Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with Real Chocolate Inside
Make delicious mugs of hot chocolate at home with this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe. Made with real grated chocolate in the cocoa mix this is thick, creamy and delicious. Use it as a base for making hot chocolate drinks in winter, frozen chocolate drinks in summer or other cool chocolate drinks.
One of our family’s favorite drinks in winter is, of course, hot chocolate and in summer its frozen chocolate drinks. We like our chocolate drinks thick and creamy. In summer I make a jug of hot chocolate and leave it in the fridge so the kids can have it when it’s cold or when they feel the need. Personally, I’d rather they drink some good homemade chocolate drink compared to those frizzy sweet drinks.
About this hot chocolate mix
We like our hot chocolate thick and creamy so I add real chocolate and just a little cornstarch in the mix. This thickens the hot cocoa making it extra luxurious. Just like you do when you make eggless vanilla pastry cream – not as thick as that but you get the idea.
I love to grate some chocolate for extra dusting and dress the rim sometimes too. It just makes it a little extra special.
As a kid, my mom used more milk powder in her cocoa mix – that way all she did was add water to make the hot chocolate. If you choose to do that use 2 cups of milk powder instead of one in the mix below.
Let’s talk ingredients and Substitutes Hot Cocoa Mix (Save/Pin)
- Cocoa Powder – I use unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder. It’s just regular cocoa powder we use for stand baking, nothing fancy.
- Confectioners Sugar – is regular powder sugar that has been processed with cornstarch or potato starch to prevent caking.
- Cornflour – this is what helps us achieve that thick luscious creamy and velvety texture. The more cornstarch you add the thicker the hot chocolate will become. I highly recommend you do not add any more than the recommended amount here as you want this to be a pouring hot chocolate consistency, not vanilla pastry cream consistency.
- Grated Chocolate – While it’s not absolutely necessary and you can avoid it? I highly recommend you don’t omit it. Real chocolate had cocoa butter which adds richness, flavor, and sheen to our finished hot chocolate. Having said that we all know that real chocolate has to be good quality chocolate – no less!! A good quality chocolate will shine thru and give you that gorgeous velvet-like texture so I highly recommend using good eating chocolate.
- Spices – This can be omitted or switched depending on your preference or season. For example, in fall I love to add pumpkin spice or gingerbread spice. I winter I love to add garam masala (yes garam masala) or cinnamon. I know cinnamon is a very common addition but I highly recommend trying a pinch of garam masala.
Hot Chocolate Mix recipe- Vegan
- Milk – For a vegan version of this hot chocolate mix recipe use Almond or Soy-based milk. You can also use coconut milk but take note that coconut milk will also have a coconut flavor.
Personally, I love the combination of coconut and chocolate but I didn’t don’t so just make sure the person you serve it to appreciates the combination of coconut.
Useful Tips and Tools
- Use a mixing Bowl to ensure everything is well combined
- A Whisk is better to ensure all the powders are well combined.
- I prefer to store mine in a glass Jar but any airtight container will work.
- A Sauce Pan on the stovetop works better if you make more than one cup hot chocolate.
How to Make The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Save/Pin)
Prepare Hot Chocolate Mix
- Grate the chocolate with a fine grater or use a food processor.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Use a whisk to make sure the powders are mix well.
- Store it in an airtight container – I prefer to use a glass jar.
- This will store in an airtight in the pantry for up to 6 months
For an individual drink
- As a guide use 2 tbsp of the chocolate mix for each cup of milk (dairy or almond milk)
- Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan or microwave-safe mug.
- Add powder to the milk – stir well to dissolve
- Return the mixture back to microwave and heat for 30 seconds more
- This activates the cornstarch in the chocolate mix and makes the hot chocolate thick and creamy.
- Top with grated chocolate or Marshmallows.
For a big batch of hot chocolate
- Warm 4 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Let come to a boil
- Then add 1/2 cup chocolate mix and stir on low until dissolved.
- Continue to stir on low until the hot chocolate becomes thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat – adjust consistency – add more milk if it is too thick.
- Pour into serving cups with more grated chocolate or marshmallows.
Frequently asked questions
This hot cocoa mix if stored properly in an airtight container can keep for about 6 months. To keep it longer I highly recommend not adding the milk powder in the mix.
It is very important to keep the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container away from moisture. Any moisture from the spoon or humidity from the air, when kept open for long, will cause the powders to cake up.
A hot cocoa mix does have cocoa that can be used for baking but it also has other ingredients like sugar and milk powder. So unless your recipe takes that extra sugar and milk powder into account I would not recommend it.
Also, just cocoa powder will give a more rich chocolate taste to your baked goods than a hot chocolate mix.
Yes, if you want. When it comes to spices it’s very subjective. Not everybody appreciates all spices so If you are giving this as a gift I suggest adding just a touch of spice.
Cinnamon and pumpkin spice are the classic and most popular spices. Gingerbread spice and garam masala are my favorite spices to add to a hot cocoa mix.
Yes, using liquors in hot chocolate is very common and tastes delicious. Try a splash of brandy, some cognac or even Irish whiskey.
Milk of course. Milk makes it more rich and creamy. You can use any milk, dairy, almond, soy or coconut milk.
Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix aka Hot Cocoa Mix
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Equipment /Tools
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate Mix
- 250 grams (1.25 cups) Confectioner sugar
- 100 grams (1.16 cups) Cocoa powder
- 65 grams (2.29 oz) Grated semi sweet chocolate I use 60%
- 2 tbsp (1.04 oz) Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (0.52 oz) Spice powder Optional
- 1 cup Milk Powder
Instructions
PREPARE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX
- Grate the chocolate with a fine grater or use a food processor.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Use a whisk to make sure the powders are mix well.
- Store it in an airtight container – I prefer to use a glass jar.
- This will store in the pantry for up to 2 months
FOR AN INDIVIDUAL DRINK
- As a guide use 2 tbsp of the chocolate mix for each cup of milk (dairy or almond milk)
- Bring the milk to a boil in a saucepan or microwave-safe mug.
- Add powder to the milk – stir well to dissolve
- Return the mixture back to microwave and heat for 30 seconds more
- This activates the cornstarch in the chocolate mix and makes the hot chocolate thick and creamy.
- Top with grated chocolate or Marshmallows.
FOR A BIG BATCH OF HOT CHOCOLATE
- Warm 4 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Let come to a boil
- Then add 1/2 cup chocolate mix and stir on low until dissolved.
- Continue to stir on low until the hot chocolate becomes thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat – adjust consistency – add more milk if it is too thick.
- Pour into serving cups with more grated chocolate or marshmallows.
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Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Ashley
The result is thick and creamy but i prefer sweeter version so i added slightly more sugar into the mix. Going to bring this to my office so im going to try using dry milk powder. It surely taste like the best drink to start the day! Thanks for the recipe! Not many recipe using real chocolates out there.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Ashley. yes, it is thick and creamy. You can definitely add more or reduce the sugar. I’m sure your office colleges will enjoy it. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Ambrose
OMG this is definitely the best hot coooa mix ever. We make it every week for the last month!! So glad I found this recipe and your blog. Love it. I make mine more thick and like you say more like thick pastry cream.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Ambrose – you just made my day! I think so too!! . Happy to hear you had success with this recipe and loved it as much as I do.I love it thick too! Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Always happy to her from those who has tried my recipes or tutorials. If you share it on Instagram please do tag me @veenaazmanov so I can see your finished work. Thanks
Rebecca
Hot chocolate is the best! I love how thick and creamy this looks..! Can’t wait to try this.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Rebecca. Happy to hear you will try it. Let me know what you think
Diana
I love homemade hot chocolate mix, I’ve heard about it but have never made my own. Such a great idea to save time!
Veena Azmanov
You must try this Diana. Ain’t nothing like homemade. YOu will love it
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I love all of your creative ideas and variations on hot cocoa. I can’t believe I’ve never made it homemade! Can’t wait to try this out on my kids!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Karen. Yes I love hot chocolate and these make a real treat for my kids.
Ellen
We love hot chocolate too! This mix would be great to keep on hand. I love how you used real, grated chocolate.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Ellen. Chocolate is a soft spot for me so I love making I use good quality and when it’s absolutely necessary.
Deanna
Homemade hot chocolate is sooo yummy! It so much better than that packaged stuff! Saving this recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Deanna. I love homemade Chocolate and there is nothing better than homemade with these things.
Julia
I love the tip about cornstarch. I’ll definitely use it in the future! Thank you so much for sharing!
Veena Azmanov
Always a pleasure Julia
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
This is such a great idea. Skip the store bought stuff and make your own. You can even adjust the amount of coffee/sugar/cocoa to you liking. Perfect for the dead of winter we are in right now.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Gloria.. My mom never ever purchased these things – she always complained that she was a control freak who wanted to be in control but now I see the positives of it all.
Sarah @ The Fit Cookie
Sounds delicious! I love the combo of chocolate and cinnamon, so warming. We like to make cocoa mix at home since we can’t have the store-bought kind sue to allergies. I’ll have to try adding corn starch next time!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Sarah. The cornstarch juts makes it a tad thicker and more luxurious.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
Homemade hot chocolate is so delicious. One of my favourite drinks on a cold day.
Veena Azmanov
Mine too Bintu – Thanks
Corina
It looks delicious and i love the idea of adding a little cornstarch to make it really thick and creamy – that’s a tip I’m definitely going to try!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Corina.. Yeah I love it thicker… goes down so smooth.
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
I do like a good Mocha when the weather is colder, and I imagine the additon of cinnamon makes this delicious and warming.
Veena Azmanov
I so does Helen.. I love cinnamon..!
Meeta
Oh wow! A drinkable pastry cream LOL! Like this – hits all the right spots!
Veena Azmanov
It doesn’t doesn’t it?
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade
I would love a cuppa of this delicious hot chocolate today, it’s so gloomy outside!
Veena Azmanov
Oh here too! Kids using any excuse to make a cup.
Lisa Bryan | Downshiftology
Love a little cinnamon in my hot chocolate – it makes all the difference!
Veena Azmanov
Sure does Lisa.. Love cinnamon
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
I love hot chocolate but I usually just get the pre made mix. Now I’m thinking I should make it at home!
Veena Azmanov
Yeah I love making the mix at home.. can control the sugar
Elizabeth DiBurro
This sounds so delicious! I love the idea of chocolate, cinnamon and coffee all wrapped up in one delicious drink! Thanks for the recipe!
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Elizabeth
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
Yum, I love hot cocoa in the winter. It’s so comforting! One of my favorite things to have when the weather is really stormy. This looks like a great version!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Michelle!
Deanna
MMM I love homemade hot chocolate!!! This looks yummy!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Deanna !