This Homemade Hot Chocolate mix tastes like REAL chocolate, because it’s made with REAL chocolate! Quick and simple to make, this rich and flavourful recipe makes enough mix to last through the cold winter months, or to package up for gifting.
Ski season is underway here in the mountains, and I’m stocking the freezer and pantry with delicious, healthier foods to fuel the busy winter days ahead. It may seem strange to use hot chocolate mix in the same sentence as “healthier”, given that this recipe is full of chocolate and sugar. In this case, it’s not about what’s in the recipe that makes it healthier, but more about what’s NOT in it. Made with loads of real chocolate, this mix does not contain the hydrogenated oils, thickeners, desiccants and assorted other preservatives and additives found in store-bought cocoa mixes. It also tastes WAY better than the packaged stuff. In fact, it tastes like actual chocolate, because in addition to cocoa powder, it contains lots of good quality chocolate. It takes just a few minutes to blitz it up in the food processor (or mix the ingredients together in a big bowl) and then to spoon it into containers for storage or pretty jars for gifting. Speaking of gifting, a jar of this delicious mix, tied up with a pretty ribbon makes a perfectly sweet gift for hosts at the holidays, or anytime over the winter months. Tuck in a tag with preparation instructions and you’re all set!.
What is Hot Chocolate “Mix”?
Hot chocolate mix is a dry mix, that when combined with hot water or milk, makes a deliciously sweet and smooth hot drink. This recipe makes a big batch of mix to keep on hand, which means you’ll be able to quickly whip up a mug whenever you feel like it, all winter long. Hot chocolate differs from “Hot Cocoa” in that it contains actual chocolate in addition to cocoa powder, making a richer drink with deeper chocolate flavour.
What goes in Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix?
- Real Chocolate: For a mix that tastes like chocolate, this recipe includes 2 cups of grated chocolate. Look for a good quality bar of semi-sweet, dark or bittersweet chocolate for deep chocolatey flavour. The food processor will make quick work out of finely chopping it for you, or you can grate it by hand using as rasp or the small holes of a box grater.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose a cocoa powder with deep, chocolate flavour. Dutch-process cocoa powder is a good choice, but any quality cocoa powder will work well.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, sometimes called icing sugar or confectioners sugar, is used in this recipe as it dissolves easily when mixed with hot milk or water. Don’t use granulated sugar in this mix since the sugar crystals are heavier, and tend to settle to the bottom of a jar of mix over time.
- Powdered Milk: Powdered 2% or whole milk will yield creamier results, but dry skim milk powder is the most common type available, and it works perfectly well. Look for dry milk powder in the baking section of the grocery store.
- Salt: A teaspoon of fine sea salt is just the thing to add dimension and balance out the sweetness.
Two Methods For Making Hot Chocolate Mix
For this recipe, I’ve included two different ways to make this mix. The first method uses a food processor with a capacity of at least 9 cups. Most full size food processors have a capacity of 9-14 cups, with some having an even greater capacity. I use an older version of this Cuisinart Food Processor, and with its 14 cup capacity, it has more than enough room for this recipe. In short, this is not a job for a mini or small food processor, but any full size food processor can handle it. Don’t worry though if you don’t have a food processor. I’ve also included the instructions for making it by hand. It takes a little longer to grate the chocolate and combine the ingredients in a big mixing bowl, but the end result is every bit as delicious.
HOW MUCH HOT CHOCOLATE DOES THIS MIX MAKE?
This big batch of dry mix makes about 8 1/2 cups of powder. How much mix you add to a mug of hot milk or water depends on personal preference, but I find 1/3-1/2 cup of mix in a large mug is about right, giving you 17-25 generous servings per batch.
HOW TO STORE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX
This is a big batch of mix, so it makes enough for a large gathering or enough that you can have a mug of on-demand hot chocolate whenever the craving strikes, all winter long. It keeps well, stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. To store it for longer, place the mix in a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 6 months.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Hot chocolate is a delicious, cozy, anytime drink! Whip up a mug for yourself, or make a whole pot for a crowd. Enjoy on its own, or top it with marshmallows or whipped cream for a special treat. For a post-skating party or Après Ski gathering, set up a DIY hot chocolate bar by placing the hot chocolate in a slow cooker and setting out jars and bowls of whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate curls, cookie straws, chocolate sauce and sprinkles. For the adults, include bottles of Irish Cream, Kahlua or Whisky so they can turn their mugs of hot chocolate into warming hot cocktails.
GIFTABLE
A pretty jar of Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix makes a delightful holiday surprise! Include preparation instructions and wrap with a bow for an easy gift for family and friends. Or tuck a jar into a basket with marshmallows, cookies (and maybe a small bottle of lrish cream liqueur) for a cozy and welcome gift for hosts and neighbours.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 285gr/10oz good quality dark chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups dried milk powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
Food Processor Method
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces
- To the bowl of a large capacity food processor (9 cup size or larger), add the cocoa powder, dried milk powder, salt and chopped chocolate, and process until chocolate is very finely chopped and no large pieces of chocolate remain. Add the powdered sugar and process for 20 seconds more, until fully combined. Store the homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar with a tight fitting lid or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Hand Mixing Method
- Finely grate the chocolate, using a rasp or the small holes of a box grater. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and salt. Stir in the dried milk powder and the grated chocolate. Store the homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar with a tight fitting lid or airtight container for up to 3 months.
To prepare hot chocolate:
- Warm milk in a saucepan and whisk in hot chocolate mix to taste. I recommend using 1/3 cup of mix per serving, or more to taste. Add a dash of vanilla to the hot chocolate. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings or marshmallows.
RECIPE NOTES
- When preparing a mug or pot of hot chocolate, consider using whole milk instead of water or low fat milk for an extra creamy texture.
- When making hot chocolate for children, I add the powdered mix into half of the amount of very hot water and stir until the mix is fully dissolved. I then add cold milk instead of the remaining water, for a deliciously creamy, warm (not hot!) drink that is a comfortable temperature for younger kids.
- You can make a single serving by adding the mix to a mug and topping it with hot water or milk. A milk frother is a handy tool for helping to dissolve mix, while adding a creamy, foamy texture. Just be sure to leave lots of room in your mug as the liquid will increase in volume considerably as it foams up!
