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Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe

Robyn Stone

Published Nov 29, 2024

Homemade Hot Cocoa is so quick and easy to make! Made with just 3 simple ingredients, stirred into warmed milk, a cup of coffee, or hot water for a quick, easy, and cozy hot cocoa!

Photograph of white mug filled with hot cocoa and a clear jar of homemade mix behind it on a white counter. - 1

Hot cocoa has always been one of my favorite things! Rich and creamy, sweet and simple, it is one of my favorite indulgences – especially during cooler months when all I want are cozy things.

Making homemade cocoa is one of the simplest things to do, too! With three ingredients you most likely keep on hand in your pantry, you can make this mix to keep on hand for a quick and easy cup or make a batch of the mix to share with friends for a thoughtful homemade gift!

This recipe makes 24 servings, which makes it perfect to keep beside the coffee maker for a cozy cup anytime!

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate

The difference is minor, but these two favorite drinks are not made the same way.

Hot Cocoa is made using cocoa powder, while hot chocolate is made by melting chocolate into milk and cream. Both are delicious!

Closeup photograph of hot cocoa in a white mug with a spoon. - 2

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Let me show you how I make this recipe.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the mix, you’ll need the following:

Cocoa Powder – use your favorite cocoa powder in this recipe. You can use either Dutch-processed or natural.
Sugar – use your favorite sugar or an equal replacement of your favorite sugar substitute or alternative.
Salt – just a little salt helps to round out the flavor

Photograph of hot cocoa mix in a glass jar. - 4

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa

Mix the ingredients. Stir together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined well.

Make a mug of cocoa . To mix each cup :

Stir one to two tablespoons of this homemade mix into warmed milk, hot water, or a cup of coffee for a quick mocha. Delicious!

Storage Tips

Hot Cocoa Mix should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored correctly, it should last for up to 2 months.

Homemade hot cocoa mix in a glass jar with a label. - 5

Flavors Variations You May Enjoy

Peppermint – add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
Cinnamon – add a pinch of ground cinnamon
Spicy – add a pinch of cayenne pepper

Hot cocoa mug topped with marshmallow, mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, and a peppermint stick. - 6

Favorite Toppings

Marshmallows
Whipped Cream
Peppermint Stick or Candy Cane
Dusting of Cocoa
Mini Chocolate Chips

Here’s our favorite Hot Cocoa Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup sugar
▢ 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder , Dutch-processed or natural
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt

To Make Homemade Hot Cocoa from this Mix:

▢ 1 cup warm milk , or water or coffee

Optional Toppings:

▢ marshmallows
▢ whipped cream
▢ peppermint extract

Hot Cocoa Variations:

▢ 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract , (Peppermint Hot Cocoa)

Instructions

Mix together sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Store in an airtight container.

To Make Hot Cocoa from this Mix:

Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix into 1 cup of warmed milk, hot water, or coffee. Add ingredients for flavor variations and/ or optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy! Robyn xo