There’s no need to rely on store-bought packets when making hot chocolate at home is this easy. Homemade hot chocolate mix uses simple pantry ingredients, costs less than pre-made options, and lets you control the sweetness and flavor. If you’re looking to save money, reduce trips to grocery stores, and always have a cozy drink ready, this recipe is a practical solution you’ll come back to again and again.

At Grinding Gears Farmstead, we make our hot cocoa mix with freeze-dried milk from our own cow, giving it a rich, creamy taste without needing to add milk later. Whether you’re stocking the pantry for winter or just tired of buying boxed mixes, this recipe is practical, affordable, and easy to keep on hand.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Making your own hot cocoa mix at home has real, everyday benefits.

Lower cost: Buying ingredients in bulk is significantly cheaper than boxed mixes
Fewer ingredients: No fillers, preservatives, or hard-to-pronounce additives
Customizable: Adjust sweetness and chocolate strength to your taste
Convenient: Keep a jar on hand and skip last-minute grocery runs

Homemade hot chocolate mix is especially helpful during colder months when hot cocoa is a regular treat.

What You’ll Need

Equipment to Make Hot Chocolate Mix

Medium mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Measuring cups
Airtight container or glass jar
Blender or food processor
Hot Chocolate Drink Maker (optional)

Ingredients for Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

3 ½ cups powdered milk (dry milk powder)
1 ½ cups cocoa powder
2 ½ cups cane sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hot Chocolate Mix

Add powdered milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt to a bowl.
Whisk until fully combined and evenly mixed. Option: Mix in a blender or food processor to get that fine powder consistency.
Transfer the mix to an airtight container.

That’s it. The dry mix is ready to use immediately.

Homestead Pro Tip:
Double or triple the recipe to make a big batch and stock your pantry.

How to Make a Cup of Hot Chocolate from Your Mix

For one mug of hot chocolate:

Heat 1 cup of water or milk until hot but not boiling.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix.
Stir well until fully dissolved.

Adjust the amount of mix depending on how rich you like your cup of hot cocoa.

Hot Chocolate Drink Maker

Get it Here!

Homestead Tip:
We love our hot chocolate maker because it blends the mix into the water and heats it simultaneously. Great when serving the family or company.

Serving Ideas and Favorite Toppings

Top with marshmallows or whipped cream (sprinkle crushed candy canes on top)
Add homemade marshmallows.
Stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream for extra creaminess.
Add some maple syrup and or vanilla extract.
Top with homemade chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
Pair with homemade cookies or biscuits

How to Store Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Store in an airtight container at room temperature
Keep in a cool, dry place
Use within 6 months for best flavor

If stored properly, this mix stays fresh and ready whenever you want a quick warm drink.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much homemade hot chocolate mix do I use per cup?

Use 2 to 3 tablespoons per 1 cup of hot water or milk, depending on how rich and chocolatey you like your hot cocoa..

2. Can I make this hot chocolate mix dairy-free?

Yes. You can replace powdered milk with a dairy-free powdered creamer or leave it out and prepare the cocoa using hot milk or a milk alternative when serving.

3. How long does a homemade hot chocolate mix last?

When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar or substitute it with another sweetener. Start small and adjust to taste since cocoa powder is naturally bitter.

5. Why does my hot cocoa taste grainy?

This usually happens when the liquid isn’t hot enough. Make sure the water or milk is heated well and stir thoroughly so the cocoa powder and sugar fully dissolve.

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Other Easy DIY Pantry Swaps

Special Tools (affiliate links): Hot Chocolate Drink Maker |

Homemade hot chocolate mix is a simple, practical way to cut costs and rely less on store-bought convenience foods. With just a few ingredients and minutes of prep, you can keep a reliable, affordable hot cocoa option on hand all season long. If saving money and simplifying your pantry are important to you, this easy hot cocoa recipe is well worth making at home.

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars!

Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)