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December 2, 2019 Updated September 14, 2020 By Rebecca Desserts

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

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3 ingredient hot cocoa in a mug with ingredients surrounding it
diy hot cocoa mix in glass jar with ingredients surrounding it and text overlay

Make your own dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute hot cocoa mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.

3 Ingredient Dark Hot Chocolate Mix in Mug with more mix in background

[This recipe was originally posted in November 2016. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]

How will this hot cocoa mix make your life easier?

This 3 ingredient hot cocoa mix makes a great holiday gift. It’s super easy, quick, inexpensive, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it.

Print out simple instructions to 1-1.5 T cocoa mix into 1 cup of milk, then heat. You can also include ideas for the best hot chocolate toppings to make your hot chocolate even more delicious (like peanut butter powder or peppermint).

Make sure to also check out all the best winter seasonal recipes like this warm kale salad with pomegranate dressing, or a simple sauteed kale salad. OR these chocolate dipped oreos, homemade gingerbread mix, or gingerbread pound cake as other holiday gift ideas.

What makes this hot chocolate so good?

  • Dark Chocolate bar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Turbinado sugar
  • Salt

How do I make this homemade cocoa?

Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt to jar. Seal lid on jar.

chocolate bar, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt on a table

Expert Tip: Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.

Expert Tip: Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.

Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.

hot cocoa mix in glass jar

Add 1-1 1/2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

hot cocoa with whisk and other ingredients surrounding it on a table

Expert Tip: Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.

Expert Tip: Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.

Expert Tips

  • Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
  • Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
  • Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
  • Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.

FAQ

How do you make the best instant hot chocolate?

The best way to make delicious instant hot chocolate is to start with great chocolate. Use your favorite chocolate bar and cocoa powder. And of course sugar too! Start with ingredients you like on their own, then you’ll end up with great hot cocoa.

What is hot chocolate mix made of?

Hot chocolate mix is usually made with different types of chocolate, sugar, salt and depending on the brand, preservatives or other ingredients. Hot chocolate mix is usually mixed with hot milk or water.

What can you add to hot chocolate mix to make it better?

I wrote a whole article about making hot chocolate even better with delicious toppings. Check it out here.

How much hot chocolate equals a cup of mix?

Most hot chocolate mix recipes call for 1.5-3 tablespoons of mix per cup of milk/water. You can use more if you like it more chocolatey, or less if you like it less chocolatey.

3 ingredient hot cocoa in a mug with ingredients surrounding it

How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?

  • Gift it
  • Add it to pancake or waffle mix for a chocolate boost.

Did you make this hot cocoa mix? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

diy hot cocoa mix in glass jar with ingredients surrounding it and text overlay
Print Pin
5 from 5 votes

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

Give the gift of hot cocoa with this simple and delicious dark cocoa mix. It's the perfect way to warm up and get your chocolate fix. 
Course Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings 6 cups
Author Rebecca

Equipment

  • Glass Jar
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • 3.5 ounces Dark Chocolate bar, chopped I used 85% cocoa
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar or sugar substitute
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Chop up a 3.5 oz dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add 2 T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt to jar.
  • Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
  • Add 1-1 1/2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix to 8 ounces (1 cup) milk of choice. Heat over stove or in microwave (in 1 minute increments) until desired temperature. Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

Video

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

Notes

  • Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
  • Make extra to gift or have more for later. Adjust the number of servings in the recipe by clicking the number of servings in the recipe card & sliding the bar until the recipe is the right size.
  • Add more sugar to cocoa if desired.
  • Choose whole milk for the creamiest hot chocolate.
  • Top with whipped cream or other hot chocolate toppings.

Want to get more single serving recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

Categories: Desserts

About Rebecca

Welcome! Iโ€™m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, youโ€™ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

Previous Post: « Grilled Turkey and Brie Sandwich
Next Post: Peanut Butter Caramel »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. gretchen | kumquat says

    November 22, 2016 at 9:26 am

    this is brilliant!! i love me some truvia… i will DEFINITELY be mixing this up for myself and my kids for a hot chocolate fix without the sugar coma. (and what a great gift for the holidays!)

