Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (Without Powdered Milk)

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix is an easy hot cocoa mix recipe without dry milk you can whip up ahead of time then store in your pantry for those cold winter nights! It’s the best hot chocolate mix you’ll make because of two special ingredients other recipes don’t use.

One of my guilty pleasures once it’s cold outside (especially when walking around to see the Christmas lights) is sipping on a cup of hot chocolate.

However, I usually make it at home because I’m VERY picky as most places don’t make it creamy enough. Even worse if they make theirs with hot water.

Most nights when I’m home I make my thick hot chocolate.

But sometimes it’s a little too rich for my mood. Plus then I have to chop chocolate when all I want to do is curl up under the blanket with the cat.

That’s where having a jar of this Hot Chocolate Mix comes in handy! All you do is keep a jar in your pantry then melt a few tablespoons into some warm milk.

This hot cocoa mix recipe is inspired by the cocoa packets we all know and love from childhood but even when made with milk, I found them a little lackluster.

That’s why I believe this is the best hot chocolate mix you’ll ever make because I use two ingredients that other homemade hot chocolate mixes don’t use.

You don’t even need powdered milk! That’s not an ingredient most people buy so as long as you’re using whole milk to serve, it’s unnecessary to add.

And if you’re feeling really festive, dress up a jar with cute Christmas ribbon then give away as gifts for the holiday.

What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

The difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa is in the name.

Hot chocolate is made with real chocolate which you then melt into milk while hot cocoa is made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk (or hot water).

My recipe uses both baking chocolate and cocoa powder, so you can use the names interchangeably.

Ingredients For Hot Chocolate Mix

Here’s what you need to make your hot chocolate mix recipe without dry milk:

• Cocoa powder: Look for unsweetened natural cocoa powder. It’s important to use high-quality cocoa because cheap ones may leave a chalky aftertaste.
• Semisweet chocolate: Since we’re not using powdered milk, melting real chocolate adds creaminess as well as makes your drink more chocolatey.
• Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor thanks to the molasses in it.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mix without being too brown sugar forward
• Salt: Brings out the chocolate flavor even more

Do I need powdered milk for hot cocoa mix?

Although homemade hot cocoa mix uses powdered milk, let’s get real – when was the last time you actually bought dry milk?

Because it’s not a common pantry ingredient, I decided to not use any. As long as you’re making your homemade hot chocolate with milk and not water, you likely won’t notice the difference.

How To Make Hot Cocoa Mix

This hot chocolate mix recipe is so easy to make, it almost doesn’t need directions! All you do is mix together cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, brown sugar, sugar, and salt.

Ideally you throw everything in a food processor to help finely chop the chocolate so it’ll melt easier.

However if you have great knife skills, finely chop the chocolate by hand then whisk everything together.

Store your hot chocolate mix in an airtight container in your pantry for up to 3 months.

How To Serve Hot Chocolate Mix

Now that you made your hot chocolate mix without powdered milk, how do you make a cup of homemade hot cocoa?

I personally like the ratio of 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix for every 1/2 cup whole milk. Of course you can play with this ratio to suit your taste.

Heat your milk in a saucepan until warm (not boiling), whisk in your cocoa mix, then boil for about 1 minute or until the mix dissolves and starts to thicken slightly.

Remove from the heat then cool for about 5-10 minutes so you don’t burn your tongue.

Whipped Cream For Hot Chocolate

Normally I throw a handful of mini marshmallows on top of my drink and call it good, but you can also make homemade whipped cream for hot chocolate to make it even creamier.

You also add extra flavor using one of these flavored whipped cream recipes:

• Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
• Chocolate Whipped Cream
• Strawberry Whipped Cream
• Maple Whipped Cream
• Honey Whipped Cream
• Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Or pour your hot chocolate over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream like you would with an affogato.

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

Enjoyed your hot cocoa mix without dry milk? Check out these other hot chocolate recipes:

• Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
• S’mores Hot Chocolate
• Caramel Hot Chocolate
• Cheesecake Hot Chocolate
• Coconut Milk Chocolate
• Raspberry Hot Chocolate