Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Whip up this homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe to have on hand all season long – quick, easy, delicious, and perfectly gift-able!

This homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe is delicious and perfectly giftable. Get your hot cocoa fix with more of our favorites: Mint Hot Chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate or White Chocolate Peppermint Hot Chocolate.

Hot Chocolate Recipe (1)

Homemade Hot Chocolate

I love hot chocolate! It is my favorite drink in the fall and winter, but I’ve been known to drink it year-round! It is especially fun and festive around the holidays.

While I often just purchase Hot Chocolate Mix from the store, sometimes it’s fun (and especially tasty) to make a homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe!

This is where you can have some fun, and it’s perfect for sharing – a delicious Christmas gift!

When thinking about holiday gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers keep this recipe in mind. Divide this DIY Hot Chocolate Mix into individual portions and pair them with a holiday mug or pour a large amount into a mason jar.

In either case, be sure to include instructions. For extra fun, add candy canes, cinnamon sticks, or marshmallows!

Hot Chocolate Recipe (2)

How to make hot chocolate

This makes the BEST Hot Chocolate, you’re going to love it!

COMBINE. In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk (or instant nonfat dry milk), and ¼ teaspoon of salt together. Mix to combine well.

STORE. Pour into storage containers and add mini marshmallows, if desired. Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

MAKE COCOA. To make cocoa, mix ¼ cup hot cocoa mix with ¾ cup warm milk.

Hot Chocolate Recipe (3)

Ingredient Tips

Powdered milk. Find whole milk powder or non-fat dry milk powder in the baking aisle at the grocery store. Note that some powdered milk will have a strange aftertaste which will be present in the hot chocolate.

Morning Moo, Judee’s, Bob’s Red Mill, or Carnation all make pretty good powdered milk.

Cocoa powder. To make this best Hot Chocolate Recipe, use natural baking cocoa, cacao powder, or dutch processed cocoa. Do not use chocolate milk mix or hot chocolate powder.

The cocoa powder can sometimes clump together if it is stored for too long, so be sure to sift it so it’s nice and smooth.

Powdered sugar is the same as confectioners sugar. In a pinch, use granulated sugar, but it won’t be as smooth or sweet. Sift the powdered sugar to eliminate any clumps.

Milk or water. For a creamy mug of hot chocolate, I suggest using hot whole milk. The higher the fat content, the creamier the drink will be.

However, since the Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix contains dry milk powder, easily use hot water.

  • Use hot whole milk to skim
  • Use hot unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
  • Use hot water
Hot Chocolate Recipe (4)

Flavor additions

MIX it up (literally)!! Here are a few ideas:

  • Stir in mint, peppermint, vanilla, or almond extract (not essential oil)
  • Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or cayenne pepper
  • Use flavored coffee creamer
  • Stir the hot chocolate with cinnamon sticks or candy canes
  • Top with mini marshmallows or Whipped Cream
  • Mix in a few white chocolate chips
Hot Chocolate Recipe (5)

GIFTING + STORING Info

Be sure to check out our Hot Chocolate Gift Idea that is perfect for neighbors, family and friends for the holidays.

Heat & keep warm. There are many ways to heat up milk or water to make this homemade Hot Chocolate recipe. The microwave is easiest for small amounts.

Use a saucepan on the stove, a crock pot, or a hot cocoa maker for larger amounts. The ideal temperature for hot drinks is between 160-185°F.

STORE all of the Hot Chocolate Mix in one large airtight container. It will keep in the pantry or cupboard for at least 6 months.

FREEZE. Store it in the freezer for a year or more.

Keep it for several years in an airtight food-grade container with a couple of oxygen packets.

Hot Chocolate Recipe (6)

For some tasty cookies to dip:

  • Christmas Cookie Bars
  • Eggnog Cookies
  • Peppermint Sugar Cookies
  • Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

More Collections: Christmas Drink Recipes

Hot Chocolate Recipe (7)

Hot Chocolate Recipe (8)

5 from 3 votes

Hot Chocolate Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

Whip up this homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe to have on hand all season long – quick, easy, delicious, and perfectly gift-able!

Servings: 20 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 3 minutes mins

Total: 8 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups powdered milk
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • mini marshmallows

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, sift powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk (or instant nonfat dry milk), and ¼ teaspoon of salt together. Mix to combine well.

  • Pour into storage containers and add mini marshmallows, if desired. Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

  • To make cocoa, mix ¼ cup hot cocoa mix with ¾ cup warm milk.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 115kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 92mg, Potassium: 257mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 21g, Vitamin A: 21IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 148mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Cuisines, Drinks, Fall, Food Gifts, Recipes, Seasonal Recipes, Winter

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

Related Posts

Memorial Day Recipes

20 mins

Mexican Dinner Ideas

40 mins

Mint MilkShake

5 mins

4th of July Punch

5 mins

Hot Chocolate Recipe (14)

So Easy & So Yummy

Get my cookbook!

