A Quick Treat for Cold Days
This recipe makes a simple, ready-to-use hot cocoa mix you can keep on the shelf. It is made with just a few pantry ingredients and comes together in minutes. You can make a big batch and pull it out whenever you want a warm cup. If you like easy mixes for cozy nights, you may also enjoy recipes that are quick to make like easy homemade soft pretzels, which are great with a mug of cocoa.
introduction
This homemade hot cocoa mix is simple and fast. It uses powdered milk so you can make a dry mix that only needs hot water. The mix tastes rich and chocolatey and saves time on busy mornings or cold nights. You can make it in a blender so the dry milk and cocoa blend evenly. The mix stores well, so you can prepare a big batch and use it for weeks or months. This introduction gives you the idea: make one jar and have hot cocoa ready in a minute.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
You will love this mix because it is fast, cheap, and easy. The flavor is familiar and comforting. You can control the sweetness and cocoa strength. No need for canned or powdered mixes from the store when you can make a better version at home. It is also a great gift: jar it up, add a scoop, and give it to friends and family. The mix is shelf-stable, and you can change it to match your taste—less sugar, more cocoa, or add spices.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe because it uses common ingredients and little effort. It saves money compared to store mixes and lets you avoid additives you don’t want. It is handy for mornings when you want a warm drink fast, or for winter evenings. You can make a small batch to try or a large batch to keep on hand. It is also a good beginner recipe—no baking skills needed and clean-up is minimal.
What You Need for Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
You only need a few tools:
- A blender or food processor to mix the dry ingredients well.
- A dry measuring cup and spoons.
- An airtight jar or container for storage.
- A scoop (1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 cup) to portion servings.
These simple tools help the mix blend evenly and make storing and serving easy.
How to Make Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
Making the mix is fast. Use a blender to break up any lumps and mix the powdered milk with cocoa and sugar. After blending, scoop into jars or an airtight container. To make a cup of cocoa, stir the mix into hot water, whisk until smooth, and enjoy.
Follow these base steps, then use the Directions section below for the exact lines and storage notes provided with the recipe.
Ingredients:
2½ cups dry powdered milk*, 1/2-3/4 cup sugar ((taste and adjust to your preference more or less- we use 1/2 cup)), 1/2 cup cocoa, 1/8 teaspoon salt
Explain each ingredient in plain terms:
- Dry powdered milk: This is the base. It gives body and creaminess without needing fresh milk.
- Sugar: Sweetens the mix. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if you like sweeter cocoa.
- Cocoa: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the chocolate flavor. Use good quality for best taste.
- Salt: A small pinch brings out the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Use measuring cups that are dry and level off the ingredients for consistent results.
Directions:
Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until mixed thoroughly with no visible milk powder left., Store in an airtight container with a 1/4, 1/3, or 1/2 cup scoop for up to a year.**, To Make Cocoa:
Here is a clear and simple expansion of the directions so you can follow them step by step:
- Add the dry powdered milk, sugar, cocoa, and salt to a blender.
- Blend on low to medium speed until the mixture looks even and there are no lumps of milk powder.
- Pour the finished mix into a dry airtight container. Add a scoop to the jar for easy portioning.
- Store the jar in a cool, dry place. Label it with the date.
To make a cup of cocoa from the mix:
- For one 8-ounce cup, place about 3 tablespoons (about 1/4 cup) of the mix in a mug.
- Add 8 ounces hot water, not boiling, and stir well until smooth. If you prefer milk, use hot milk or a mix of hot water and milk.
- Taste and add more mix or a little sugar if you like it sweeter.
These steps let you make a hot cup in less than five minutes.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
This cocoa mix is best served hot and fresh. Here are simple serving ideas:
- Plain and hot in a mug, stirred until smooth.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Top with whipped cream or marshmallows for a treat.
- Use steamed milk instead of water for a richer drink.
- Make a frothy version by whisking or using a small milk frother after mixing.
Serve it with cookies, toast, or a warm pretzel for a cozy snack or light dessert.
How to Store Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from strong smells. The mix will stay good for months if it stays dry. As the recipe notes, you can store it for up to a year in a sealed jar. Mark the jar with the date so you know when you made it. If you see clumps or any off smell, discard the mix. Use dry scoops or spoons to avoid introducing moisture.
Easy Tips to Make Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
- Use a blender to fully mix the powdered milk with cocoa and sugar to avoid grainy drink.
- Taste and adjust sugar before storing—sweetness can be personal.
- For a silkier drink, warm the water or milk first, then add the mix and whisk quickly.
- Keep the mix dry; moisture causes clumps and shortens shelf life.
- Label jars so family members know how much mix to use per cup.
Small changes can make the drink closer to what you and your family like.
Try These Variations of Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
You can change the mix to make flavors you like:
- Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso or 1 tablespoon instant coffee for mocha flavor.
- Mix in 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon for a spiced cocoa.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a Mexican-style kick.
- Stir in 1–2 tablespoons powdered milk substitute to make it dairy-free if you use a plant-based powdered milk.
- Add a teaspoon of peppermint powder or crushed candy cane for a holiday version.
If you like baked goods with a cup of cocoa, try pairing it with easy pumpkin muffins for a warm, seasonal combo.
Common Questions About Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water
Q: How much mix makes one cup of hot cocoa?
A: Use about 3 tablespoons (roughly a 1/4 cup) of mix for an 8-ounce cup. Add more or less to taste.
Q: Can I use skim powdered milk?
A: Yes. You can use any dry powdered milk you have. Fat content will change the richness of the drink.
Q: How long will the mix last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix can last up to a year. If it smells off or gets wet, throw it out.
Q: Can I make this sugar-free?
A: Yes. Replace sugar with a sugar-free powdered sweetener measured for baking. Taste and adjust because sweetness levels vary.
Q: Can I make hot chocolate with cold milk?
A: You can stir the mix into cold milk for a chocolate milk, but it mixes best in warm liquids.
Final Thoughts
This homemade hot cocoa mix is simple, flexible, and saves time. It makes a thoughtful gift and a quick cup any day. You can tweak it to your taste and make many variations with additions like spice, coffee, or peppermint. The method is easy: blend, store, scoop, and stir into hot water or milk. It is a basic, useful mix for any kitchen.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Make a small batch to test your favorite sweetness and cocoa level. Keep tasting and adjusting until it matches what you like. Once you find the right balance, make a larger jar and enjoy quick cocoa any time.
Conclusion
For a full guide and more tips on making homemade cocoa mix, see this detailed recipe at Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe – Just Add Water – An Oregon Cottage.
Print
Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick hot cocoa mix that you can keep on hand for cozy nights or busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups dry powdered milk
- 1/2–3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the dry powdered milk, sugar, cocoa, and salt to a blender.
- Blend on low to medium speed until the mixture is even and there are no lumps.
- Pour the finished mix into a dry airtight container and add a scoop for easy portioning.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place, labeling it with the date.
- To make a cup of cocoa, place about 3 tablespoons (about 1/4 cup) of the mix in a mug and add 8 ounces of hot water; stir until smooth.
Notes
For a creamier drink, substitute hot milk for hot water. You can also add flavors like vanilla, peanut butter, or spices to customize your cocoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg