The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix: Perfect for Gifts, Mochas, and Cozy Cravings

There’s truly nothing quite like a steaming mug of hot chocolate, especially when it’s topped with a generous swirl of fluffy marshmallows. This homemade Hot Chocolate Mix takes that classic comfort to an entirely new level, making it not just a delightful treat for yourself, but also a fantastic idea for thoughtful gifts, a convenient base for mocha drinks, or a quick fix for a warm beverage on a chilly day.

Have you had the pleasure of discovering those delightful Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits yet? I was absolutely thrilled when I finally found them. They are a game-changer for hot chocolate, providing that perfect mini marshmallow experience without the fuss. My friend Christi from Love from the Oven even has one of her fantastic recipes featured right on the back of the canister. How cool is that?

These tiny marshmallows instantly transport me back to my childhood. Growing up, our kitchen was a place of convenience – meals often came from a can, a box, or an envelope. My mom, bless her heart, wasn’t exactly a culinary enthusiast. I remember the sheer excitement my sister and I felt when TV dinners made an appearance! And truthfully, I still have a soft spot for a comforting frozen pot pie to this day.

So, when it came to hot chocolate, it was always those familiar little blue envelopes. We’d dutifully mix them with boiling water, but it always felt like it took two or three envelopes to achieve a “decent” cup. I suspect the recommended amount of water per envelope must have been around 6 ounces. Who drinks a mere 6 ounces of hot chocolate? Certainly not an eager child! My sister and I even had our special, oversized mugs reserved just for those occasions, ensuring a truly satisfying serving.

Why Choose Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix?

As an adult, I now revel in the joy of making my hot chocolate from scratch, carefully blending milk, rich cocoa, a hint of vanilla, and perfectly controlling the sweetness to my liking. However, there’s still an undeniable convenience and charm to a well-crafted mix. A spoonful stirred into my morning coffee? Instant mocha cappuccino bliss! This versatile mix offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.

• Customizable Flavor: You control the quality of ingredients and the level of sweetness, ensuring a mix that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade gifts carry a special touch. This mix, packaged beautifully, makes a thoughtful present for friends, family, or teachers.
• On-the-Go Convenience: Keep a batch ready for quick cups of hot cocoa, or easily portion it out for camping trips, office breaks, or cozy evenings.
• Beyond Hot Chocolate: As mentioned, it’s a fantastic base for mochas and adds a delightful chocolatey kick to coffee.

The Magic of Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips

I originally crafted this particular Hot Chocolate Mix to send to my son-in-law as a sweet addition to his care package. Of course, I had to test it first, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely delicious! The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide that extra boost of genuine chocolate flavor, elevating the mix to taste almost like a cup made from scratch. And the coffee creamer? It adds a lovely creaminess and subtle richness that really rounds out the flavor profile. I sincerely hope he enjoys it as much as I did.

And those little marshmallows? They were a non-negotiable. For me, they’re an essential part of the hot chocolate experience, just like when I was a kid. The Jet-Puffed Mallow Bits are especially wonderful because their tiny size allows them to melt beautifully and distribute evenly throughout your drink, creating that perfect frothy, marshmallowy topping in every sip. If you can’t find them, regular mini marshmallows work just as well!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

This recipe yields approximately 7 cups of mix, making it ideal for sharing or keeping your pantry stocked for many cozy moments to come.

Yield: makes 7 cups of mix

Hot Chocolate Mix

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant dry milk
• 1/2 cup dry coffee creamer
• 1 cup cocoa (I used Hershey’s)
• 2 1/2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 1 jar Jet Puffed Mallow bits (3 ounces) or 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Sift together milk, creamer, cocoa, sugar, corn starch and salt. Place chocolate chips and 1 cup of milk mixture into a food processor. Grind until chips are finely processed and will pass through a sifter. Stir in Marshmallows. Store the prepared mix in an airtight container.
2. To make a hot chocolate, combine 3-4 heaping teaspoons of the mix with 12-14 ounces (the amount in a large mug) of very hot (but not boiling) water. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are blended and dissolved. Enjoy your comforting cup!

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for the Perfect Cup and Beyond

This hot chocolate mix is incredibly versatile. Here are a few tips to make the most of it:

• For a Creamier Hot Chocolate: Instead of water, try mixing your hot chocolate with hot milk (dairy or non-dairy). The results will be even richer and more indulgent.
• Adjust Sweetness: The recipe suggests 2 1/2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 2 1/2 cups and adjust to taste in future batches.
• Storage: Always store your mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will prevent clumping and keep it fresh for several weeks, if not months.
• Sifting is Key: Don’t skip the sifting step! It ensures a smooth, lump-free mix that dissolves beautifully. The food processor step for the chocolate chips also ensures they are fine enough to blend seamlessly.
• Toppings Galore: Beyond marshmallows, consider topping your hot chocolate with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Gifting Your Homemade Mix

One of the best aspects of this homemade hot chocolate mix is its potential as a thoughtful and personal gift. Here are some ideas for packaging and presentation:

• Mason Jars: Layer the mix, mini marshmallows, and maybe some extra chocolate chips in clear mason jars for a visually appealing gift.
• Cute Bags: Fill cellophane bags with the mix and tie them with festive ribbons and a personalized tag.
• Gift Tags: Include a small tag with instructions for making the hot chocolate, along with your name. You can also add a “best by” date.
• Pair with a Mug: For an extra special touch, present the mix alongside a new, cozy mug and perhaps a few gourmet cookies.

I’m always excited to share my culinary adventures and recipes at various great link parties across the web!

Looking for More Cozy Drink Ideas?

If you’ve loved this hot chocolate mix, you might enjoy exploring these other delightful drink recipes:

Strawberry Hot Chocolate

Candy Bar Hot Chocolate

Easy Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate from My Incredible Recipes

Looking for More Homemade Gift Inspiration?

This hot chocolate mix is just the beginning! If you enjoy making thoughtful gifts from your kitchen, you might like these other homemade ideas:

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Blackberry Liqueur

Conclusion

Crafting your own hot chocolate mix is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of homemade goodness to every sip. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cozy night in, preparing thoughtful gifts for loved ones, or looking for a quick way to elevate your morning coffee, this versatile mix is sure to become a cherished staple in your pantry. Embrace the joy of homemade and indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort that only a perfectly balanced hot chocolate can provide.

Don’t forget to share your creations with us! We love seeing how you enjoy your homemade hot chocolate mix. Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment below to let us know your favorite way to enjoy this delightful treat.