3-Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix with Real Chocolate

Have you noticed that most homemade hot cocoa mix recipes don’t contain real chocolate? The addition of chocolate chips in this recipe is what sets it apart, making it hands down the BEST homemade hot chocolate mix.

With just 3 simple ingredients, this magic powder will turn warm milk into a chocolate lover’s dream sipping situation in a matter of minutes. Because you deserve a creamy, velvety, decadent hot chocolate that you can cozy up with when the craving hits.

It’s also my very favorite mix to make this Whipped Hot Chocolate, which is always a winter fave!

As a busy mom with a serious chocolate addiction, having this super delicious make-ahead hot chocolate mix with real chocolate on hand is a must every winter.

Note: Technically, hot chocolate is richer than hot cocoa, but in this post, I will use the two terms interchangeably, as they often are.

Hot Chocolate Mix Ingredient Highlights

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This hot chocolate mix has real chocolate chips to give it the richest, most chocolaty taste! I highly recommend using dark chocolate chips. I also personally like to use dark cocoa powder!

This DIY hot chocolate mix from scratch is designed to be made with hot milk (dairy or non-dairy!). This means that there aren’t unnecessary ingredients like evaporated or powdered milk to mix into hot water.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Tips and Tricks

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How to Make 3-Ingredient Homemade Hot Chocolate

In order to get the best distribution of real chocolate throughout your hot cocoa mix, it’s best to use a food processor or high-powered blender.

Add all three ingredient and blend on high until the chips are broken down and the mixture is well-combined.

You may notice a couple of little chunks left in your mix, and that’s okay! They will melt when you make your hot chocolate, but just make sure they are small, and no chocolate chips are left whole.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. While a lot of hot chocolate mixture recipes require a sieve (aka a sifter), there is no need for one here, thanks to the blender!

Take as much time as you need blending on high, you really can’t over-blend it.

Using Your Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

For the best ratio of mix to milk, use 1 tablespoon of homemade mix to 1/4 cup of milk. In other words, you will use 4 tablespoons of mix per 1 cup of milk.

This mix can be used with any dairy milk, half & half, or cream, and can also be used with any non-dairy milk. I love it in almond milk. Just make sure your milk is unflavored and unsweetened, so it doesn’t turn out too sweet.

My preferred way to make hot chocolate from this mix is by heating the mixture on the stove with the milk, whisking as you heat. This is because it more evenly distributes the melted chocolate in the milk.

You can absolutely heat the milk in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until you see steam coming off the top. Then just add the mixture and stir.

Just beware that as the chocolate melts, it will sink to the bottom, so it’s best to stir thoroughly or use a milk frother to combine before taking your first sip.

How I Store My Real Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

While the exact lifespan of your hot cocoa mix will depend on the age of the ingredients you are using, at room temperature, your hot chocolate mix will typically last up to a year.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container to seal out any contaminants. It’s important to also make sure you are using clean utensils to scoop out the hot cocoa mix as you continue to use it.

This recipe will yield 3 cups of mixture, or about 12 servings.

Giving Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix as a Gift

This homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar makes for the perfect gift!

Here’s my best advice for making this recipe to gift to your friends and family:

• Make sure you use clean hands to make your mixture.
• Make sure you use a jar with a pop lid or an easily resealable lid for easy transport.
• Make sure you provide instructions on how to use the hot chocolate mix.
• Make sure you pay attention to any dietary restrictions the person you are gifting may have. This can easily be made dairy-free or vegan by selecting the right ingredients.
• Make it cute! Tie a little ribbon around the top or decorate and personalize the jar you are gifting.