I love hot chocolate and can be “forced” to drink it in almost any climate — even if I’m not cold! However, I don’t love paying top dollar for it at fancy coffee places and restaurants. I also don’t really like the “cheaper tasting” watered down hot chocolate packets from the store.
So thankfully, my mom always made her own homemade hot chocolate mix… and shared her really easy recipe with me {it only has 4 ingredients}!
The ingredients are SO simple, and even just one batch will probably make enough for an entire winter of sipping delight. However, I often make at least 2 batches because I give it away as gifts over the holiday season and throughout the winter months.
My only TWO recommendation before you get started are:
1. Make sure you have a VERY LARGE container to mix the ingredients in — and it would be nice if that container had a tight-fitting lid.
2. If you want to make a double or triple batch, make it as 2 or 3 single batches instead of one massive batch because I can almost guarantee you won’t have a bowl or container big enough to hold all the ingredients at one time — yes, I know this from experience 🙂
Other than those “words of caution” this recipe is extremely simple, straight forward, and nearly impossible to mess up… I promise!
Recipe for 1 Large Batch of Hot Chocolate Mix:
Ingredients:
- 24 oz. box of dry/powdered milk
- 1 c. non-dairy creamer {you could also use a flavored creamer for something different}
- 2 c. powdered sugar
- 16 oz. instant chocolate drink mix {I used Nestle because it was on sale!}
- whipped topping, marshmallows, and chocolate chips {optional}
Directions to make the dried mix:
- Mix all ingredients in a VERY large bowl or storage container with a tight-fitting lid
- Shake the container until all the ingredients are well mixed {you could stir it, but it gets quite “dusty” with all the powdery ingredients}
- Store in an air-tight container or zip-top bag in your pantry or freezer. It should stay good for a very long time.
- Dump about 1/3 c. of dried mix into the bottom of a coffee mug
- Add 1 c. boiling water and stir
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, cinnamon, chocolate chips, caramel, or any other favorite toppings
This is MY all-time favorite hot chocolate recipe, but I know there are many other variations out there.
Make your favorite one, and then package it up as fun Christmas gift, hostess gift, teacher gift, or for anyone else on your gift list this year! Just make sure to include the mixing instructions.
I just love giving homemade food gifts, and as you can see by the photos above, this hot chocolate mix is a REALLY easy gift to package up and it looks great no matter how you do it. Just please DO NOT include a mug… no one needs another mug to clutter up their kitchen!!
Here are a few of my gift packaging ideas:
- Layer the hot chocolate mix, chocolate chips and marshmallows in a small mason jar
- Put the hot chocolate mix in a zip top bag and then put inside an oatmeal canister or a small gift bag
- Decorate empty coffee containers and then fill with hot chocolate mix
- Layer hot chocolate mix, candies, and marshmallows in clear cellophane bags
Seriously, the possibilities are endless!
And if you’re looking for more money-saving uses for dried milk, I have a bunch listed over here… along with a fun FREE printable!
Once I have all my hot chocolate gifts packaged up, then I take whatever is left over {usually a ton} and divide it up into smaller disposable containers I have on hand. I clearly label each container and keep a couple in our pantry and the rest go into our freezer for the rest of the winter!
What’s your favorite way to drink hot chocolate?
Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family friendly, recipes!
Gramma CC says
I like warm ‘hot’ cocoa so after putting the mix in the mug, I add a little milk & stir. & then add the hot water.
Andrea says
yeah, that’s how we drink it over here to — “warm”!
Leonora says
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for dry margarita mix
Angie says
Is the mason jar the half pint? And how much of each thing do you put in? Can we also put crushed peppermint in?
Linda says
This is the exact recipe I have been using for years & years. I like it because I can make it lighter by using light coffee mate. BTW, my recipe is so old that it called for a jar of Pream coffee creamer which to my knowledge isn’t made anymore. It is the best!
Mary Rogers says
Just wondering if the amount in the recpe for the dry/powdered milk was correct? It states you should use a 24 oz. box, but the picture shows a 64 oz. box. That is a large difference, so I wanted to get the correct amount before going shopping. Thanks!
victoria says
Sweet Shelly : Looks so easy even a cave man can do it ! Thanks so much for being so generous with your idea. I will try this out and let you know if this New Yorker can follow instructions.
Julie says
I am looking for the number of cups as well for the dry milk and choclate drink mix. I can’t find them anywhere for the exact amoun you call for and I know dry ozs are not the same as liquid.
Danger Darling says
This is a great idea for gifts! I wish someone would give me hot cocoa mix. 🙂
Plus, your note in bold about mugs made me LOL. It’s so true!
Lisbeth says
Sounds wonderful! Does anyone by chance know the amounts in cups rather than ounces? How many cups are needed of nonfat milk and chocolate drink mix?
Julie says
Did you ever get the answers to this?
Mrs. Bridges @ Crossing Bridges says
I saw this recipe yesterday, and added the ingredients to my already-planned shopping trip. Made it last night, and it’s FANTASTIC!! I’m so glad you shared the recipe! I picked up some Cool Whip and marshmallows as well, and it was heavenly. You were right though–it makes a ton! I’m quite alright with that though. 🙂
Kristen says
Oh, I love hot chocolate, too, and will drink it any time! Thanks for the recipe, Andrea. I’ll have to try this soon, as I’m out of my current mix.
Diane says
This is a fantastic idea! I’ve been looking for some inexpensive gift ideas and this might come in handy! Thank You!
anne says
I love this idea! What a great homemade Christmas gift. Thank you!!
Joy Crile says
Oh yeah; thanks for this great recipe. I’ve been thinking I should make some hot chocolate mix but haven’t taken the time to look up a recipe. I’m heading to the store soon and added this to my list. Thanks!
Janet says
This brings back nice memories! The PTO at my sons elementary school would take turns making this for the safety patrol when they came in from the cold in the morning. We would start late fall and continue until warmer weather. I always enjoyed taking my turn. Thanks!