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Hot Cocoa Mix

Hello Friends! We had a chilly weekend here on the homestead, and when the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm mug of hot cocoa. So today, I’m sharing our tried-and-true homemade hot cocoa mix — the same recipe my kids have enjoyed every winter for years.

Once you gather the ingredients, it’s not only more delicious than store-bought versions, but also more affordable and fun to make. We love mixing up a big batch and storing it in a mason jar all season long.

You can also find a downloadable recipe below. 😉

Couple in love drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows
girl holding a checker of hot cocoa with marshmallows in her hands
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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

This cozy, homemade hot cocoa mix is a wintertime favorite on the homestead. Made with just five simple pantry staples, it’s frugal, delicious, and easy to store in a jar for instant warm-up moments. Add marshmallows or whipped cream for a festive touch!
Course Beverage, Pantry Staple
Cuisine American, Homestead
Keyword cocoa gift mix, DIY drink mix, homemade cocoa, homemade hot chocolate, hot cocoa mix, pantry staple, winter drink

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Mason jar or airtight container
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mug

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 cups Powdered milk
  • 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tsp Fine sea salt

Instructions

  • Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, powdered milk, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and sea salt.
  • Whisk until smooth: Continue whisking until all clumps are removed and the mixture is even and fine. (Tip: whisk slowly at first to avoid a cloud of cocoa dust.)
  • Store: Transfer the hot cocoa mix to a mason jar or other airtight container. Store at room temperature. This recipe yields approximately 5 cups of mix.
  • To serve: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa mix in a 6-ounce mug. Add boiling water, stir until smooth, and enjoy. Add marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • This cocoa mix keeps indefinitely when stored in an airtight container.
  • Label the jar with mixing instructions so everyone knows how to make a cup!
  • Great for gifting: portion into smaller jars, add a ribbon and a tag for a cozy homemade holiday present.

More Ways to Enjoy This Cocoa Mix

This homemade mix isn’t just for cozy nights by the fire. We love gifting it during the holidays in small jars with handwritten labels and tied with twine. It also makes a great pantry staple to have on hand for last-minute guests or spontaneous snow day treats.

You can mix it with water for a lighter cup or use warm milk for a richer, creamier flavor. And if you really want to take it up a notch — top your mug with homemade whipped cream, crushed peppermint, or a cinnamon stick for a festive flair.

A Sweet Winter Staple

We hope this cocoa mix brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to ours. Whether you’re making it as a frugal pantry staple, stirring up mugs for your kids after playing outside, or sharing it as a heartfelt homemade gift — it’s sure to become a favorite.

Be sure to check out our other pantry staple recipes for more homestead inspiration, and let us know in the comments:
What’s your family’s favorite cozy drink on a cold day?

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hello friends! i'm amanda

I’m here to share recipes and ideas to help others make their home a simple homemade homestead.

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