Hot Chocolate Mixes to Make and Give as Gifts

 Hot Chocolate Mixes to make and give

From Lori's Recipe Journal on Facebook

Great gift ideas or jut to keep on hand for a cup of hot chocolate

Cris 

A cozy cup of comfort — homemade hot cocoa mixes perfect for gifting.”

Recipes

1. Classic Chocolate Powder Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 cups cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups dry milk powder

1 tsp salt

Instructions:

In a bowl, sift together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, salt, and vanilla powder to remove lumps.

Whisk or blend until evenly combined.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

How to Use:

-Hot Chocolate: Mix 2-3 tbsp of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk or water. Stir well and enjoy.

-Mocha: Stir into hot coffee for a rich chocolatey boost.

-Iced Hot Chocolate: Blend with cold milk and ice for a refreshing twist.

-Baking: Use in brownies, cakes, or frostings for extra chocolate flavor.

2. Mexican-Style Spiced Hot Chocolate Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar (or finely blended granulated sugar)

1 cup powdered milk

1/2 salt

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground allspice

1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp ground chili powder

1 tsp vanilla powder

Instructions:

In a bowl, sift together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne, and chili powder to remove lumps.

Whisk or blend the ingredients until fully combined.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

How to Use:

-Mexican Hot Chocolate: Mix 2-3 tbsp of the mix with 1 cup of hot milk or hot water. Stir well and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

-Spiced Mocha: Stir into hot coffee for a spicy chocolate twist.

-Iced Mexican Chocolate: Blend with cold milk and ice for a refreshing version.

-Mexican Chocolate Brownies: Use in brownie batter for a warm, spiced kick.

3. Rich Dark Chocolate Mix

1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (Dutch-process if you like extra smooth)

1 ½ cups powdered sugar (or coconut sugar for less refined)

2 cups powdered milk

½ cup finely chopped dark chocolate or mini dark chocolate chips

Pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder (optional, for depth)

Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, powdered sugar, powdered milk, cornstarch, salt, and any spices. Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips until well combined. Store in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dry place (lasts about 3 months).

To serve:

Add ⅓ cup of mix to 1 cup of hot milk or hot water. Stir until smooth and melted, then top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Tips to Elevate It:

Use a mix of 70% and 85% dark chocolate for a more complex flavor. Add a dash of vanilla extract when serving.

4. Dairy-Free Coconut Cocoa Mix

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered coconut milk (available at Asian or health food stores)

1 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

½ tsp sea salt

½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

1 tsp vanilla powder (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients until evenly combined. Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 months.

To serve: Mix 3–4 tablespoons of mix with 1 cup of hot water (or warm almond, oat, or more coconut milk for extra creaminess). Stir well. For a frothy café-style cocoa, blend the drink in a blender after mixing.

5. Peppermint Chocolate Powder Mix

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup powdered sugar (or sugar substitute for sugar-free)

½ cup powdered milk (or dairy-free powdered milk)

2 Tbsp instant dry creamer (optional, for creaminess)

1 tsp peppermint extract powder (or 1–2 crushed sugar-free peppermint candies)

Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk all ingredients until evenly combined.

Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.

To Make 1 Cup Hot Mint Cocoa

Heat 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy).

Stir in 3–4 Tbsp of mix until smooth.

Top with whipped cream + chocolate shavings or a peppermint stick.

Optional Variations:

Add mini chocolate chips (or sugar-free ones) for extra richness.

Mix with matcha powder for a minty green tea chocolate fusion.

Turn into a frozen blended drink with ice + milk in a blender.

6. Mocha Cocoa Mix

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup instant coffee granules (or espresso powder for stronger flavor)

2 cups dry milk powder

½ tsp salt

Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or crushed candy cane pieces for texture

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.

Store in an airtight jar or container.

To serve: mix 3–4 tbsp of the mix with 1 cup of hot water or milk, stir until smooth, and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Flavor Boost Options:

Add 1 tsp cinnamon or ¼ tsp nutmeg for a spiced mocha.

Add ½ tsp vanilla powder or a pinch of sea salt for café-style depth.

Drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup on top before serving.

7. White Chocolate Powder Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate

2 cups dry milk powder

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup powdered coffee creamer (vanilla or plain)

1 tsp vanilla powder (optional but adds extra flavor)

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, pulse white chocolate chips until finely ground.

2. Add milk powder, powdered sugar, coffee creamer, vanilla powder, and salt.

3. Blend until everything is evenly combined and powdery.

4. Store in an airtight jar or container.

To Serve:

Mix 3–4 tbsp of the powder with 1 cup of hot milk or water.

Stir until smooth and creamy. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, or a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings

Flavor Variations:

Peppermint White Cocoa: Add 1 tbsp crushed candy canes or peppermint powder.

Vanilla Bean Dream: Add ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla sugar.

Toasted Coconut White Cocoa: Add 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes.

8. Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered milk

½ cup sugar-free sweetener (see notes below)

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla powder (optional, for flavor)

Sweetener suggestions (pick one)

• Allulose (creamiest, no aftertaste — BEST)

• Erythritol (common, but can crystallize)

• Monk fruit sweetener blend

• Stevia blend (works but slightly bitter if too much)

Instructions

1. Combine cocoa powder + powdered milk + sweetener + salt (and vanilla powder if using).

2. Whisk well to remove lumps.

3. Store in airtight jar up to 3 months.

How to make a cup

Heat 1 cup milk (or water, or almond milk)

Add 2–3 tbsp cocoa mix

Whisk until smooth

Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.