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During cold weather, hot chocolate becomes a must-have in our home. My kids always want some, so I whipped up this cheap and easy DIY hot chocolate mix. It's super tasty, quick to make, and means I've always got something warm and cozy on hand when needed.
A Cold Season Favorite
I spent too much on store mixes until I figured out homemade hot chocolate is way cheaper and tastes much better. Nothing beats seeing my kids' happy faces when they come inside from snow play knowing hot cocoa is waiting. I'm also glad I can control exactly what goes in our warm drinks.
What You'll Need
- Powdered Milk: Creates that smooth, creamy texture and helps the mix last longer on your shelf.
- Salt: You can skip it, but it really brings out the chocolate flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives you that rich chocolate base for your drink.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the cocoa.
Let's Make It Together
- Store for Later
- Pop it in an airtight container where it'll stay good for up to 6 months.
- Make Hot Chocolate
- Put 1-2 tablespoons of your mix in a cup with hot water or milk. Stir until it's all dissolved and drink up.
- Combine Ingredients
- Throw sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, and salt into a mason jar or bowl. Give it a good shake or stir until everything's mixed together.
Making It Special
I've picked up some fun tricks over time to make each cup extra nice. Sometimes I'll throw in a tiny bit of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract. My kids go crazy when I pile on mini marshmallows or add some whipped cream on top. Around Christmas we use candy canes as stirrers for a minty holiday twist.
Sharing the Warmth
This mix works great as a gift, particularly around Christmas time. I love putting it in cute mason jars with ribbons and handmade tags. I'll often put together small hot chocolate gift sets with cups, marshmallows and some cookies. It's such a nice way to spread some comfort and happiness to friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → What does powdered milk do?
- It gives the hot chocolate a rich, creamy texture and makes it more satisfying to drink.
- → Should I use granulated or powdered sugar?
- Both work fine! Pick whichever texture you like better for mixing.
- → How much mix should I add per cup?
- Add 1-2 tablespoons to your cup, depending on how rich you want the flavor.
- → How long will it stay good?
- Store it in a sealed jar or airtight container. It'll last a long time since dry ingredients don't spoil easily.
- → Is the salt required?
- Not at all! It does boost the chocolatey taste, but you can skip it if you'd like.