DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

This DIY Hot Cocoa Mix recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also the perfect holiday gift for loved ones. With customizable options for dairy-free, vegan, low sugar, and even high-protein variations, you can whip up a mix that fits everyone on your list. Each mug yields the most delicious, rich and creamy hot chocolate that's best topped with homemade marshmallows for the coziest winter experience!

Servings people

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Equipment

medium bowl
whisk
cutting board
knife
airtight container or jar

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk powder (100g), optional*
½ cup cocoa powder (40g)**
½ cup cane sugar (100g), see notes for subs***
½ tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 oz dark chocolate finely chopped (optional but encouraged)

Optional Add-In:

¼ cup unflavored collagen peptides (20g)

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until combined. If you're making this as a gift, I like the look of layering the chocolate chunks on top of the hot cocoa mix, however it's less practical this way - you do you! Place DIY hot cocoa mix into an airtight container.
1 cup whole milk powder, ½ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup cane sugar, ½ tbsp arrowroot starch, ¼ tsp kosher salt, ¼ cup unflavored collagen peptides, 2 oz dark chocolate
For the perfect cup of hot cocoa, add about 6 tbsp of the mix and 1 cup of water to a small pot. I also recommend adding a splash of vanilla extract if you have it. Bring it to medium heat and whisk almost constantly until the mixture just reaches a boil (about 4 minutes). Feel free to adjust the amount of mix and or/water to your taste.
Optionally, top with some homemade marshmallows (made without corn syrup). Enjoy!

Video

Notes

*NOTE: If you're making the milk powder version, you will only need to add water to the hot cocoa mix. However, if you're omitting the milk powder, you'll want to add 1 cup of milk to about 3-4 tbsp of the hot cocoa mix. I prefer the former for making gifts and the latter for when I make a batch for myself at home.

**NOTE: I highly recommend using a quality cocoa powder such as Ghirardelli or Guittard.

***NOTE: For a refined sugar free option, swap the cane sugar for an equal amount (1/2 cup or 100g) of coconut sugar. For a low sugar option, swap the cane sugar for an equal amount (1/2 cup or 100g) of monkfruit sweetener and either omit the chocolate chunks or substitute Lily's chocolate.

NUTRITION INFO: The nutrition info listed below is for 1 serving of dry hot cocoa mix, prepared with water, assuming you include everything listed in the recipe.

Calories: 325kcal

Course: Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: Chocolate, Dairy Free, Dessert, Drinks, Gluten Free, Holiday Desserts, Holiday Recipes, Hot Chocolate, Hot Cocoa, Refined Sugar Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter Recipes

Nutrition