3-Ingredient Hot Chocolate Mix
Avoid all the junk in store-bought hot chocolate mix by using just 3 simple ingredients to make your own. This recipe makes the best homemade hot chocolate ever!
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Cook Time3 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade cocoa, hot chocolate, hot cocoa
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 233kcal
- 1 cup whole milk sub: your favorite milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons 100% unsweetened cocoa powder We recommend Ghirardelli brand.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- Optional for serving: mini marshmallows or Homemade Whipped Cream
Cook: - Microwave Method: Add the milk to a microwave safe mug. Heat in 30 second increments until very hot. Use a fork to whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until fully combined. - Stovetop Method: Pour all three ingredients into a small saucepan and heat over medium to medium-low heat. Whisk constantly until the ingredients are fully combined and the milk is hot. Serve: Drink warm with marshmallows or homemade whipped cream, if desired.
- To make a batch of mix for 10 servings: Put 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of cocoa powder into a 16 ounce mason jar (standard size) and give it a good shake. You'll use 3 tablespoons of this powder per 1 cup of hot milk.
- Free Gift Tags: Want to turn this into a gift? Print our free gift tags here with directions for how to package it and how the recipient should use it.

- You can pull back on the sugar if you want.
- I learned from a Taste of Home article (which referenced a taste test that America's Test Kitchen did with expired cocoa) and a Simply Recipes article about sugar, both cocoa powder and sugar have an indefinite shelf life when it comes to safety. Be sure to store the hot chocolate mix in a dry, cool place in a container with an airtight lid. As long as it’s not moldy and it doesn’t have an unpleasant odor, there’s no reason to toss the hot chocolate mix...even years later!
Serving: 1mug | Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 94mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g