Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe (2024)

Homemade Hot Cocoa is so quick and easy to make! Made with just 3 simple ingredients, then stir into warmed milk, a cup of coffee, or hot water for a quick and easy hot cocoa!

Hot cocoa has always been one of my favorite things! Rich and creamy, sweet and simple, it is one of my favorite indulgences – especially during cooler months when all I want are cozy things.

Making homemade cocoa is one of the simplest things to do, too! With three ingredients you most likely keep on hand in your pantry, you can make your hot cocoa mix to keep on hand for a quick and easy cup of hot cocoa or make a batch of the mix to share with friends for a thoughtful homemade gift!

This recipe makes 24 servings, which is perfect to keep beside the coffee maker for a quick cup.

Hot Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate

Hot Cocoa is made using cocoa powder while hot chocolate is made by melting chocolate into milk and cream. Both are absolutely delicious!

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Hot Cocoa Ingredients

For the mix, you’ll need the following:

• Cocoa Powder – use your favorite cocoa powder in this recipe. You can use either Dutch-processed or natural.
• Sugar – use your favorite sugar or an equal replacement of your favorite sugar substitute or alternative.
• Salt – just a little salt helps to round out the flavor

How to Make Homemade Hot Cocoa From This Mix

To make using this hot cocoa mix, for each cup:

Stir one to two tablespoons of this easy homemade mix into a cup of warmed milk, hot water, or even a cup of coffee for a quick mocha.

Flavors Variations You May Enjoy

• Peppermint – add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or 1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candies
• Cinnamon – add a pinch of ground cinnamon
• Spicy – add a pinch of cayenne pepper

Storage Tips

Hot Cocoa Mix should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored correctly, it should last for up to 2 months.

Favorite Toppings

• Marshmallows
• Whipped Cream
• Peppermint Stick or Candy Cane
• Dusting of Cocoa
• Mini Chocolate Chips

Here’s our favorite Hot Cocoa Recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Enjoy!
Robyn xo