In Australia, we call this hot choccy. 😍
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!And there are few things better than coming inside on a cold day and wrapping your hands around a big mug of it!
This homemade hot chocolate mix is my from-scratch version of those little packets from the store, but made with simple ingredients you can keep tucked away in the pantry for whenever the hot chocolate craving hits.
The whole milk powder is the secret here. It means the creamy, milky goodness is already mixed right in, so technically, all you need to make a mug is hot water!
Although… I highly recommend sneaking in a little dash of cream at the end.
You can also make it entirely with warm milk if you’re after an extra-rich hot choccy. Add marshmallows, whipped cream, a square or two of real chocolate… you really can’t go wrong.
Best of all, one batch makes around 18 mugs and keeps in the pantry for months. Make a big jar at the beginning of winter and you’ve got homemade hot chocolate ready in about two minutes whenever you fancy it. 🤎
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
- Made with just 4 simple ingredients
- Makes around 18 mugs
- Stores for up to 6 months
- Just add hot water or warm milk
- Rich and creamy thanks to whole milk powder
- Easy to make extra chocolatey
- Perfect for keeping on hand all winter
- Makes a lovely homemade gift!
What You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine mesh sieve
- Whisk
- Measuring cups or kitchen scale
- Airtight jar or container
I keep my favorite tools and pantry staples in this storefront if you want to peek!
A Few Helpful Tips Before You Begin
Sift, sift, sift!
Powdered sugar, cocoa, and milk powder all love forming little lumps. Sifting everything first gives you a much smoother hot chocolate mix.
Start with a splash of liquid.
Instead of filling your mug immediately, add just a splash of hot water or warm milk to the powder and stir it into a smooth little slurry first. Then add the rest. This makes such a difference in keeping your hot choccy smooth instead of clumpy!
Add real chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.
Pop 1–2 pieces of milk or dark chocolate into your mug along with the powder. The hot liquid melts it straight into your drink and makes everything extra rich and chocolatey. 🤤
Homemade Hot Chocolate FAQs
Is hot chocolate the same as hot cocoa?
The terms are often used interchangeably, especially for homemade mixes like this one. Technically, hot cocoa is generally made with cocoa powder, while some traditional hot chocolates use melted chocolate. This recipe is made primarily with cocoa powder, but you can add a couple pieces of real chocolate for an extra-rich version.
Can you make hot chocolate mix with powdered milk?
Yes! That’s actually what makes this recipe so handy. Whole milk powder adds richness and creaminess directly to the dry mix, which means you can make your hot chocolate with just hot water.
Can I make this hot chocolate with milk instead of water?
Absolutely. Using warm milk makes an even richer, creamier mug. You can also use hot water and finish it with a little dash of cream—which is one of my favourite ways to make it!
How long does homemade hot chocolate mix last?
Keep the dry mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
Can I add protein powder or collagen?
Yep! You can mix protein powder or collagen into your individual mug if you’d like to add a little extra protein. Depending on what you use, you may need to adjust the amount of hot chocolate mix to taste.
How to Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
It truly couldn’t be simpler:
- Sift the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and whole milk powder into a large bowl.
- Add the salt.
- Whisk everything together really well.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Keep in your pantry and make yourself a hot choccy whenever the mood strikes. 😍
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 380 g powdered sugar sifted (3 cups)
- 90 g unsweetened cocoa powder sifted (1 cup)
- 4 g salt ½ tsp
- 460 g whole milk powder sifted (3⅓ cups)
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar, cocoa powder and whole milk powder into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the salt and whisk everything together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
- Add ⅓ cup hot chocolate mix to an 8-ounce mug.
- Pour in just a splash of hot water or warm milk and stir until you have a smooth slurry. This little step keeps your hot chocolate from getting clumpy!
- Top up the mug with hot water or warm milk and stir well.
- If you’re using hot water, I always sneak in a little dash of cream to make it extra rich.
- Top with whipped cream or marshmallows if you fancy!
Notes
Fun Ways to Change Up Your Hot Choccy
Once you’ve got the basic mix made, you can have a little fun with each mug:- Add a pinch of cinnamon
- Melt in dark or milk chocolate
- Add a tiny splash of vanilla
- Top with whipped cream
- Add marshmallows
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salted chocolate version
- Add a little peppermint during the holidays