My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

Order Today

Hot Chocolate Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the solution in hot chocolate? ›

In hot chocolate, the hot water or hot milk acts as the solvent that dissolves the cocoa powder, the solute.

What is the best milk for making hot chocolate? ›

The best type of milk for making hot chocolate is whole milk. This is because the higher fat content in whole milk creates a creamier and richer hot chocolate. However, if you are looking for a healthier option, almond milk or oat milk can also work well as they add a subtle nutty or oaty flavor to the hot chocolate.

How to make hot chocolate better? ›

The 15 Best Things To Add To Hot Chocolate
  1. Sprinkle in warm spices. Take inspiration from the flavors of Mexican hot chocolate, and add warm spices like cinnamon, cayenne, and chile powder to your hot chocolate for a delightfully spicy drink. ...
  2. Mix in Nutella. ...
  3. Spike it. ...
  4. Swap regular sugar for maple syrup. ...
  5. Add a rim.
Dec 4, 2023

How to make hot chocolate in steps? ›

To make homemade hot chocolate, first add 2 tablespoons (15 grams) of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of sugar into a saucepan. Then, pour 1 cup (250 mL) of milk and place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Whisk everything together until the mixture is hot, but not boiling.

Is hot chocolate a solution or a mixture? ›

Well-stirred hor chocolate is a suspension as it is prepared by mixing chocolate with hot water and milk. A suspension is a heterogeneous mixture that is distributed throughout in another phase. After stirring the hot chocolate well, the chocolate settles down at bottom of a cup, and therefore, it is a suspension.

Is it better to use water or milk for hot chocolate? ›

Additionally, there's an appeal to using water for its potential to create a truer hot chocolate experience. Milk, with its white base, can dilute the brown color of the hot chocolate. In contrast, water's clear base allows the cocoa to appear much darker.

What is the best cocoa powder to make hot chocolate? ›

Any cocoa is fine, but many people prefer Dutched cocoa over the regular kind. You can use more or less cocoa, more or less sugar, and some people like to add a touch of cinnamon to it.

Should I boil milk for hot chocolate? ›

It's essential not to let the milk come to a boil, as this can change its flavour profile and make it taste burnt. Mix with Hot Chocolate: Now, you can either add your chocolate directly into the saucepan or pour the warmed milk over your chocolate in a mug, mixing well until smooth and thoroughly combined.

What's the difference between hot chocolate and hot chocolate? ›

The source of the chocolate flavour is different. Hot Chocolate is made using solid chocolate melted in warm milk or cream. Hot Cocoa, however, is made from a powdered base of cocoa with added sugar and dissolved in hot water or hot milk.

What is real hot chocolate made of? ›

Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved or melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener. It is often garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Does cocoa powder go bad? ›

Cocoa contains flavonols, which act like a natural preservative, so cocoa powder has a long shelf life. It will go bad eventually, but as long as you store it correctly (see below), it should stay fresh for at least three years, even after it's been opened. Your cocoa powder will have a 'best-before' date on it.

What thickens hot chocolate? ›

Cornflour/Cornstarch: Mix a small amount with cold milk or water to create a smooth paste. Whisk this into your hot chocolate towards the end of the cooking process until it thickens. Double Cream: Stirring in a splash of double cream can instantly enrich and thicken your drink, giving it a velvety texture.

Why is my hot chocolate so watery? ›

It might be worth checking how much water a packet is designed to be used with and whether you're adding too much. How much milk did you try adding? I find that even a small amount (a teaspoon or two) can make it noticeably creamier without too much effect on the taste.

What tastes better with hot chocolate? ›

Candy canes: Candy cane in a cup of hot chocolate can bring your childhood back. Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances flavour and texture apart from reducing the bitterness of hot chocolate. Cinnamon: Cinnamon elevates the taste of hot chocolate, just add a pinch of it.

What is the solution in chocolate milk? ›

Preparation of Solutions Chocolate milk is an example of a solution, in which a solute (chocolate syrup) is dissolved in a solvent (milk).

Is hot cocoa an example of a solution? ›

The substance which is to be dissolved is solute and the substance in which it is dissolved is solvent. Hot cocoa consist of cocoa as solute with sugar. The milk is used as ab solvent in the hot cocoa. Hence, the hot cocoa acts as the solution with some solute and solvent.

Is chocolate drink a true solution? ›

A solution is created when matter is dissolved in a liquid. For example, when you mix chocolate syrup into milk, you have created a solution of chocolate milk.

Would chocolate milk be a solution? ›

A solution is a combination of two things, but it is well mixed down to the molecular level and stable. A heterogeneous mixture on the other hand will settle. Salt water is a solution. Chocolate milk is a heterogeneous mixture.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 5422

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.