Hot Chocolate Recipe

Whip up this homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe to have on hand all season long – quick, easy, delicious, and perfectly gift-able!

This homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe is delicious and perfectly giftable. Get your hot cocoa fix with more of our favorites: Mint Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate or White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Close up of a mug filled with homemade hot chocolate recipe topped with whipped cream.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

I love hot chocolate! It is my favorite drink in the fall and winter, but I’ve been known to drink it year-round! It is especially fun and festive around the holidays.

While I often just purchase Hot Chocolate Mix from the store, sometimes it’s fun (and especially tasty) to make a homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe!

This is where you can have some fun, and it’s perfect for sharing – a delicious Christmas gift!

When thinking about holiday gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers keep this recipe in mind. Divide this DIY Hot Chocolate Mix into individual portions and pair them with a holiday mug or pour a large amount into a mason jar.

In either case, be sure to include instructions. For extra fun, add candy canes, cinnamon sticks, or marshmallows!

Ingredients set out for making homemade hot chocolate recipe.

How to make hot chocolate

This makes the BEST Hot Chocolate, you’re going to love it!

COMBINE. In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk (or instant nonfat dry milk), and ¼ teaspoon of salt together. Mix to combine well.

STORE. Pour into storage containers and add mini marshmallows, if desired. Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

MAKE COCOA. To make cocoa, mix ¼ cup hot cocoa mix with ¾ cup warm milk.

Whisking together ingredients for homemade hot chocolate recipe in a bowl.

Ingredient Tips

Powdered milk. Find whole milk powder or non-fat dry milk powder in the baking aisle at the grocery store. Note that some powdered milk will have a strange aftertaste which will be present in the hot chocolate.

Morning Moo, Judee’s, Bob’s Red Mill, or Carnation all make pretty good powdered milk. 

Cocoa powder. To make this best Hot Chocolate Recipe, use natural baking cocoa, cacao powder, or dutch processed cocoa. Do not use chocolate milk mix or hot chocolate powder.

The cocoa powder can sometimes clump together if it is stored for too long, so be sure to sift it so it’s nice and smooth. 

Powdered sugar is the same as confectioners sugar. In a pinch, use granulated sugar, but it won’t be as smooth or sweet. Sift the powdered sugar to eliminate any clumps.

Milk or water. For a creamy mug of hot chocolate, I suggest using hot whole milk. The higher the fat content, the creamier the drink will be.

However, since the Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix contains dry milk powder, easily use hot water. 

  • Use hot whole milk to skim
  • Use hot unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
  • Use hot water
Hot cocoa made with homemade hot chocolate recipe in a mug.

Flavor additions 

MIX it up (literally)!! Here are a few ideas:

  • Stir in mint, peppermint, vanilla, or almond extract (not essential oil)
  • Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or cayenne pepper
  • Use flavored coffee creamer
  • Stir the hot chocolate with cinnamon sticks or candy canes
  • Top with mini marshmallows or Whipped Cream
  • Mix in a few white chocolate chips

GIFTING + STORING Info

Be sure to check out our Hot Chocolate Gift Idea that is perfect for neighbors, family and friends for the holidays.

Heat & keep warm. There are many ways to heat up milk or water to make this homemade Hot Chocolate recipe. The microwave is easiest for small amounts.

Use a saucepan on the stove, a crock pot, or a hot cocoa maker for larger amounts. The ideal temperature for hot drinks is between 160-185°F.

STORE all of the Hot Chocolate Mix in one large airtight container. It will keep in the pantry or cupboard for at least 6 months.

FREEZE. Store it in the freezer for a year or more.

Keep it for several years in an airtight food-grade container with a couple of oxygen packets.  

Hot cocoa in a mug made with homemade hot chocolate recipe.

For some tasty cookies to dip:

More Collections: Christmas Drink Recipes

Hot Chocolate Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Whip up this homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe to have on hand all season long – quick, easy, delicious, and perfectly gift-able!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 20 servings
Calories 115 kcal
Author Lil’ Luna

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups powdered milk
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • mini marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk (or instant nonfat dry milk), and ¼ teaspoon of salt together. Mix to combine well.
  • Pour into storage containers and add mini marshmallows, if desired. Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
  • To make cocoa, mix ¼ cup hot cocoa mix with ¾ cup warm milk.

Video

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About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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