A single spoonful of this jarred hot chocolate mix is enough to get you warm, and it is built to melt into whichever mug you adore. This giftable mix combines two sugars for balanced sweetness, potato starch for luxurious body, dark chocolate for deep cocoa umami, and unsweetened cocoa for that classic chocolate backbone.
You can enjoy it when you want a cozy night in, as a thoughtful holiday gift, or as an easy pick-me-up on chilly mornings.
What is Creamy Hot Chocolate Mix?
This is a homemade powdered blend that uses milk to create a restaurant-style hot chocolate. Unlike instant cocoa powders that can taste thin, this mix uses potato starch to thicken, dark chocolate to deepen flavor, and a combination of granulated and brown sugar to give complexity and a touch of caramel.
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate
- Use whole milk or oat milk for a creamy vegan option, for the richest texture. Skim milk or water will thin the result.
- Gently heat the milk before adding it to the mix, as very hot milk can scorch chocolate and make the texture grainy.
- Whisk constantly while the mix dissolves to prevent lumps. A small balloon whisk works wonders.
- Add a tiny pinch of salt to the saucepan when heating, it brightens the chocolate flavor.
- When gifting, include a small note with the milk-to-mix ratio and reheating tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much mix makes one cup of hot chocolate?
Use about 3-4 tablespoons of the mix per 350-400 ml of milk, depending on how thick and chocolatey you want it.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use a creamy plant milk such as barista oat or full-fat coconut milk. Heat gently and whisk as usual, and oat milk gives the closest mouthfeel to dairy.
Will the potato starch change the taste?
No, potato starch is neutral in flavor. It’s included to thicken the drink and create that chocolate texture without needing cornstarch or flour.
How long will the jarred mix keep?
Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place, it can stay fresh for 3 months. If you live somewhere humid and keep it in the fridge to avoid clumping.
Can I add flavors or extras?
Absolutely, just stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract into the milk while heating. You can also add chili powder for a Mexican twist, or swap some dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a milder sweetness.
How to Store the Mix
Keep the mix in a dry, airtight jar or container away from heat and direct sunlight. Use a dry spoon every time because introducing moisture is the main cause of spoilage or clumping. For gifting, wrap the lid with a piece of parchment before closing and decorate the jar with a ribbon.
Ingredients
How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix
Layer the ingredients for a pretty gift. First, add sugar, then cocoa powder, followed by brown sugar, then potato starch, and finally top with dark chocolate chips or shavings.
Layer the ingredients for a pretty gift. First, add sugar, then cocoa powder, followed by brown sugar, then potato starch, and finally top with dark chocolate chips or shavings.
Pour the powders directly into a saucepan and gradually add 350-400ml of milk while whisking. Taste and adjust the sweetness or texture, and add a splash more milk if you prefer it thinner.
Pour the powders directly into a saucepan and gradually add 350-400ml of milk while whisking. Taste and adjust the sweetness or texture, and add a splash more milk if you prefer it thinner.
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
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