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    Home ยป Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) ยป Homemade Hot Chocolate: An Easy Recipe for Home and Gifts

    LAST UPDATED: November 4, 2022 โ€ข FIRST PUBLISHED: November 14, 2019 By Toni Dash 35 Comments

    Homemade Hot Chocolate: An Easy Recipe for Home and Gifts

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Homemade Hot Chocolate mix

    Hot Chocolate is soul-warming, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket by a roaring fire! It’s easy to make hot chocolate from scratch to have on hand at home or for a great gift idea!

    Homemade Hot Chocolate mix
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    Homemade Hot Chocolate mix

    A highlight of the cold weather season is sipping hot chocolate in a blustery day.

    It warms fingers, toes and the soul.

    It’s super easy to make from scratch!

    Keep a supply on hand or whip some up for holiday gifts.

    It’s so easy to make!

    Kids can make this homemade hot chocolate recipe themselves for teachers, family or special friends!

    Jump to:
    • Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipe
    • Hot Chocolate Mix Ingredients
    • How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate mix โ€“ Step-by-Step
    • How to Make the Best Cup of Hot Chocolate!
    • Ideas to Change it Up
    • Supplies for a Hot Cocoa Recipe Gift
    • HOT CHOCOLATE MIX โ€“ PRINTABLE GIFT LABELS
    • More Homemade Edible Gift Ideas
    • Recipe

    Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipe

    This hot cocoa recipe makes a cup of rich, chocolatey hot chocolate with a hint of spice!

    The addition of ground cinnamon gives a homey, warming flavor.

    Making a batch is fast and easy.

    Keep it on hand for a quick cup or give it for gifts in a cute holiday or winter mug.

    mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows

    Hot Chocolate Mix Ingredients

    All these ingredients are easy to find at all grocery stores. 

    • Dry Milk Powder
    • Confectioner’s (Powdered) Sugar
    • Cocoa Powder
    • Kosher Salt
    • Mini Marshmallows
    • Ground Cinnamon

    What Type of Cocoa Powder to Use

    Unsweetened Baking Cocoa.

    This delivers a true chocolate flavor. The added sugar will sweeten the hot cocoa right up.

    Why is there Salt in this Hot Chocolate recipe?

    It’s a flavor trick!

    Just a tiny bit of salt ‘pops’ the hot cocoa flavors to make it taste even richer and with more chocolate flavor.

    You’ll never know the salt is there!

    snowman mug with hot chocolate mix

    How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate mix – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1: In a medium bowl combine the dry milk powder, confectioner’s (powdered) sugar, cocoa powder, salt and cinnamon (photos 1-3). Whisk to fully combine (photo 4).

    hot chocolate mix recipe steps collage

    STEP 2: Place the cellophane bag into the gift mug. Slowly spoon the hot cocoa mix into the bag.

    Adding hot chocolate mix to a gift bag in holiday mug

    STEP 3: Add the marshmallows on the top.

    STEP 4: If not giving this hot cocoa as a gift, it can be added to a jar, and sealed for use whenever desired.

    hot cocoa, marshmallows and cinnamon stick with holiday mug

    How to Make the Best Cup of Hot Chocolate!

    Now that your hot chocolate mix is complete, make a cup of hot cocoa!

    • Add 2 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk.
    • Stir to dissolve and enjoy!
    • If desired, more of the mix can be added for a stronger cocoa flavor.

    TIP: Making the hot chocolate with milk will be extra rich! There is dry milk in the mix so it’s great with water too.

    Making a cup of hot chocolate with homemade cocoa mix

    Ideas to Change it Up

    • Use a candy cane for a stirrer to get a delicious peppermint chocolate flavor.
    • Love cinnamon? Add some cinnamon Red Hots or baking imperials to give a spicier flavor.
    • Love a mocha flavored drink? Add a shot of espresso or regular coffee.
    • Whipped cream and chopped candy canes makes it festive.
    • Stir in some semi sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped flavored chocolate) for a richer chocolate flavor.
    • It can be made with Half and Half for an extra rich cup of cocoa!
    • A splash of vanilla extract will give a homey flavor.

    Supplies for a Hot Cocoa Recipe Gift

    It’s easy and affordable to turn this hot cocoa mix into a special gift.

    A Large Mug

    Cute affordable mugs can be found at department stores, craft stores, thrift stores and grocery stores. 

    If you are an Amazon shopper they have lots of choices too.

    It’s easy to find a perfect mug for a gift and not break the bank.

    As reference the mug in these photos is 5-inches tall and 3-inches across.

    snowman mug with hot cocoa mix gift

    Cellophane gift bag

    Cellophane bags are perfect for the hot chocolate mix. They are usually found at craft or baking stores.

    The size used for this hot chocolate mix: 5-inches by 11.5-inches.

    A Ziploc plastic bag can also be used.

    Decorative ribbon

    You probably have some already with your gift wrapping, crafting or sewing supplies.

    If not this can be picked up at fabric or craft stores.

    Pro Tip: cellophane bags come with metallic twist ties. Those can be used instead of ribbon to save time!

    printable gift tags for hot cocoa mix

    Printable Instruction Gift Tag

    I’ve taken care of this one! See below.

    Pro Tip: printing the label on white cardstock will make a stiffer label.

    gift idea holiday mug with hot cocoa instruction label

    HOT CHOCOLATE MIX – PRINTABLE GIFT LABELS

    Download a sheet of FREE printable Hot Cocoa mix gift labels! It’s a great way to turn this fun recipe into a surprise holiday gift. 

