Make your winter cozy with homemade hot chocolate mix! This easy homestead recipe explains why to use dry milk, which cocoa is best, and how to create creamy, indulgent hot chocolate.

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December has arrived in upstate New York, bringing frosty mornings, snow-dusted fields, and kids with rosy cheeks from hours of sledding adventures. And what pairs better with these wintry moments than a steaming cup of homemade hot chocolate?

On our homestead, making hot chocolate isn’t just about warming up; it’s a cherished tradition. I love preparing a big batch of homemade hot chocolate mix ready to whip up whenever the kids come inside or when I’m in the mood for a decadent peppermint mocha hot chocolate. This mix is simple, delicious, and a true winter staple.

Why Make Homemade Hot Chocolate?

Store-bought hot chocolate mixes are convenient but often contain unnecessary additives, artificial flavors, and too much sugar. Making your mix allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor.

Plus, homemade hot chocolate tastes better. It’s richer, creamier, and a warm hug on a cold day. Whether serving it to your family or gifting jars of the mix to friends, homemade hot chocolate is a treat everyone loves.

Why Use Dry Milk?

Dry milk is the secret to creamy, full-bodied hot chocolate that doesn’t require heating fresh milk every time. It gives your mix a shelf-stable, long-lasting base that you can store in your pantry.

Dry milk dissolves easily in hot water, making it the perfect ingredient for a quick-to-prepare mix. On the homestead, where convenience often meets creativity, having a versatile ingredient like dry milk on hand is always a win.

Which Cocoa to Use?

The type of cocoa powder you choose will make or break your hot chocolate. I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder for the mix, as it lets you control the sweetness with your added sugar.

For a rich and luxurious flavor, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa. It’s smoother, less acidic, and delivers that deep, chocolatey flavor that turns a regular cup of hot cocoa into something extraordinary.

Why Cornstarch, and Can You Skip It?

Cornstarch might seem like an odd addition to a hot chocolate mix, but it’s the key to achieving that luscious, velvety texture. When you heat the mix, the cornstarch thickens the liquid slightly, giving your hot chocolate a creamy consistency that’s pure indulgence.

Can you skip it? Sure, but your hot chocolate will be thinner and less creamy. Starch can work as an alternative if you avoid cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca.

How Many Scoops Per Cup?

The perfect ratio of hot chocolate mix to water or milk depends on how rich you like your cocoa. Generally, I use two heaping tablespoons of mix per 8 ounces of liquid for a balanced flavor. If you’re making a batch for a crowd, multiply accordingly.

For extra indulgence, use warm milk instead of water, or mix half milk and half water for a happy medium. The kids love theirs with whipped cream and marshmallows, while I might sneak in a splash of coffee for an afternoon mocha.

Do you want to Step It Up? Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate

If you’re like me and love a festive twist on classic hot cocoa, try my peppermint mocha hot chocolate. Add a tablespoon of your favorite instant coffee granules to your hot chocolate mix, and once prepared, stir in a few drops of peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a holiday treat that feels like it came straight from a café.

Making Memories, One Cup at a Time

On our homestead, homemade hot chocolate isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment. It’s a way to bring everyone together after a day of chores or outdoor play, sit by the fire, and share stories with steaming mugs.

This easy hot chocolate mix has become a family tradition, and I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to ours. Whether sipping it plain, dressing it with whipped cream, or adding your unique twists, it’s the perfect way to make winter days a little sweeter.

Homestead Hot Chocolate Mix

Heather of Tiny Farm Big Family

This decadent, creamy hot chocolate is perfect for enjoying at the homestead during the winter. It is perfectly paired with homemade marshmallows.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 6 cups of mix

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ½ cups powdered milk or non-dairy creamer for a dairy-free option
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional for a creamier texture
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips optional for extra richness
• 1 cup mini marshmallows optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl or half-gallon mason jar, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, salt, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined.
• Stir in mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, if desired.
• Store the mix in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place.

To Make Hot Cocoa:

• Heat 1 cup of milk or water (milk makes it creamier).
• Stir 2-3 tablespoons of the cocoa mix until dissolved.
• Top with whipped cream, homemade marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
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Notes

This mix makes a thoughtful gift in jars with a festive label or ribbon, and it’s a great addition to a winter pantry!

Keyword homemade hot chocolate, hot chocolate, hot coco