This homemade hot chocolate mix is made with cocoa powder, milk powder, and real grated chocolate for a richer, creamier cup of hot chocolate. Keep a batch in the pantry and simply add it to hot milk whenever you want a quick cup of hot cocoa.
It takes just a few minutes to make, stores well, and is also one of my favorite homemade mixes to package in a jar for holiday gifts.
I’ve made my own hot chocolate mix for years, mostly because I like being able to control how chocolatey and how sweet it is.
And I do something a little different with mine — I add grated real chocolate to the dry cocoa mix. Cocoa powder gives you the familiar hot cocoa flavor, but the real chocolate melts into the milk and makes the finished drink richer and smoother.
Once the mix is made, there’s really nothing to it. A few spoonfuls go into hot milk, and you have a proper cup of hot chocolate without measuring cocoa, sugar, and chocolate every time.
Why you’ll love this mix
- Made with real chocolate – Grated chocolate melts into the milk for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Make it once, enjoy it later – Keep the dry mix ready in the pantry whenever you want hot cocoa.
- You control the ingredients – Adjust the sweetness and choose the cocoa and chocolate you like.
- Great for gifting – Put the mix into jars for an easy homemade Christmas or holiday gift.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Cocoa powder – Use good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. This provides the main cocoa flavor, so the quality really does make a difference. Natural or Dutch-process cocoa can be used depending on the flavor you prefer.
- Milk powder – Milk powder gives the hot chocolate mix body and creaminess and means the dry ingredients are already balanced before you add them to milk. I use unsweetened milk powder. If yours is sweetened, reduce the powdered sugar accordingly.
- Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar blends easily into the dry mix and dissolves quickly when you make the hot chocolate. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet your chocolate is.
- Real chocolate – This is what makes my hot chocolate mix a little different. I prefer 60% dark chocolate, finely grated so it distributes evenly through the mix and melts quickly in the hot milk.
- Cornstarch – A small amount gives the finished hot chocolate a slightly thicker, creamier consistency. It needs enough heat when preparing the drink to thicken properly.
- Salt – Just a small amount balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Step-by-step: Homemade hot cocoa mix recipe
Make the hot chocolate mix
- Grate the chocolate – Finely grate the chocolate using a box grator or food processor. The finer it is, the more evenly it will mix and the faster it will melt later.
- Combine the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, grated chocolate, and cornstarch until evenly distributed.
- Add spices, if using – Stir in the pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg if you want a flavored hot cocoa mix.
- Store – Transfer the mix to an airtight container or glass jar and keep it in a cool, dry place.
To make one cup of hot chocolate
- Heat 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan or microwave-safe mug until hot.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix and whisk until smooth.
- Return to low heat, or microwave in short intervals, until the drink comes to a gentle simmer. This gives the cornstarch time to thicken the hot chocolate slightly.
- Pour into a mug and serve with marshmallows or extra grated chocolate, if you like.
Veena’s tip: Whisk the mix into the milk before it gets too hot. It dissolves more evenly and you’re less likely to end up with little cocoa lumps.
Hot Chocolate Mix with real chocolate
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.
Video
Ingredients
- 240 g (1 cup) Powdered sugar
- 85 g (1 cup) Cocoa powder
- 128 g (1 cup) Milk Powder
- 85 g (3 oz) Grated semi sweet chocolate I use 60%
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- ½ tsp Pumpkin spice
- ½ tsp Cinnamon spice
- ½ tsp Nutmeg fresh grated
Method
- Grate the chocolate with a fine grater or use a food processor.85 g Grated semi sweet chocolate
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl – powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, grated chocolate, cornstarch, and spices. Pro tip– A whisk works best to combine dry ingredients240 g Powdered sugar, 85 g Cocoa powder, 128 g Milk Powder, 2 tbsp Cornstarch, 1/2 tsp Pumpkin spice , 1/2 tsp Cinnamon spice, 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- Store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, for up to 6 months.
- Bring one cup of milk to a boil in a saucepan or microwave-safe mug. Add 2 tbsp chocolate mix to the milk – stir well to dissolve.Pro tip – I used dairy milk, but almond or soy milk is delicious, too.
- Top with more grated chocolate or marshmallows.
Notes
- Chocolate: I prefer dark chocolate around 60% for a deeper chocolate flavor without making the mix too sweet.
- Milk powder: Use unsweetened milk powder. If yours is sweetened, reduce the powdered sugar to taste.
- Grate the chocolate finely: This helps it distribute evenly through the dry mix and melt quickly when added to hot milk.
- For one cup: Use 2 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix for 1 cup (240 ml) milk. Add more mix if you prefer a richer cup.
- Cornstarch: Let the prepared hot chocolate come to a gentle simmer so the cornstarch can thicken it slightly.
- Storage: Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and always use a clean, dry spoon.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Variations
- Peppermint hot chocolate – Add a few drops of peppermint extract when preparing your cup rather than adding it to the dry mix.
- French hot chocolate – rich, thick, and creamy, made with real chocolate and cornstarch to thicken the mixture.
