Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Deliciously Organic Editor
Homemade hot cocoa mix is super easy to make and a great way to avoid additional preservatives and additives when you want a hot cup.
First, let’s take a look at the ingredients in some common hot cocoa mixes:
Nestle: sugar, corn syrup solids, dairy products solids, hydrogenated vegetable oil, cocoa processed with alkali, and less than 2% salt, cellulose gum, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, sodium aluminosilicate, mono- and-deglycerides, guar gum, artificial flavor, and Sucralose.
Swiss Miss: sugar, corn syrup, modified whey, cocoa (processed with alkali), hydrogenated cocnut oil, nonfat milk, calcium carbonate, less than 2% of: salt, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglyderides, artificial flavor.
Yikes! We can definitely do better than that!
For this recipe, you just need three ingredients: cocoa powder, coconut sugar (or sweetener of your choice), and vanilla powder. You can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for about 12 months.
Whole milk, coconut milk, and almond milk all make great options. And, add some additinoal whipped cream or a honey-sweetened marshmallow for a fun snow-day indulgence!
PrintHomemade Hot Cocoa Mix
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 cups of hot cocoa
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cacao powder
- 1 cup coconut sugar (maple sugar and organic cane sugar also work nicely)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (here's a recipe to make your own), optional
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
- To serve: Whisk 1 cup milk and 2-3 tablespoons cocoa mix in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth and hot. Serve.
YUM! That looks amazing. And so crazy about all the snow! But what a fun and cozy way to enjoy the cold winter day! 🙂
I am trying to make this for my staff so we can use it instead of hot cocoa packets. We do not have access to milk. In other recipes, they add powdered milk so that you can just water. Do you have a suggestion on how I can adapt this recipe in that way? Thanks!
Hi. Where does one buy coconut or maple sugar? Can’t wait to try!
Here’s a link for coconut sugar: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009324C0U/?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B009324C0U&
And one for maple sugar:
http://www.amazon.com/Coombs-Family-Farms-25-Ounce-Container/dp/B000JJHDVG/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1391095520&sr=1-1&keywords=maple+sugar
I’m in GA and we have off school/work today (though I’m on my computer now, working…). It took DH 11 hours to get home last night.. or should I say this morning. Fortunately, we are all safe and sound home now, with both cars intact!
I usually just keep plain cocoa around so I can make hot cocoa whenever… but I have also bought a mix called Silly Cow Farms (it came in a cute glass jar). Ingredients are sugar, cocao (cocoa, bittersweet chocolate) and Dutch process cocoa. I only get stuff like this when on sale since it’s usually super-expensive.
Dina, here is the coconut sugar I buy (I’ve gotten it at Whole Foods when it was on special but you can get it here on amazon): http://www.amazon.com/Wholesome-Sweeteners-Organic-Coconut-16-Ounce/dp/B007TGH4CK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391015201&sr=8-1&keywords=coconut+sugar
Hello,
The recipe sounds great, but I would like to know why coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of organic pure cane sugar?
From what I have read, pure cane sugar has the lowest “high fructose” levels compared to other sugars/sweeteners.
I’m wondering and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything.
Looking forward to trying this recipe!
Thanks sharing!
Coconut sugar and maple sugar have not been bleached or stripped of their nutrients as cane sugar has. Coconut sugar also has a low glycemic index as opposed to cane sugar. They are both still sugars, but a better choice than the processed variety.
I can’t have milk, is there an alternative that you suggest?
You can try almond, coconut or cashew milk.
shouldnt the recipe say cacao powder not Cocoa powder? One is not processed and the other is definitely processed. The link is to cacao powder.
can maple syrup be used instead?
This is a dry mix, so adding maple syrup wouldn’t work for this recipe.
Do you know another place to purchase vanilla powder? MRH doesn’t carry it anymore, well, the link leads to “page not found”.
Thanks!
Beanilla has 1/2 oz ground vanilla bean for $19.95.
2 oz for $59.95
I like them a lot.
The MRH is an extract powder and is white…for $68.
I’m beginning my grain free journey and am very excited to feel better! I was wondering if anyone knew of a substitute for almond flour??? I’m allergic to tree nuts which feels like it may be a bit of a challenge. Thanks so much! This group and the Grain Free Family table are so very inspiring!
I like to use this combo: 1/3 cup coconut flour, 1/3 cup tapioca flour and 1/3 cup arrowroot flour. It works well for most baking recipes.
Finally, someone who makes cocoa like I do! I get the organic baking chocolate from Whole Foods and use coconut palm sugar with vanilla flavor, dash of cinnamon, some cayenne and whisk into coconut creamer. Cannot tell the difference between that and milk and it is awesome and spicy!!
What would be your suggestion on adding mint to this recipe? How much would you suggest for this amount of cacao and coconut sugar? And fresh or dried mint? Thanks
You could try dried mint. Or, when you serve add a drop of peppermint oil to the cup. That’s what I do and we all love it! 🙂
I’d like to make this a complete mix using an organic powdered whole milk..how much would you suggest for this recipe?
Thank you. I have been craving hot chocolate lately.
I haven’t tested this recipe with substitutions, so I don’t know what would lend the exact flavor and texture.