How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix Without Powdered Milk

Here is an awesome, simple and delicious Christmas gift idea!! Creamy, chocolatey homemade hot Cocoa that can be packed into regular jars, or even a mason jar mug. Tie a simple tag on with instructions and wa-lah, a perfectly simple gift.

I have always made my hot cocoa with milk even when using the instant packages. So over the past few years, when I have looked for a homemade ready cocoa mix, I have been put off that they all contain dry milk powder. It is just one of those ingredients I am not too sure about and would rather use real milk if possible.

So here is a delicious and decadent hot chocolate mix that is not overly sweet and is made with a few simple ingredients, not including dry milk powder. I have included a hint of salt because it really balances the flavor and the cornstarch thickens the hot chocolate a bit making it more creamy. The difference with this vs a store bought mix is that this has to be stirred into and heated in milk instead of water. No complaints here!!! And the combination of the cocoa powder and chocolate really makes  a rich amazing cup of hot cocoa– this is coming from someone who has not always been the biggest hot cocoa fan- until now!

This mix yields about 3 cups when ground fine in a food processor, a bit more if you are doing it by hand. This is enough for a quart size jar or 2 pint size jars, leaving enough room to place a bag of mini marshmallows on the top of the mix if you want to include them. You could also tie a Tablespoon measuring spoon on the jar as another gifting idea.

DIY Hot Cocoa Mix (without dry milk)

2014-12-09 13:22:02

This will yield about 3 cups of mix.

1. 1 Cup Cocoa Powder, any kind is fine
2. 1 Cup granulated sugar (I use raw sugar)
3. 6 oz (about 1 cup) of Semi or bittersweet Chocolate Chips OR chopped semi or bittersweet chocolate
4. 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (can leave this out but it does make it thicker and creamier)
5. generous 1/4 tsp of sea salt

1. Using a food processor; process all the ingredients until well combined and blended into a fine powder. This takes me about a minute.
2. By hand; Very finely chop or grate the chocolate and mix with remaining ingredients until well blended and evenly combined.

1. In a saucepan whisk in 2 to 3 Tablespoons of cocoa mix for every 1 cup of milk- (I use about 2 1/2 Tbsp). Heat over medium heat, occasionally whisking or stirring (making sure to scrape bottom of pan), until it reaches a gentle simmer and mix is fully dissolved. Serve plain or with whipped cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!!

1. I recommend using whole milk for the creaminess of it and it's all we drink but use what you have- you could even substitute some of the milk (especially if using low fat milk) with half and half or heavy cream to amp up the creaminess!!
2. You can also add some cinnamon, espresso powder, vanilla or mint extract into the milk and cocoa mixture for different variations.

Amy Kay's Kitchen https://www.amykayskitchen.com/

  This was slightly adapted from Cook's Illustrated hot cocoa mix in Nov/Dec 2014 issue. I used the ratio of sugar to cocoa powder but omitted the dry milk powder and didn't use unsweetened chocolate and I have found this mix to be perfectly creamy and delicious !

How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix Without Powdered Milk

Source: https://www.amykayskitchen.com/diy-hot-chocolate-mix-without-dry-milk-powder/

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