When cold weather rolls in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm mug of hot chocolate. Skip the store-bought mix and make your own in no time with just three simple ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. This homemade hot chocolate mix is rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste. Once you try it, you will never go back to instant cocoa packets!
Enjoying a cozy evening in? Pair your hot drink with a batch of our favorite oatmeal cookies!
Why Homemade Is Better
Once in the 90’s, my brother and I braved an early morning blizzard to reach the school bus stop. Without cell phones or watches, we had no idea how long we’d waited until the woman who lived near the stop finally came out to tell us school was canceled. Cold and windblown, we trudged uphill through the storm to get back home. Thirty minutes later, wrapped in blankets by the wood stove, we warmed up with mugs of creamy hot chocolate heaping with marshmallow fluff—a sweet reward for an unexpected frosty adventure!
Our homemade hot cocoa is better than store bought because:
- Simple Ingredients: No preservatives, additives, powdered milk, or artificial flavors—just pure cocoa goodness.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to create the perfect level of sweetness for you and your family.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by making a big batch of this mix to enjoy all winter long.
Personally, I think the sea salt is what makes this recipe the best homemade hot chocolate mix!
Ingredients for Homemade Cocoa Mix
Make sure you have all the essential ingredients ready before beginning this recipe.
- White sugar – You can also use powdered sugar or sugar flavored with vanilla extract or beans.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)
- Sea salt
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below to see how we made our homemade hot chocolate mix recipe!
How to Make DIY Hot Chocolate Mix
This homemade hot cocoa mix is a rich, velvety blend of cocoa and sugar, perfect for creating a cozy cup of hot cocoa anytime! Easy to make and store, it’s a delightful treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
STEP 1: Gather and measure ingredients. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl or container.
STEP 2: Mix thoroughly. Use a spoon to stir the sugar, cocoa, and sea salt together until the mixture is evenly combined.
STEP 3: Store. Transfer the cocoa mix to an airtight container for storage. I like to use a spacious 64 ounce storage jar to keep everything neat and contained.
STEP 4: Enjoy! Stir your homemade cocoa into hot milk (not water) for the creamiest results. We used 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix per serving of milk. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows and enjoy the rich, chocolate flavor!
Creative Ways to Gift Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Gift-giving is all about adding a personal touch, and homemade hot chocolate mix offers endless possibilities for creative packaging and customization. Whether you’re preparing a cozy treat for a friend, a festive December gift for a family member, or a thoughtful gesture for a neighbor, these ideas will help you present your homemade mix in a way that’s as delightful as the cocoa itself.
Mason Jar Gift
Layer the mix with mini marshmallows in a mason jar for a visually appealing gift! Add a festive ribbon, dress up the lid of your jar with fabric or scrapbook paper, then attach a tag with handwritten instructions.
Hot Cocoa Kit
Pair your hot chocolate mix with extras like mini marshmallows, candy canes, and chocolate chips. Pack them in a gift box or basket. Include a cute mug, measuring cups, or a handmade ornament!
Snowman Jars
Use three small stacked jars to create a “snowman” gift. Fill one with hot chocolate mix, one with marshmallows, and one with finely chopped candy canes. Decorate the jars with a scarf and buttons for a fun, whimsical touch.
Holiday-Themed Bags
Scoop the mix into clear treat bags and tie them with holiday-themed ribbons. Include a small, decorative tablespoon as a practical and decorative addition.
Party Favors
Divide the mix into single-serve portions and pack them into small containers or decorative tubes. These make perfect favors for holiday gatherings or winter-themed parties.
These ideas are simple, creative, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives them!
More Delicious Homemade Food Recipes
If you enjoyed making our homemade hot chocolate mix, you might also like:
Homemade hot chocolate mix is a simple and customizable blend of sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt. It can be stored in an airtight container and used to make rich, creamy hot cocoa by simply mixing with hot milk.
- 3 1/2 cups white sugar
- 2 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp sea salt
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Add 3 1/2 cups of white sugar, 2 1/4 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of sea salt to a large bowl or container.
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Use a spoon to stir the sugar, cocoa, and salt together until the mixture is evenly combined.
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Store the homemade hot cocoa mix in an airtight container.
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For a single serving of hot chocolate, heat 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave until hot (about 2 minutes), then stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix. If desired, top with whipped cream.
This post was originally published January 2013.
maryanne @ mama smiles says
Ooh I have been looking for a good hot chocolate recipe and I LOVE the salt you mentioned. Definitely trying this mix!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Awesome! You won’t regret it!
Mary Catherine says
Oh I can’t wait to try this out with my son!!! 🙂
Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says
Making this today so Will can enjoy a cup after he gets in from playing in the snow. 🙂