Make your own small batch of dark hot chocolate with this delicious 5 minute homemade hot chocolate mix, then keep it yourself or turn it into the easiest holiday gift. It makes the most delicious chocolatey, creamy, warming hot chocolate.
[This homemade hot chocolate mix 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]
Table of contents
This homemade hot chocolate mix makes a great holiday gift. It's super easy, quick, inexpensive, and you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it. I love making homemade or food gifts to give out to friends and family.
Print out simple instructions to 1-1.5 Tablespoons 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 simple sauteed kale salad. OR these chocolate dipped oreos, homemade gingerbread mix, or gingerbread pound cake as other holiday gift ideas.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the homemade hot chocolate mix recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.
- Dark Chocolate bar: choose a chocolate bar that you really like, as it'll add lots of flavor to your homemade hot chocolate mix.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Turbinado sugar: Or use whatever sugar you have on hand, this is an easy substitute.
- Salt
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.
1. Start to make homemade hot chocolate mix by chopping up a dark chocolate bar. Then add to a small mason jar. Add unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to jar. Seal lid on jar.
2. Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
3. Add 1-1 ½ Tablespoons homemade hot chocolate 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.
How to make for gifts?
Multiply this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe and package in individual jars. It's that easy.
Substitutions/Tips
- Use your favorite chocolate or chocolate chips, I prefer 70% chocolate.
- Make extra homemade hot chocolate mix 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.
- Other great add-ins: Try these Hot Chocolate Toppings.
FAQ
Hot chocolate mix is usually made with different types of chocolate, sugar, salt and depending on the brand, preservatives or other ingredients, homemade has similar ingredients. It's usually mixed with hot milk or water.
I wrote a whole article about making hot chocolate even better with delicious toppings. Check it out here.
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.
How can I repurpose this hot cocoa mix?
- Gift homemade hot chocolate mixes
- Add it to pancake or waffle mix for a chocolate boost.
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
- Dark Chocolate Bar: Use instead of chocolate chips in this Chocolate Chip Cookie, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, or Chocolate Dipped Oreos.
- Cocoa Powder: Small Batch Chocolate Cookies or Blueberry Chocolate Muffins.
Did you make this homemade hot chocolate mix? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix (small batch)
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
- ⅛ 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 teaspoon sugar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to jar.
- Store cocoa mix in well sealed jar the pantry until use.
- Add 1-1 ½ 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.
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.
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Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started.
Natalie says
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. 😉
Rebecca says
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
Emily says
WOW this sounds good!! The more chocolately, the better, in my books 🙂
Rebecca says
same here! thanks
Christina says
Yessssss it's always good to have hot cocoa mix on hand!
Rebecca says
so so true!
Abbey Sharp says
Homemade is ALWAYS better than store-bought. Love this recipe!
Rebecca says
isn't it though? thanks Abbey
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
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.
Rebecca says
yes, it's so easy & delicious! thanks Dixya
Sarah says
I could snuggle up with a mug of this right now! It's so cold and I've got a craving for chocolate!
Rebecca says
oh yes, you need to warm up with this ASAP!
Rachel says
Mmm, I love hot chocolate. What a great recipe!
Rebecca says
Me too! thanks so much Rachel!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Wow that is easy! Now I want one now
Rebecca says
ya, so easy 🙂
Lauren Grant | Zestful Kitchen says
Yup, it's official. I will definitely be trying this recipe this winter. It sounds perfect!
Rebecca says
thanks! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
gretchen | kumquat says
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!)
Rebecca says
Thanks Gretchen! it's an easy go to warm drink. Hope you enjoy it