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      November 28, 2016 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks Gretchen! it’s an easy go to warm drink. Hope you enjoy it

      Reply
  2. Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says

    November 22, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    Yup, it’s official. I will definitely be trying this recipe this winter. It sounds perfect!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      November 28, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      thanks! Hope you enjoy it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    October 9, 2017 at 11:04 am

    Wow that is easy! Now I want one now

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:16 am

      ya, so easy ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Rachel says

    October 9, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Mmm, I love hot chocolate. What a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Me too! thanks so much Rachel!

      Reply
  5. Sarah says

    October 9, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    I could snuggle up with a mug of this right now! It’s so cold and I’ve got a craving for chocolate!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:15 am

      oh yes, you need to warm up with this ASAP!

      Reply
  6. dixya @food, pleasure, and health says

    October 9, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    i have been wanting to make hot chocolate and im absolutely digging this easy recipe that can be made ahead! i love love love this.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:14 am

      yes, it’s so easy & delicious! thanks Dixya

      Reply
  7. Abbey Sharp says

    October 9, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    Homemade is ALWAYS better than store-bought. Love this recipe!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:13 am

      isn’t it though? thanks Abbey

      Reply
  8. Christina says

    October 9, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    Yessssss it’s always good to have hot cocoa mix on hand!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:13 am

      so so true!

      Reply
  9. Emily says

    October 9, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    WOW this sounds good!! The more chocolately, the better, in my books ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:12 am

      same here! thanks

      Reply
  10. Natalie says

    October 10, 2017 at 3:14 am

    My family loves hot chocolate. And homemade is the best. Can you believe I haven’t done not one cup this season. Need to change that now. Thanks for reminder. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:10 am

      I haven’t either, not quite cold enough where I’m at. But yes, you’re welcome & I’ll be joining you in hot cocoa drinking soon

      Reply
  11. Mikki says

    October 10, 2017 at 8:27 am

    Wow! Love the simplicity of this! And of course.. the chocolate part is the best!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:09 am

      isn’t it though?

      Reply
  12. Kalee says

    October 10, 2017 at 8:33 am

    This looks amazing! I love hot chocolate – especially when it gets cooler!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 10, 2017 at 9:07 am

      me too! thanks

      Reply
  13. Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says

    October 10, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    Yum! This sounds so amazing!! Can’t wait to make it for my kids…Pinned ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      October 11, 2017 at 11:41 am

      yes! it’s so good! your kids would definitely love it

      Reply
  14. Sue says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:18 am

    5 stars
    There’s nothing better than a great hot chocolate, and on this cold rainy morning, I can’t wait to make your recipe, yum!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:46 pm

      totally agreed!

      Reply
  15. Dannii says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:27 am

    These would be great to put in jars and give as gifts.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:45 pm

      exactly!

      Reply
  16. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

    December 4, 2019 at 7:50 am

    5 stars
    There is nothing better tasting than homemade hot cocoa. And this is insanely decadent and comforting for the cold weather.

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:45 pm

      totally agree! thanks!

      Reply
  17. Jessica Formicola says

    December 4, 2019 at 8:03 am

    5 stars
    We are making this to give out as gifts this year! It’s our favorite recipe and it’s always delicious!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:44 pm

      awesome! thanks

      Reply
  18. Katherine says

    December 4, 2019 at 8:37 am

    5 stars
    This is awesome. Need a double batch next time so half is for gifting and half for home!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:44 pm

      great idea!

      Reply
  19. Scarlet says

    December 4, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    I love simple, real ingredient, homemade recipes like this. Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      December 4, 2019 at 9:44 pm

      thanks! aren’t simple recipes like this the best?!

      Reply

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Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a dietitian & lazy home cook. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find quick, delicious recipes for one person to get you excited to cook at home.

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