Sometimes you want a rich hot chocolate that you can load up with marshmallows and whipped cream, without it becoming too overwhelmingly sweet. When you do, you make this Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix.
This has been my go-to hot chocolate mix for the last 10 years. I make at least 2 batches each year, just for myself to have as a warming dessert on cold winter evenings.
Plus, I stir this mix into hot milk, so that makes it healthy, right? 😆
Since I love it so much, I also make batches to gift to friends and family at Christmas time. It ships well in a sturdy container.
As a bonus, the mix stays good for a while! I usually have a few servings of mix left at the end of the winter, and I'm always very thankful that I left some behind for myself to drink in the fall.
Now, let's get started on making this delicious and quick recipe!
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Hot Cocoa Vs. Hot Chocolate
Many people, my husband included, use the terms hot cocoa and hot chocolate interchangeably. I don't, and I'm teaching my daughter that they're two different drinks, too!
Hot cocoa is a warm chocolatey drink made from a cocoa-based mix combined with water.
Hot chocolate is a warm drink made from a chocolate-based mix combined with milk.
There will be exceptions, but hot cocoa tends to be less rich, with less fat content. Think about those powdery mix packets that you combine with hot water.
There's nothing wrong with hot cocoa! I myself still make recipes like Alton Brown's Hot Cocoa Mix (which uses powdered milk (affiliate link)) for years. But it is a thinner beverage, even when you add liquid milk to it.
Hot chocolate, like this recipe below that I've adapted from Smitten Kitchen, takes chocolate, which then melts into hot milk. The fat from the chocolate contributes to the richness and velvety texture of the beverage.
The History of Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate and hot cocoa have a neat history. Chocolate and chocolate-based beverages were natively American. Chocolate drinks were unsweetened, which sounds awful until you consider that some people also drink their coffee black.
Sweetened chocolate was a European invention from the 17th century, as was the addition of milk to chocolate. Both of these increased the popularity of chocolate in Europe.
Chocolate is ubiquitous now, but it was a high-class food in Latin America. When Europeans began to import it, the cost made it a rare luxury good.
Good chocolate isn't necessarily cheap nowadays, but I'm very glad that it's an affordable and attainable luxury.
Ingredients
To make hot chocolate mix, you need just a few ingredients.
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Chocolate
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
Granulated sugar adds sweetness, of course. Brown sugar would make the mix clumpy. Powdered sugar would make it taste off.
Unsweetened cocoa powder adds flavor and depth. Use a decent quality cocoa powder, but no need to go expensive. I usually buy cocoa from BJ's, but Trader Joe's and Hershey's cocoa powder (affiliate link) are also great.
If you have sweetened cocoa powder... don't bother making this recipe. Really, just mix that with hot milk.
Chocolate adds flavor and texture. The fat in the chocolate gives the hot chocolate body. I've used Ghirardelli chocolate chips (affiliate link) when I get a good deal on them. I also use Nestle dark chocolate chips (but not their semisweet or Toll House, which are too sweet for me).
Also good are Trader Joe's brand, as well as any number of store brands that list their cocoa percentage on the label. I prefer anything with around 50% cocoa. Regardless of what you use, but especially if you use store brands, I recommend using a mix of 2 or 3 different chocolates to give the drink a nuanced flavor.
Cornstarch adds additional thickness and body to the hot chocolate. That said, this recipe also turns out if you skip it.
Vanilla and salt also add a depth of flavor, but the recipe will turn out if you forget them.
Instructions to make the mix
Let's make hot chocolate mix!
- Layer the sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, cornstarch, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Drizzle the vanilla on the sugar or cornstarch so it doesn't clump on the bottom.
- I usually get a cloud of cocoa powder coming out the top of my food processor, so I cover it with a towel to prevent widespread cocoa messes. This is totally optional.
- Pulse the food processor a few times to combine everything, and then run it until everything is uniform and combined.
- Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to be sure there's no clumps. Pulse a few more times if necessary, and then pour the hot chocolate mix into a glass jar for storage.
Instructions to make hot chocolate
You've made hot chocolate mix! Time to treat yourself to a cozy cup of hot chocolate.
