Nothing is better on a cold day then a cup of hot chocolate. I’m always looking at ways to save money and incorporate better ingredients into our home. I haven’t been satisfied with store bought hot cocoa. So I went to my trust kitchen and created one that has my family’s approval. There are many fun variations to this hot chocolate. I highly recommend making homemade marshmallows to add to the top. I prefer to use this gelatin. You can use the gelatin to make homemade gummies, another family favorite. When cooking it’s important to lean into your personal taste preferences. I will say, this hot chocolate mix isn’t overly sweet, the addition of the marshmallow blends nicely. Something to keep in mind when making hot chocolate mix. There are variations in taste when it comes to chocolate. So taste test, adjust and take notes on your adjustments.
For this recipe I like to use a blend of cacao powder and cocoa powder. Since Cacao powder is less processed, it still contains nutrients such as flavonoids, antioxidants, iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Cacao powder tends to be a little more bitter tasting compared to regular cocoa powder. While I love the flavor, my family- not so much. Mixing half cocoa and half cacao powder is a great compromise and everyone is happy.
Substitutions:
For dairy free- use coconut powdered milk in place of the powdered milk
No powdered milk on hand? Omit. When making your hot chocolate use your choice of milk in place of the water. (I highly recommend buying some powdered milk to have on hand, especially for this recipe). I like to order mine from Azure Standard
Hot Chocolate Mix
Equipment
- 1 Mason Jar
Ingredients
Add to a Blender
- 1 cup Powdered Milk
- 2/3 cup Cocoa powder Can sub for Cacao powder (I use 1/3 cup Cacao, 1/3 cup Cocoa)
- 1/3 cup Coconut Sugar, Organic Cane Sugar or maple sugar Add up to 1/3 cup more sugar for a sweeter hot chocolate mix
- Pinch Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
Add to a Jar
- 1/4-1/3 cup Chocolate Chips or Chocolate bar chopped into smaller chunks (semi sweet, milk or dark chocolate), Use more Chocolate chips for a sweeter hot chocolate
Optional When making hot chocolate
- 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract per cup
Instructions
To make the Hot Chocolate Mix
- In a blender, add powdered milk, cocoa/cacao powder, sugar and salt. Blend together on high speed until a soft powder forms (roughly 10-15 seconds).
- Pour blended mixture into a jar, Add chocolate chips. Place lid on and give it a good shake.
To make Hot Chocolate
- Mix together 3 TBSP hot chocolate mix with 1 cup hot water (or bone broth) and optional vanilla extract. Stir until mixed together. Enjoy!