Ultimate Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Big Batch Recipe)
Make a large batch of rich, creamy hot cocoa mix using simple pantry ingredients. This no-cook recipe is perfect for stocking your pantry or creating holiday gifts.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 6 cups of mix (approx. 12 servings)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered milk (optional, omit for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, for deeper flavor)
Instructions
- Measure the cocoa powder, sugar, powdered milk (if using), salt, and espresso powder (if using) into a very large bowl.
- Whisk all dry ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Break up any clumps of cocoa powder.
- Transfer the finished hot cocoa mix to an airtight container for storage. A large jar works well for gifting.
- To prepare one serving, combine 1/2 cup of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk or water. Whisk until smooth and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer drink, use hot milk instead of water when preparing the final beverage.
- If you skip the powdered milk, the mix will still create a good drink when mixed with hot milk, but it will not have the added creaminess the milk powder provides.
- This mix stores well at room temperature for up to six months in a sealed container.
- For gifting, layer the mix in a decorative jar and attach a tag with the preparation instructions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup dry mix
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg