Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Just Add Water) Plus Gift Jars
This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe takes 5 minutes and four pantry staples: 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together, add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips if you like, and store it airtight. To make a mug, stir 1/3 cup of mix into 1 cup of hot water or milk. One batch makes about 15 servings and keeps for up to 6 months.
What You’ll Need
Nonfat dry milk powder – Lets the mix work with just hot water
Unsweetened cocoa powder – The chocolate base
Mini chocolate chips – Melt into the cup for extra richness
Mason jars with lids – Airtight storage and easy gifting
Large mixing bowl – Room to whisk without a cocoa cloud
Fine mesh sieve – Breaks up cocoa and sugar lumps
Gift tags and twine – For hot chocolate gift jars
Mini marshmallows – For layering gift jars
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Ingredients (about 5 cups, 15 servings)
- 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, optional
Instructions
- Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa into a large bowl to remove lumps.
- Add the dry milk powder and salt and whisk until evenly mixed.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container.
To Make One Mug
Stir 1/3 cup of mix into 1 cup (8 oz) of hot water or hot milk until dissolved. With milk it is richer and creamier. Adjust to taste: use 1/4 cup for a lighter mug or a heaping 1/3 cup for a stronger one.
Why Dry Milk Powder?
Dry milk powder is what makes this a true just-add-water mix. It dissolves into hot water and gives the drink a creamy body, so you get real hot chocolate at work, camping or anywhere without fresh milk. If you always make it with milk, you can leave the powder out and use 1/4 cup of the cocoa and sugar mix per cup of hot milk.
| Version | Swap or add | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Recipe as written | Smooth milk chocolate |
| Dark chocolate | Use 1 1/4 cups Dutch process cocoa | Deeper, less sweet |
| Peppermint | Add 1/2 cup crushed candy canes | Holiday mint |
| Mexican | Add 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp cayenne | Warm and spicy |
| Mocha | Add 3 tbsp instant espresso powder | Chocolate and coffee |
| Salted caramel | Add 1/2 cup caramel bits and 1/2 tsp extra salt | Sweet and salty |
Hot Chocolate Mix Gift Jars
A jar of homemade hot chocolate mix is one of the easiest holiday gifts to make in bulk. A wide-mouth pint jar holds about 2 cups of mix, enough for 6 mugs.
- Fill the jar about three quarters full with the mix and tap it to settle.
- Top it with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes or chocolate chips.
- Seal the lid and add a square of fabric or a ribbon on top.
- Tie on a tag that says: “Stir 1/3 cup into 1 cup hot milk or water. Enjoy within 6 months.”
Pair the jar with a mug for a teacher, neighbor or coworker gift. See our hot cocoa gift ideas, coworker Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers for coffee lovers for more ideas.
How to Store Hot Chocolate Mix
- Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.
- Use it within 6 months for the best flavor.
- If the mix clumps, it picked up moisture. Break it up with a fork or sift it again.
- Add marshmallows to gift jars only, since they get stale faster than the mix.
How to Make It Taste Like the Best Store-Bought Mixes
Store-bought mixes are often extra smooth because the ingredients are ground very fine. A few seconds in a blender or food processor gives your homemade mix the same powdery texture, so it dissolves fully with no gritty bits. If you like a creamier, richer cup, swap 1/2 cup of the dry milk powder for powdered coffee creamer. A tablespoon of malted milk powder adds a nostalgic, milkshake-like flavor.
Hot Chocolate Mix for a Party
For a crowd, make a double batch and set it out in a large jar with a scoop next to a thermal carafe of hot water and a pitcher of warm milk. Guests scoop 1/3 cup into a mug, add hot liquid and stir. Put toppings in small bowls nearby. It is easier than keeping a pot warm all night, and it works well at office parties and school events.
Marcus’s Pro Tips
- Use powdered sugar, not granulated. It dissolves instantly in hot water.
- Sift the cocoa. It is the ingredient most likely to leave lumps.
- Pulse the finished mix in a blender for a few seconds for the smoothest texture.
- Whisk the mix into the liquid, don’t just stir. A milk frother works great.
- For the stovetop version made from scratch, see our hot chocolate recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade hot chocolate mix per cup?
Use 1/3 cup of mix per 1 cup of hot water or milk. Adjust between 1/4 and 1/2 cup to taste.
Can you make hot chocolate mix without powdered milk?
Yes, but then it needs to be mixed with hot milk instead of water. Use about 1/4 cup per cup of milk.
How long does homemade hot chocolate mix last?
Up to 6 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Can I use granulated sugar?
You can, but it dissolves more slowly in hot water. Pulse it in a blender first to make it finer.
Is homemade hot chocolate mix cheaper than store-bought?
Usually, especially when you buy cocoa and dry milk in larger bags. You also control the sweetness and skip the additives.
How much mix should I put in a gift jar?
A pint jar holds about 2 cups, or 6 servings. A quart jar holds about 4 cups, or 12 servings.
Building a gift basket? Add a jar of mix to our coffee gift basket ideas, or set it out with toppings using our hot chocolate bar ideas.
Marcus Webb writes about home coffee for BrewElevate. He researches and compares brewing gear, beans and recipes so home brewers can make a better cup without overspending. His rule: if he wouldn’t be comfortable buying it himself, it doesn’t make the list.
