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Ingredients for Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Nonfat dry milk powder: If you’ve never worked with dry milk powder, it’s essentially milk that has been evaporated to dryness. You can usually find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores, or you can buy it online. Homemade hot cocoa mix with powdered milk will yield a creamier, tastier beverage.
Confectioners’ sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, confectioners’ sugar has a consistency that is perfect for this homemade hot cocoa mix recipe. It will intersperse with the milk powder and cocoa powder better than heavy granulated sugar, which could fall to the bottom of the mix over time.
Baking cocoa: Since baking cocoa is such a star and standout ingredient in this recipe, you’ll want to buy the best cocoa powder for a high-quality flavor. Look for a deeply hued cocoa—it will have the richest, most complex taste.
Salt: We’ve included just enough salt to make the natural flavors from the baking cocoa pop.

Directions

Step 1: Sift the powders

Using a clean and dry fine mesh sieve, sift the nonfat dry milk powder, confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder together into an airtight container. Stir in the salt.

Editor’s Tip: It may be tempting to skip sifting, but it helps remove any clumps (which I find pretty prevalent in these powders) and allows the powders to intersperse seamlessly.

Step 2: Seal and store

Seal the top on the airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or a cabinet.

Step 3: Prepare hot cocoa

To prepare a mug of delicious hot cocoa, dissolve 5 tablespoons mix into 1 cup boiling water. Stir them together very well to combine.

high angle shot of hot cocoa mix in a jar and two cups of hot coco — Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

Before adding any of these inclusions to your entire hot cocoa mix homemade batch, test each one in a single prepared mug of hot cocoa. That way, you can see if you like it and you’ll know how much to add to your mix.

Add some spice: For a Mexican hot chocolate riff, add cinnamon and a touch of chili or cayenne powder.
Caffeinate it: Who else loves a morning mocha? Stir in instant coffee granules and savor the delicious start to your day.
Make it even more chocolaty: Deepen the luxurious chocolate flavor and add some mini chocolate chips to the mix. The chips will melt right into the boiling water when you prepare a cup.