Homemade hot chocolate mix is not only more delicious than its store bought counterparts, it's also far less expensive. This simple recipe makes a very large batch that will last most families the entire winter long.
Ingredients for Homemade Cocoa Mix
- One 25.6oz box of instant nonfat dry milk
- One large container of Nestle Quick (chocolate milk flavor)
- One pound powdered sugar
- 8oz powdered creamer
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups cocoa powder
Directions
- Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a very large bowl. Divide into more bowls if a large enough bowl isn't available. This recipe makes an extremely large batch, but it's worth the trouble! A large, lidded bowl like the 26 cup capacity Tupperware Fix-n-mix bowl is ideal. Instead of stirring with a spoon, one can simply throw all the ingredients in the bowl, attach the lid tightly, and shake until everything is evenly mixed.
- Fill one third of a mug with the cocoa mix in its powdered form, then fill the rest of the mug with hot water. Even using water, this cocoa is incredibly rich and delicious, but for a truly decadent experience, mix hot milk into the powder.
Variations on the Basic Cocoa Recipe
Get innovative and try adding interesting new flavors to the basic recipe. Invent an entirely new flavor, or try one of these variations:
- Mexican Hot Chocolate. Add cinnamon and chile powder to taste to add subtle spicy notes and tons of depth to the basic hot chocolate recipe. Is the thought of chile powder in hot cocoa a little intimidating? Try just adding the cinnamon.
- Flavored Creamers. Try adding a flavored creamer instead of the plain kind when making the cocoa mix. Caramel and coconut flavors work particularly well, but the creamers are creating new flavors all the time, so experiment!
- Chocolate Mint Cocoa. Add powdered mint to the basic cocoa mix to make a delicious chocolate-mint treat. Powdered mint is hard to find in most stores, but can be found online.
Store the cocoa mix in an airtight container. Canisters or even zippered bags work perfectly, and keep the cocoa powder fresh for the entire season.
The hot chocolate mix makes a fabulous gift. Purchase decorative cellophane bags (commonly available around the holidays at major craft stores, and year round at most cake decorating stores) and fill with the cocoa mix. Write the instructions for mixing the cocoa on a beautiful tag, and create a quick, thoughtful and inexpensive holiday gift for friends, neighbors, co-workers, and teachers.
Interested in other great fall and winter beverages? Try mulled cider!
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