtight container with a tight fitting lid. Store at room temperature in the pantry or on your cute hot cocoa bar on the counter. Keep it away from the stove so the mix doesn’t clump.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix For a Gift

This homemade hot chocolate mix makes an easy, thoughtful holiday gift. Scoop a few servings into a mason jar, then top with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Finish it off with these free printable labels, to add instructions and make the jar gift-ready in minutes.

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
• Sugar Cookie Coffee Syrup
• Homemade Vanilla Syrup
• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
• Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Small Batch Strawberry Jam (Without Pectin)

Other Recipes You Might Like:

Sharing is caring!