- Mexican hot chocolate/ Spiced hot chocolate – a sprinkle of cinnamon or cayenne pepper makes the perfect addition to chocolate.
- Dairy-Free or vegan – You can make it with dairy milk, of course, but you can also make it dairy-free and vegan, such as almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk.
- Mocha – Stir a shot of espresso or a little strong brewed coffee into the prepared hot chocolate.
- Extra chocolatey – Add a little extra grated dark chocolate to the hot milk when preparing your cup.
More Hot Chocolate Recipes
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Drink
- Chocolate Milkshake
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
- Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Homemade Hot Chocolate
- See all chocolate desserts, chocolate cake
Frequently asked questions
If appropriately stored in an airtight container, this hot cocoa mix can last about six months. I highly recommend not adding the milk powder to the mix to keep it longer.
Keeping the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container away from moisture is essential. Any moisture from the spoon or humidity from the air, when kept open for a 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, using liquors in hot chocolate is very common and tastes delicious. Try a splash of brandy, some cognac, or even Irish whiskey. I love adding baileys to my hot chocolate.
Milk, of course. Milk makes it more rich and creamy. You can use any dairy, almond, soy, or coconut milk.
More beverages you may like
- Ultimate Iced Caramel Latte Recipe
- Chai Latte From Scratch
- Best EVER Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Chai Latte
- Iced Chai Latte
- Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Hello again,
Following up with a question I sent not too long ago.
You say to use whole milk powder. Here in Canada, the grocer Carrie’s skim milk powder. I would have to order whole milk powder on Amazon.
Will carnation malted milk powder due. Please advice
Hey Diana. Yes, you can buy whole milk powder from Amazon. I think Carnation is a good brand. Thanks
We do have whole
Milk powder in Canada at Bulk Barn.
Happy Holidays Veena!
This recipe sounds beautiful!
I would like to ask what type of milk powder to use, seeing I have never used it.
And my next question is can I get away with using 52% chocolate? Any modifications you would reccommend will be greatly appreciated.
Which are your favourite add ins?
Hey Diana, I use full-fat milk powder because my kids love the rich and creamy hot chocolate. And they love a rich chocolate flavor so I use 70% chocolate. But hot chocolate should be a personal preference so go with you like best.
I want to make the mix to be made with boiling water. How much more milk powder do you suggest? Also do you have a recommendation for a brand of milk powder?
The milk is a personal taste. For my family, I would use almost double the milk powder.
If you need milk when you make it , do you need the milk powder in the recipe?
The milk powder adds richness and makes the chocolate milk thicker.
How long does this stay good for?
I put a little bit of Starbucks Cocoa mix in my coffee each morning and I’m tired of paying so much for it. I want to start making my own and I can’t wait to try this recipe.
I usually keep mine for months. I have one now which has been three months and still good.
Since the recipe has dry milk in it, can it be made with boiled water? If yes would it just be less thick or change the flavor too?
Yes, Valerie. You can definitely make it with water but milk gives it a richer taste and flavor.
I initially mixed everything in a bowl and used chocolate chips, but then I decided to throw it all in my high speed blender and it was awesome!! everything evenly mixed and no lumps. we will be using this while camping so I am adding more milk powder to it and making it with water. thanks for the great recipe!
Hi! This looks delicious. I am planning on setting up a hot chocolate bar for a child’s birthday party and was hoping to use this recipe in bulk (triple recipe for 30 adult servings). I’m going to make the mix in advance, but on the day of how much milk should I heat up before adding the entire mix? Any other tips for making this in bulk?
Hey MM,
1 gallon is 16 cups of milk. I’d say you will need at least 2 gallons for 30 people.
– I know the serving says 10 servings, but it really depends on how thick or liquid you prefer your chocolate milk. This one makes a thick consistency.
So add less chocolate mix and adjust based on how thick you want it.
– Take into account that not everyone will drink chocolate milk, and not everyone likes it very thick.
– Also, note that this will thicken slightly as it cools so you will need to add more milk to adjust consistency.
– Have fun.
Hello Veena,
Kindly tell me if you use skim milk powder or whole milk powder? Does it matter?
Thanks,
Diana
I used whole milk powder, Diana. The taste is richer!!
It’s sounds great
Can you make it sugar free?
Yes Kathy – omit the sugar and add honey when you are preparing the drink.
When adding in the mix to milk ….the grated chocolate does not melt…it creates lumps instead
What is the reason for this?
Chocolate always melts in hot milk Vaishali. The thinner you grate or chop chocolate the quicker it will melt.
Hi! What is the purpose of the milk powder if you are adding real milk as well? Does it make it richer?
Yes, it makes it richer but it also has more thickening agents.
Thank you for this recipe. My mum had a hospital stay a year ago and she loved having hot chocolate while she was there, I gave her this today as an “anniversary” gift and she made a cup straight away and loved it! Can I ask, how much extra milk powder should I add if I want to make the hot choc with just water?
You can add up to 1 cup extra milk powder but take note it will be more milky and less chocolate. You can also add 1/2 cup more cocoa powder if you want to make it less sweet. Happy you are enjoying this recipe. Thanks for the feedback.