This hot cocoa mix recipe is the one I make as soon as winter settles in and the house starts to feel a little colder. It uses real cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt to create a smooth, rich cup that feels steady and comforting on long evenings or during holiday baking days.
The ingredients stay simple, the chocolate flavor runs deep, and it melts right into warm milk, which is why it becomes a cozy staple in our home all season long.
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I love making this hot cocoa mix recipe every winter because it’s one of those simple blends that anchors our home rhythm. A warm cup is the first thing we stir together when the temperatures drop, usually topped with our Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows Recipe while batches of Spritz Cookies bake and our Sourdough Fruit Cake rests for Christmas Day. The mix has a deep chocolate aroma and a smooth, rich texture that comes together in minutes, which is why I keep a fresh jar ready all season long.
As the days turn quiet and the house feels a little colder, this cocoa mix becomes our go-to afternoon treat. We sip it while decorating the tree, making Easy DIY Applesauce Ornaments, or hanging a fresh strand of Dried Orange Garland around the cottage. The flavor stays warm and steady from one cup to the next, and it’s the kind of winter staple I’ve come to depend on year after year.
I also make a big batch for gifting because it fits so naturally into homemade gifting bundles. This cozy cocoa mix pairs beautifully with our Soft Sourdough Gingerbread Cookies or a small bottle of our Homemade Vanilla Extract. It’s simple to package, thoughtful without any fuss, and always appreciated during the busy holiday stretch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Variations & Add-Ins
Recipe Tips
Use fresh cocoa: Choose a cocoa powder with a strong, clean chocolate aroma. Fresh cocoa gives the mix better flavor and helps it blend smoothly into warm milk. Older cocoa can taste flat and won’t create the same cozy depth.
Whisk thoroughly: Break up every clump before storing the mix so it stays soft and fine. A well-mixed blend dissolves more evenly and prevents dry pockets at the bottom of your mug. This small step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Warm milk gently: Heat your milk just until it steams, not boils. High heat can scorch the milk and create a thin or bitter-tasting cup. Slow warming keeps the cocoa silky and stable.
Adjust the strength: Start with the base ratio, then taste and add more mix if you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor. Every cocoa brand has a slightly different intensity, so a small adjustment helps you find your perfect cup.
Add small flavor boosts: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of vanilla powder can add warmth without taking over the cocoa. Keep the amounts light so the chocolate stays the main note.
Store airtight: Keep the mix in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry cupboard. Moisture causes clumping, so a good container helps the mix stay smooth and ready for quick winter cups.
How To Make Hot Cocoa Mix
- Prepare the mix: Add the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is wide enough so you can whisk without the powders puffing up.
- Break up clumps: Whisk the mixture until the color looks even and soft. Press through any remaining clumps with the back of a spoon so the mix dissolves smoothly in warm milk.
- Transfer to a jar: Spoon the cocoa blend into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Tap the bottom of the jar gently to settle the powders and remove extra air pockets.
- Seal and store: Close the lid tightly to keep moisture out, since even a little humidity can cause clumping. Store the jar in a cool, dry cupboard where it stays fresh for months.
- Warm the milk: Heat your milk of choice over low heat until it begins to steam. Avoid boiling because high heat can scorch the milk and create a thinner texture.
- Stir and dissolve: Add two tablespoons of the cocoa mix to a mug and pour the warm milk over it slowly. Stir until the drink turns deep brown and the powder fully disappears.
- Taste and adjust: Add a bit more mix if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream for an extra-cozy cup.
- Save the rest: Keep the remaining cocoa mix sealed in its jar for up to six months. It stays soft and ready for quick winter cups whenever you need one.
Freezing & Storage
How To Gift This Hot Cocoa Mix
FAQ
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Another favorite from my kitchen to yours, where the seasons guide the table and every meal is an act of love — may this recipe become a favorite in your kitchen too.
With gratitude & love,
Emily
More Holiday Recipes from The Cottage
Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups sugar (700g)
- 2 ¼ cups cocoa powder (190g)
- 1 tablespoon salt (18g)
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients: Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
- Break up any clumps: Use a whisk to smooth out lumps in the cocoa or sugar so the mixture blends evenly.
- Whisk until uniform: Continue whisking until the mixture is one consistent color with no streaks left.
- Store the mix: Transfer the finished cocoa mix to an airtight container and tap it gently to help the powder settle.
- Make a serving: Stir two tablespoons of the mix into 8 ounces of warm milk until it dissolves completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste the cocoa while it’s warm and adjust the amount of mix to make it lighter or richer.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Emily Rider
Cottage lifestyle blogger and home miller with 25+ years of sourdough and fresh-milled flour experience.
Sharing cozy homemade recipes that help you bake with confidence, celebrate each season, and savor the beauty of everyday cottage living.