- Spoon mix into a 10 ounce or larger microwave-safe mug. Add milk. Stir briefly to start to combine, then microwave for one minute. Don't microwave your spoon!
- Give the warm chocolate a vigorous stir to start to dissolve the melted chocolate. Microwave for another minute.
The hot chocolate will be piping hot - too hot to drink! Give it another vigorous stir to melt the chocolate. Top with marshmallows, let cool for a few minutes, and enjoy.
You can also make a cup of hot chocolate on the stove if you'd prefer. Heat in a small saucepan over medium heat, so your milk doesn't scorch. Stir frequently to help dissolve the chocolate.
Equipment
Making hot chocolate mix is super easy with a food processor. I love my Breville food processor (affiliate link), but any food processor should work.
If you don't have a food processor or bullet blender (affiliate link) or the like, you'll want to grate your chocolate or use a very sharp knife to get the chocolate shards tiny. If the chocolate isn't fine/small enough, it won't melt well in the hot milk, or it will take a lot of extra stirring.
Storage
Store hot chocolate mix in a glass jar. This recipe yields around 1 ¾ cups of mix. I often store it in an empty and cleaned jam jar.
I've made hot chocolate mix often to include with food gifts that I send to family. I don't like to ship glass, but I find that cleaned Talenti gelato jars ship well. I've also used other containers with screw-on lids. Make sure your container is sturdy and packed well so that you don't end up with busted containers and chocolate accidents.
The hot chocolate mix will last for over a year - really, until your best-by date on your chocolate.
It should go without saying that once you've made a cup of hot chocolate with milk, you should consume it within an hour, for food safety reasons.
Serving
Although I make this with regular dairy milk, it's equally good with non-dairy milk. Chocolate goes nicely with both coconut and almond milks!
It's easy to make this vegan if you use dairy-free chocolate chips (not all are), and non-dairy milk.
This is a dark hot chocolate mix, so definitely top this (non-vegan hot chocolate) with whipped cream or my Homemade Marshmallows!
When it's not hot chocolate season any longer, spoonfuls of this mix are delicious stirred into your morning coffee.
Top Tip
If you don't have a food processor, be sure to use a grater or a sharp knife to get your chocolate chopped up! The smaller the chocolate, the easier it melts, and the smoother your mug of hot chocolate will be.
FAQ
Hot cocoa is a warm chocolatey drink made from a cocoa-based mix combined with water. Hot chocolate is a warm drink made from a chocolate-based mix combined with milk. Hot cocoa tends to be thinner, with less fat content.
Other cozy winter favorites
Looking for cozy winter recipes? Try these:
Pairing
These are some of my favorite cookies to eat while I have a cup of hot chocolate:
Interested in other recipes? I save and share recipes I like or want to try on my Pinterest page - follow me there! You can also check out my Facebook page for more recipes and helpful tips. I'm also happy to try to help troubleshoot my recipes there.
Have you tried this recipe? Or have a question about it? Rate it or leave a comment below! (PS: rating my recipes helps other people find them, too!)
📖 Recipe
Decadent Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup cocoa powder (40 grams)
- ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (about 85 grams/3 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
Instructions
To Make Mix
- Pour sugar and cocoa powder into a food processor. Top with chocolate chips and remaining ingredients. Pulse a few times to distribute all the ingredients.
- Process until finely ground or powdery. This may take a few minutes.
- If you don't have a food processor, grate the chocolate finely and mix with other ingredients.
- Store hot chocolate mix in a glass container. It will keep for a long time, as long as the best-by date on your package of chocolate.
To Make Hot Chocolate
- Add 3 tablespoons (~30 grams) of mix to a heat-safe mug. Stir in 1 cup (227 grams) of milk. Microwave for a minute.
- Stir the warm mixture well. Microwave another 30-60 seconds, until milk is hot. Stir vigorously again to mix and dissolve the chocolate.
- Top with marshmallows or whipped cream. Hot chocolate will be too hot to drink immediately, so let cool for a few minutes so you don't scald your mouth.
Notes
Originally published February 12, 2017. Post and recipe rewritten, with new photos, January 7, 2025.
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