    More Homemade Edible Gift Ideas

    • Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops (with printable labels)
    • Homemade Cranberry Vinegar (with printable gift tags)
    • Homemade Marshmallows
    • Homemade Candy Cane Infused Vodka
    • Compound Butter: 8 Recipes
    • Simple Syrup: 8 Recipes and Suggested Uses
    • Homemade Apple Spiced Vodka (with printable gift tags)
    • DIY Pomegranate Lime Vodka & 17 Homemade Infusions and Liqueurs
    • Candied Pecans

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    Homemade Hot Chocolate mix

    Hot Chocolate Mix

    Wholesome ingredients combine for a rich, chocolately hot cocoa mix. Perfect to have on hand for chilly days for as an adorable gift.
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Gift Mug prepration time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 15 Recipes makes 1 gift mug or 15 individual hot cocoa servings
    Calories: 96kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups dry milk powder
    • 1 cup confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
    • 1 cup cocoa powder
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional but yummy
    • ½ cup mini marshmallows
    • 1 large gift mug
    • 1 clear cello gift bag or clear Ziplock bag I used a 5” x 11 ½” but feel free to adjust to the mug size
    • Decorative ribbon
    • 1 Printable instruction gift tag

    Instructions

    Directions for Cocoa Mix:

    • Combine dry milk powder, confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cinnamon into a medium size bowl and whisk to combine.
    • Place your cello gift bag into the mug and slowly add in the cocoa mix.
    • Once all mix is in the bag, add the mini marshmallows on top.

    Directions for Gift Preparation:

    • Print out instruction gift tags and cut out amount needed. Punch a hole in the top of each one.
    • Take your decorative ribbon and cut to the length you desire and add on the instruction tag.
    • Tie the ribbon around the bag making sure to seal it well.

    Directions to Prepare the Cocoa:

    • Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix for every 8 ounces of hot water or milk and stir. Add more cocoa mix for a richer cup!
    • Top with marshmallows and your favorite toppings and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Start with 2 tablespoons of the cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) of water or milk. Increase as desired for a richer cup of cocoa. Milk will make the hot cocoa richer too.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 1mg
    Homemade Hot Chocolate mix
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stacey Kraft says

      November 26, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      Please tell me where you got your mugs!! I’ve search and found nothing even close to as cute as the one pictured! Please!!!
      Thank you!
      Stacey

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 27, 2021 at 11:57 am

        Hi Stacey! Unfortunately this is from a few years ago and I donโ€™t remember where the mugs were purchased. Iโ€™m so sorry! I always am on the lookout from big box stores (Target, Walmart) to boutiques and Thrift Stores.

        Reply
    2. Linda says

      December 18, 2020 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      Awesome as gifts for neighbors, and I’m doing that. Also making a double batch to take on our family’s Pigeon Forge cabin vacation January 1st. I’ll add semisweet chocolate morsels for an extra rich and slightly bitter flavor that I love. We can sit by the fireplace in the evening, playing games and sipping hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. COZY, COZY, COZY!๐Ÿ˜‹โ˜•

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 18, 2020 at 8:49 am

        I won’t lie Linda I’m feeling a little bit of envy over this scene you painted! Sounds perfect. Happy happy holidays to you and your family.

        Reply
    3. Pat Lee says

      December 15, 2020 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      I made the cocoa mix for christmas gifts with the labels and it has been a hit. My husband was the taster for all the different recipes and this was his favorite. He now likes to add a scoop to is piping hot coffee in the morning.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 15, 2020 at 11:05 am

        I love this Pat Lee! That you made it, that your husband gets to be the taste tester (mine is the same) and that you took the time to leave your comment. Thank you so much and happy holidays!

        Reply
    4. Jeanna says

      December 11, 2020 at 9:48 am

      Followed recipe exactly, very weak in taste and substance
      Not sure why this was rated so well

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 13, 2020 at 12:53 pm

        Hi Jeanna. You can always add more of the cocoa mix to intensify the flavor to your preference.

        Reply
    5. Wendy Helzer says

      November 16, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      I like this idea so much more than other recipe/ideas. At least I donโ€™t need a mason jar, lol! Thanks for the packaging ideas and of course all your recipe suggestions! Hope yโ€™all have a cool yule.

      Reply
    6. Kat says

      September 03, 2020 at 9:52 am

      Great recipe! It’s almost fall and getting ready. Do you have a good recipe for a white chocolate mix. So I can use a Tablespoon of both for a zebra hot chocolate. My niece absolutely loves them. Thank you for all your fabulous recipes!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        September 03, 2020 at 10:20 am

        I don’t but what a cute idea you have. You can buy it on Amazon too.

        Reply
    7. Bianca Dottin says

      November 18, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      I love hot chocolate! This looks like an amazing recipe. Definitely going to have to try this soon.

      Reply
    8. Natalie says

      November 18, 2019 at 5:43 am

      5 stars
      This will be perfect gift for my friends and family. It’s super easy to make and it’s so cute and festive.

      Reply
    9. Becky Hardin says

      November 16, 2019 at 7:04 am

      5 stars
      Nothing better on a cold evening โ€ฆ a big cup of hot chocolate.

      Reply
    10. Celebrate Woman Today says

      November 15, 2019 at 9:05 am

      I make my cocoa recipe for gifts all the time during holidays. You reminded me to update my gift tag! Thank you, Toni.

      Reply
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    5 from 25 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

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