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+ servings
A turquoise blue mug of hot cocoa on a gray wood table

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

An easy-to-make cocoa mix that lasts up to a year and tastes better than store bought versions - yes, please!
Adapted from a recipe by Alton Brown.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 22 servings
Calories 124 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cocoa Dutch-process recommended
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered milk non-fat or whole
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper or more to taste, optional
  • hot water or hot milk

Instructions
 

To Make the Mix

  • In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together.
  • Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Transfer mixture to an airtight container. It will keep about a year in the pantry, but will begin to lose flavor after that.

To Make a Single Serving

  • Add ¼ cup of mix to a heat-proof mug. Heat about ¾ cup (6 oz.) of water or milk to almost boiling. Add about ¼ cup of the hot liquid to the cocoa mix in the mug and whisk quickly to create a paste; this helps to reduce the risk of lumpy cocoa. Slowly add the remaining hot liquid, whisking to combine. Add desired toppings, if using, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a high quality Dutch process cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch process varieties are less acidic, resulting in a smoother taste.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder is critical to eliminating stubborn lumps.
  • Try a sugar-free version by using a sugar substitute like Swerve.
 
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Amount per Serving
Calories
124
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
14
mg
5
%
Sodium
 
161
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
253
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
6
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
138
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
138
mg
14
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.