Creamy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

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Are you tired of settling for mediocre store-bought hot cocoa mix?

Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got a creamy homemade hot cocoa mix recipe that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

• Discover the joy of homemade hot cocoa mix with just four simple ingredients.
• Learn how to properly store the dry mix and extend its shelf life.
• Get inspired with favorite add-ins and toppings to take your hot cocoa to the next level.

Keep reading and let me show you how to make a decadent cup of hot cocoa that will make the whole family smile!

The Joy of Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

There’s something truly magical about sipping on a steaming cup of homemade hot cocoa. The cozy warmth and rich chocolatey flavor can transport you back to childhood memories or create new ones with your own family. Plus, when you make your own hot cocoa mix, you have complete control over the ingredients and can create a blend that suits your taste perfectly.

My family loves hot cocoa and we make it often during winter months. When I was a little girl, my Mom made homemade hot chocolate for me many times on a cold winter morning before school. I continued this tradition with my family.

When I met and married my husband in the south, my mother-in-law also loved homemade hot chocolate and we would enjoy making it on chilly evenings. Hot chocolate and warm conversation go together like bonfires and marshmallows.

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While I will always love my old fashioned hot cocoa recipe, I was really excited when a friend shared this easy hot cocoa mix recipe. This made it easy for my children to make it for themselves if I wasn’t available, and quicker to make if we were rushed.

But why go through the trouble of making hot cocoa mix from scratch?

I know that some of you are thinking that it’s silly to make it homemade when you can grab a box of pre-packaged mix for a couple of dollars, so read on to understand the reason behind the madness.

Here’s why:

• Superior Flavor: With just four simple ingredients, you can create a hot cocoa mix that is far superior in taste compared to anything you can find on the store shelves. The homemade version is rich, creamy, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor.
• Customizable to Your Preferences: By making your own mix, you can adjust the sweetness level and even experiment with different types of drink mix to suit your unique taste preferences.
• Convenience and Cost-Effective: Once you prepare your homemade hot cocoa mix, it’s incredibly convenient to whip up a cup whenever the craving strikes. Plus, it’s also a cost-effective alternative to buying cocoa from one of the popular coffee shops, especially if you frequently enjoy a cozy mug of hot cocoa.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s dive into the simple recipe for making your own hot cocoa mix at home.

Simple Recipe with Four Ingredients

Making your own homemade hot cocoa mix is so incredibly easy. With just four simple ingredients, you’ll have a steaming cup of chocolatey goodness in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz. Carnation Coffee Mate Dry Creamer
• 1 lb. powdered sugar
• 25.6 oz box of Carnation dry milk powder (=1 lb. 9.6 oz.)
• 1 lb. Nestle Quick Hot Cocoa Mix

To prepare the hot cocoa mix, simply combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined. You want to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed and well mixed, creating a smooth and rich mixture.

Storing and Shelf Life of Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Now that you have your homemade hot cocoa mix ready to go, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. I recommend transferring the mix into an airtight container, such as a mason jar, canister with a sealing lid, or a resealable plastic bag.

When storing your hot cocoa mix, keep it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or any source of heat. This will help to prevent any clumping or moisture absorption, ensuring that your mix stays in perfect condition.

As for the shelf life of your homemade hot cocoa mix, if stored correctly, it can last for several months. However, I must confess, mine never lasts that long. Even now that most of our children have left home, my husband and son request it often.

Find hot cocoa mix storage solutions here.

Favorite Add-Ins and Toppings to Enhance Your Hot Cocoa

While a classic cup of hot cocoa is absolutely fantastic on its own, sometimes it’s fun to get a little creative and add some extra pizzazz to your mug. Here are a few of my favorite add-ins and toppings to enhance the flavor and take your hot cocoa to the next level.

For add-ins: Unless you already know that you want the entire batch to be customized to one flavor, such as peppermint, I recommend adding it to the pre-measured dry mix for each individual cup right before adding water, and not the entire batch. This will keep your options open.

Add-Ins:

• Peppermint extract: Add a drop of peppermint extract to your measured mix before adding in the water for a refreshing and minty twist.
• Cinnamon: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into your hot cocoa for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract brings a lovely hint of sweetness to your drink.

