Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Oct 29, 2024

There isn’t much better than a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day. The issue is that most store-bought mixes can be packed with unhealthy additives, artificial flavors, and who knows what else!

Luckily, there are other options! With a little effort, you can create your own homemade hot chocolate mix recipe that’s not only delicious but also good for you and totally customizable.

Making homemade hot chocolate mix is an easy and delicious way to enjoy hot cocoa at home. Our recipe uses wholesome ingredients like organic cocoa powder and coconut sugar for a paleo cocoa mix that's dairy-free and refined sugar-free! Learn about the health benefits of the ingredients, some recipe variations, and tips for creating a cocoa bar at home, too.

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The Problem with Store-Bought Mixes

Store-bought hot cocoa mixes can be convenient, but they often contain a long list of ingredients that you can’t pronounce. We don’t need all of that junk in our hot cocoa! And our loved ones certainly don’t need it either. Many of these additives are added to improve shelf life, improve color, or cut costs. Some common culprits include:

Artificial flavors and colors: Can be harsh on your digestive system and may contribute to allergies or sensitivities.
Partially hydrogenated oils: Could raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.
Sugar substitutes: While these may help cut calories, a lot of them are simply chemicals dressed up with a different name.
Dairy: Many store-bought mixes contain dairy powder packed with additives not meant for our bodies or our cocoa.

When you craft your own homemade cocoa mix you’ll avoid all of these!

The Best Paleo Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

The best homemade hot cocoa mix uses minimal, organic ingredients. You only need two key ingredients: cocoa powder and coconut sugar.

To make it, combine organic cocoa powder and organic coconut sugar in equal parts, as well as any extras you might want — some ground cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt would be yummy — in a large mixing bowl. Store your mix in an airtight container like a Mason jar in a cool and dark place to keep it fresh.

When ready to use, add about 1 tablespoon of the mix to a mug. Pour in a cup or so of hot water (or hot dairy or non-dairy milk of choice), and stir until the mix dissolves and the hot chocolate is heated through. Top with paleo marshmallows and enjoy!

Health benefits of homemade hot chocolate mix ingredients

Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants that may help protect your cells from damage. Some studies have shown it can boost mood and cognitive function as well (Source).
Coconut sugar: Unlike refined sugar, coconut sugar also contains antioxidants, as well as natural minerals and fiber. It has a lower glycemic index, so it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly as other sugars (Source).

Fun recipe variations & medicinal benefits

Peppermint: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to your mug. This would be perfect for Christmas! What’s more, peppermint may help calm upset stomachs and has an overall calming effect (Source).

Matcha: Replace 1/2 of the cocoa powder with high-quality matcha powder for a unique flavor and added benefits. Matcha is full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins and could lower cholesterol levels (Source).

Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a touch of spiciness. These spicy peppers have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help with digestion (Source).
Nutty: If allergies aren’t a concern, you could add some hazelnut extract to the homemade hot cocoa mix for a nice nutty flavor and then top with some sprinkled chopped nuts. Nuts could reduce inflammation and support heart health as well (Source).

More ways to make hot chocolate

Our basic recipe uses cocoa powder, but you can also experiment with other options!

Chocolate bar: Break up an organic chocolate bar, then melt it in a saucepan with milk or water. Add the melted chocolate to your mug and stir until combined.

Chocolate chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips instead of a bar to make things even easier. You could also combine different flavors — like dark chocolate and white chocolate — to create something really unique.

How to Use Your Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Other than the most obvious way to use your new homemade cocoa mix — to whip up a delicious mug of hot chocolate whenever the mood strikes — there are a few other fun ways to use your blend!

As a hostess or holiday gift

This homemade hot chocolate mix recipe would make for such a thoughtful gift. Package it in a cute container or glass jar then tie it with a ribbon. You could also include instructions on how to make it as well as some variation ideas.

Set up a hot cocoa bar

If you’re hosting a holiday party, use your mix to set up a cocoa bar for your friends and family to enjoy! Be sure to set out a variety of toppings and mix-ins, like homemade marshmallows, cinnamon, vanilla or peppermint extract, crushed nuts, matcha, or anything else you can think of.

Baking

Your homemade mix would also work well for baking. Use it to make hot chocolate cookies, cakes, or brownies. The extra cocoa powder will add a rich, chocolaty flavor to whatever you put it in.

Double the batch

If you drink as much hot chocolate as we do in my house (my kids can’t get enough of it), you may want to make a double batch right from the get-go. It’s super easy — simply double each ingredient on the recipe card below then combine as directed.

Our Favorite All-Natural Hot Cocoa Mixes

We know the holidays are a hectic time for everyone, so if you want to purchase a premade cocoa mix with ingredients you can trust, here are some of our favorite options:

They would also make for great gifts during the fall and winter holidays!

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot chocolate mix made of?

Most store-bought mixes are made with sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, and a host of other ingredients. Ours is dairy-free and paleo-friendly, made with coconut sugar and cocoa powder… and nothing else.

How do you make your own cocoa powder?

You can’t make cocoa powder from scratch. It’s a processed product derived from cocoa beans. It involves roasting, grinding, and separating the cocoa butter from the cocoa solids. For the purest cocoa powder, your best bet is to look for organic options.

How long does this homemade hot chocolate mix recipe last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, your homemade hot cocoa mix will keep for about 12-18 months.

Can I freeze homemade hot cocoa mix?

Yes, you can freeze the homemade hot chocolate mix for longer storage. Simply place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 year. When ready to use, thaw the mix overnight in the refrigerator.

Cozy Up with a Mug Of Cocoa

From scratch is always better than store-bought… at least, that’s how we feel around here. The best part? When you make your own homemade hot chocolate mix, you have complete control over the ingredients and can avoid any unhealthy additives. Say goodbye to all of those weird artificial ingredients and hello to the perfect cup of cocoa — your family will thank you! Many cocoa drinker's are also coffee drinkers, and if that is you, or maybe you just want to learn more about tasty teas, make sure to download our FREE Coffee Drinker's Guide to Loose Leaf Tea for yummy recipes and info about what coffee can do to your body, that may not be so good.

Before you head out, would you do me a favor? Leave me a comment below and share with me your favorite cocoa mix and the ingredients! I can't wait to here what you find.

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