Homemade hot cocoa mix is the perfect easy recipe for anyone that loves chocolate. Make a big batch to give as gifts for the holidays!
This girl is seriously obsessed with hot chocolate recipes. So, of course I love to make homemade hot cocoa. You learn to embrace hot beverages when you grow up in Canada.
I made this homemade hot cocoa mix recipe awhile back for Food Fanatic. I’m one of their contributors. My speciality is chocolate recipes. I mean, play to your strengths, am I right?
Back in the day I used to work the midnight shift at a local store. I used to drink hot chocolate all night long because at the time I was not a big fan of pop. Shocking, right?
Nowadays I’m a pepsi girl but back then I was a hot cocoa girl. I would bored out of my mind most nights so I would experiment by adding things to hot chocolate.
Since I had an endless supply of chocolate bars and candy in the store I could be wildly creative. I came up with some amazing hot chocolate recipes back then. Plus some bad ones.
My family caught on that I had mastered the art of hot chocolate. Any time we had a snowstorm or spent too much time at the ice rink I would make hot chocolate.
If you ask my oldest brother he will tell you I make the best homemade hot chocolate in the world. I love pulling out a saucepan and whipping up a batch for people I love.
When I had kids of my own I started making it for them too. When the kids were young we spent a crazy amount of time in hockey arenas and horseback riding barns.
Being in Canada, we have wicked cold winters. When you spend 3 or 4 hours at the barn with the horses you come home feeling frozen. Hot chocolate is a must.
Same goes for hockey arenas. I usually avoid the heaters because I find I get too hot. Then I realize I should have sat under them when I come home partially frozen.
Needless to say, I’ve consumed WAY more than my share of hot chocolate over the years. Countless mugs of delicious cocoa and I have zero regrets.
Quite frankly that’s my motto in life. No regrets. Enjoy every meal. Enjoy every drink. Enjoy every moment. Guilt its a useless emotion. Seriously, so pointless.
Another thing I have zero guilt over is holidays. I seriously LOVE the holiday season. I’m like Buddy the Elf during the holidays. Christmas is my jam.
One of my favourite things to do during the holiday season is make homemade gifts. I love making edible gifts for our family and friends.
This homemade hot cocoa mix makes a regular appearance in gift baskets. I give jars of it to everyone I know. Every single year. It’s a tradition.
If you love making your own homemade gifts for your family and friends this hot cocoa mix is perfect. Make a batch for everyone you know!
More great hot chocolate recipes:
- Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Coconut Hot Chocolate
- Slow Cooker Confetti Cake Batter and White Chocolate Hot Chocolate
- More Hot Chocolate Recipes
Tools used for making hot chocolate:
- Mixing Bowl: I love having a couple of options. I like glass bowls for some things and plastic for others. Glass ones are nice for some things as well. I’m not a huge fan of stainless ones although I have a set.
- Strainer or Sifter: Either will work for this recipe. Having one of each is useful if you want a well stocked kitchen.
- Mason Jars: Use whichever size you prefer. Depending on who I give hot cocoa to I usually use the 12 or 16 ounce jars. Smaller ones are good if making special flavoured hot cocoa. Just be sure to label them.
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Thanks for visiting today!
If you’re looking for more dessert recipes be sure to check out my recipe index. You can also find easy dinner recipes as well.
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Toodles! xx
Micah | Home Faith Family says
I can’t believe how easy this recipe is. I especially loved the idea for red velvet hot chocolate. Yummm! I’m definitely pinning and saving this for later. Thanks for linking up =)
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Micah. I appreciate it.
Liz says
This would definitely make a fun, not to mention yummy, gift!! It’s so easy—making enough for my book club would be a breeze!!!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Homemade is always the best! Love your photos here.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I love how easy this and it makes such a perfect gift!
Paula - bell'alimento says
Your photos are always so inviting! This is just loverly!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
This recipe is a total classic and necessary for those of us with cold winters!
Kate S says
Hi Kim 😁Can you use any brand of Dutch cocoa or is there a brand you prefer
Kim Beaulieu says
Hi Kate. Any brand will do. Let me know how it turns out.
Pamela says
It’s cool but would have been nice to actually see the recipe….
Kim Beaulieu says
The recipe is inside the post. There is a recipe card with the instructions. Hope that helps.
Cherrye says
Have you ever used water instead of milk, just to see if it works? We have a small cafe at church we need hot chocolate to serve, but can’t find any nut safe hot chocolate packets so I’m looking into making homemade mix but we need to be able to mix it with water not milk. Or do you have any suggestions as to a recipe that would work with water instead of milk? Thanks.
Kim Beaulieu says
Hi Cherrye. It works great with water. I’m just a fan of thicker hot chocolate so I use milk. I’ve made it quite often with water when we have huge groups of people over. I usually just add some marshmallows or whipped cream for a bit of added creaminess.
Let me know what you think of it.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I haven’t had hot chocolate in ages! This looks terrific — mighty tasty. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Kim Beaulieu says
Hi John. I’m a hot chocolate fanatic. Probably from growing up in Canada. I make it a lot when we get home from the barn. It’s so freaking cold out there.
Hope you had a happy holiday season and Happy New Year.
Wilson says
Yes, thank you)) I it was best
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much. So happy to hear that.
Callie says
Easy to make and has a nice creamy flavor. It’s especially good with mini marshmallows.
Kim Beaulieu says
Thank you so much.
Callie says
Tastes Great!! Thanks for the Christmas Idea
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much Callie.
Patrick says
This is fabulous. I gave my friends a cup after our walk this morning and it passed the taste test. Can’t wait to give this as gifts.
Kim Beaulieu says
That is so good to hear. Thanks so much.
Patrick says
So good…we have a hard time using the store bought stuff now, this is so much more creamy & rich & has much better chocolate flavor
Kim Beaulieu says
Thanks so much. I love homemade hot cocoa so much. It is so fun to experiment with. I add different types of chocolate to the hot mug often too. Just crumble some in and mix. It’s takes it to a whole other level.
Hope you are staying safe right now.