Toppings:

• Whipped cream: Dollop a generous amount of whipped cream on top of your hot cocoa and watch it slowly melt into creamy goodness.
• Chocolate shavings: Grate some chocolate over your hot cocoa for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
• *Mini marshmallows: Top your hot cocoa with a handful of mini marshmallows, because you can never have too many marshmallows! (*Pro tip* If you purchase freeze dried marshmallows, you can stir them into your entire recipe of mix for convenience.)
• Chocolate syrup: Drizzle the syrup over your marshmallows or whipped cream for a coffee shop style treat.
• Nutella: For all the chocolate hazelnut lovers out there, a spoonful of Nutella can take your hot cocoa to heavenly heights. As it melts into the warm liquid, the Nutella blends with the cocoa, creating a luscious and indulgent drink that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Feel free to experiment with these suggestions or mix and match to create your own unique hot cocoa creations. You can also try adding a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to add an extra layer of flavor. Let your imagination soar, and share your favorite hot cocoa combinations with your friends and family!

Making a hot cocoa bar? Find jars here for your toppings and add-ins.

Feeling Adventurous?

One of my absolute favorite snacks are marshmallows. I love them on top of my hot cocoa and I also love them roasted. Know what’s even better? Roasted marshmallows on top of hot cocoa! If no one else is available to enjoy roasting them with me, it’s not uncommon for me to start a fire in our firepit and roast them all by myself.

My husband has actually had to look out for me, because on occasion, he’s had a fire going in the backyard, but the wood was not really food safe. Pine and some sappy woods shouldn’t have food roasted over them and can make you sick. He’s always making sure I know if the fire is “marshmallow safe” or not.

Don’t have a firepit? Check out my tabletop fireplace!

I love my table top fireplace and have used it for warmth ambiance and most often when making a s’mores board.

On that note, if you want to try and make delicious homemade marshmallows to enjoy with your cocoa, roasted or not, follow along with this easy video below.

Now that you have the perfect homemade hot cocoa mix and a plethora of options to customize it, it’s time to cozy up, grab a mug, and enjoy a heartwarming cup of hot cocoa. Cheers to the simple pleasures in life!

Crafting Memories in a Cup

Now you no longer need to settle for store bought hot cocoa. With just a few ingredients and some optional add-ins, you can create the perfect cup of hot cocoa tailored to your taste. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a warming and comforting drink that will bring joy during the colder days.

This recipe is fabulous for sledding parties, cozy winter days by the fire, taking it to go in a thermos to ward of winter’s chill, and anytime you just want a hug in a mug. It’s a simple way to reflect the love you have for your family by keeping them warm inside and out.

We hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of homemade hot cocoa mix. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. You can leave comments or questions at the end of this post or you can contact me, jennifer@polishingpemberley.com, and I’ll be happy to get back to you.

FAQs

Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the hot cocoa mix?

Absolutely! The beauty of homemade hot cocoa mix is that you can customize it to suit your taste. While we recommend following the recipe for the best results, feel free to experiment with different types of Nestle Quick, such as Strawberry, or sweeteners. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.

How should I store the homemade hot cocoa mix?

To maintain the freshness and quality of your homemade hot cocoa mix, it’s essential to store it properly. We recommend transferring the mix into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a resealable plastic bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help prevent clumping and preserve the flavor and aroma for an extended period.

What is the shelf life of the homemade hot cocoa mix?

When stored correctly, the homemade hot cocoa mix can last for approximately six months. However, we bet it won’t last that long once you start enjoying it! Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage or loss of quality, such as an off taste or stale scent, before using the mix.

Can I use the hot cocoa mix as a gift?

Absolutely! The homemade hot cocoa mix makes a perfect gift for family, friends, or even coworkers. Simply transfer the mix into a decorative container, add some marshmallows, cinnamon sticks or peppermint sticks, and attach a personalized label with instructions on how to prepare it. It’s a thoughtful and delicious present that anyone would appreciate!

Can I adjust the sweetness level of the hot cocoa?

Of course! The level of sweetness in the hot cocoa mix is a personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter cup of cocoa, you can increase the amount of sweetener in the recipe. On the other hand, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sweetener accordingly. Don’t be afraid to tailor the recipe to suit your taste buds!

Can I make a larger batch of the hot cocoa mix?

Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch of the hot cocoa mix to have on hand for multiple servings, simply double or triple the recipe. Just remember to adjust the storage container size accordingly, and make sure you have enough space to store the mix properly.

Can I use flavored milk powders?

Definitely! Using flavored milk powders, such as chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla, can add an extra dimension of flavor to your hot cocoa mix. You can either replace the chocolate Nestle Quick with a different flavor or combine them for a unique twist. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!