Skip to main content
Epicurious

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

By Katherine Sacks

4.4

(15)

Overhead view of ingredients for homemade hotchocolate mix.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks

This hot chocolate mix is made with a blend of chocolate (the real distinguishing factor in the hot cocoa versus hot chocolate debate) and cocoa powder for a rich, decadent flavor and creamy texture. For an even more luscious mug, use equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    10 minutes

  • Yield

    8 servings (1 1/2 cups mix)

Ingredients

For the hot chocolate mix:

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup high-quality cocoa powder
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

For the hot chocolate:

1 cup whole milk
Whipped cream, marshmallows, and cocoa powder (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Make the hot chocolate mix:

    Step 1

    Combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate, cornstarch, and sea salt in a food processor. Scrape in vanilla seeds; discard pod. Blend until mixture is smooth and powdery, about 1 minute.

  2. Make the hot chocolate:

    Step 2

    Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 Tbsp. hot chocolate mix and cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture returns to a simmer and hot chocolate mix is dissolved and thickens slightly, 1-2 minutes.

    Step 3

    Transfer hot chocolate to a mug. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows and dust with cocoa powder.

  3. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Hot chocolate mix can be made 2 months ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze up to 3 months.

TagsHot ChocolateBeveragesCocoaChocolateNonalcoholicMake Ahead30 Minutes or LessQuickWinterEpicurious

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
Yes, it's a shortcut in a microwave. It's also a gooey, fudgy, wildly good chocolate cake.
Chocolate Pie
Reminiscent of a classic diner dessert, this chocolate cream pie offers pure comfort in a cookie crust.
Grasshopper Brownies
These decadent brownies feature a sweet, minty topping complemented by a rich dark chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for added texture.
Not-So-Secret Burger Sauce
Every sauce needs a few secrets. Ours is smoky, sweet, and savory—use it for burgers, fries, tenders, and more.
Homemade Whipped Cream
Fluffier, fresher, and fancier than anything from a tub or can.
Luscious Banana Pudding
Layer homemade custard, ripe bananas, and vanilla wafers under clouds of whipped cream for this iconic dessert.
Mississippi Mud Cake
This cake was created from thrift and was supposedly named after its appearance, which reminded people of the muddy Mississippi River bottom.
Île Flottante
Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.