3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

3 ingredient hot cocoa mix is a tasty, simple, convenient, and economical way to get your hot chocolate fix. Whip up a batch to keep on hand for after school, cold weather, and cravings!

3 Ingredient Hot Cocoa Mix

We’ve been making 3 ingredient cocoa for about as long as I can remember. Milk + Cocoa + Sugar add up to a terrific cup of hot chocolate.

However, my kids prefer to just grab the packets of cocoa and add hot water when they want cocoa. So, that led me back to this mix that my mom always had on hand when we were growing up. It works the same way – and tastes better by far!

It’s a budget friendly recipe, too. So grab your whisk and 3 simple ingredients and a delightful cup of cocoa is mere moments away!

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

To make this old-fashioned hot cocoa mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• powdered milk
• powdered sugar
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• Optional: mini marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, and shaved chocolate

It’s important to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Our family loves special dark or bittersweet cocoa powder for the mix. Use what you like best for baking, and you can’t go too far wrong.

Powdered sugar needs no explanation, but you have options when it come to powdered milk and cocoa powder. Dry, powdered milk comes in several varieties.

Most grocery stores carry non-fat or low-fat instant dry milk. These work absolutely fine in the homemade hot cocoa mix. I prefer full fat dried milk, personally, which is sold as “whole milk dried milk” and is more often sold at bulk foods store or online.

There is also powdered dry coconut milk and goat milk available for those with allergies to cow’s milk.

Hot Cocoa Mix

In a large bowl, combine the powdered milk, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Whisk until there are no lumps and everything is well combined. Transfer to an airtight container and store until ready to use.

To make a cup of hot cocoa, add about ¼ cup of the dry mix to 8 ounces of hot water. Whisk or stir to dissolve the cocoa mix.

Top each mug of cocoa with marshmallows, whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a candy cane, if desired.

Mint lovers should be sure to check out our Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix, too!