December 7, 2016
Homemade Natural Hot Cocoa
I make a couple jars of this hot cocoa every winter. This recipe for homemade hot cocoa is great for gifting or just for keeping in your cupboard for cold days. And it’s just delicious! It will store for a few months in a covered container.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups sugar (I use organic, natural sugar but you can use white sugar if you prefer)
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa – use double dutch process cocoa for a darker, richer cocoa and but regular cocoa will work just as well
- 3 teaspoons sea salt
Combine ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine with a wire whisk. Transfer to a 4 cup canning jar or a couple smaller containers or mason jars for gifting.
To mix up as hot chocolate, simply add 2 tablespoons of the mix to one cup of hot milk (any type will work, but whole milk will give you the richest and smoothest hot chocolate). If you are a non-cow’s milk family you could experiment with almond, coconut, and cashew milk as well.
This basic recipe is easy to add different flavors to make it a little different or personal – here are just a couple ideas for some add-ins. Add to taste or about 1/4 cup per batch.
Add-ins:
- crushed peppermint candies / garnish with a candy cane
- cinnamon /garnish with a cinnamon stick
- vanilla sugar / garnish with a vanilla bean
- mini marshmallows / garnish with a large marshmallow
- espresso powder / garnish with a chocolate covered espresso bean
I split the cocoa into three 2 cup mason jars and mix-ins and labeled them using this method.
Perfect for a little gift or to enjoy for yourself!
This post is part of a series all about slowing down and savoring the season, SIMPLY COZY. Go here to see all the posts.
Debbi Says
We are mostly vegan and dairy tends to give my youngest stomach cramps so I really appreciate a mix where you add the milk when you make it. The ones I have run across in the past tend to include powdered milk. I am looking forward to trying this as my recipe uses bar chocolate and is a bit of a production – too complicated for school mornings. Thanks!
Lisa Powell Says
We’re mostly vegan too, Debbi! I was hesitant to even read the recipe because I was sure it would contain powdered milk. I’m excited to try it with cashew milk (my favorite) or almond milk.
So thanks, Becky!
Katie Says
Me, three! When I saw the picture, I thought for sure the third jar was powdered milk. I should have known Clean Mama would have found a better mix!
Marilyn Trubey Says
Thank you. I have been looking for a good hot cocoa recipe for gifting.
Deborah Says
This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to mix some up and try it. Thank you for the recipe! I love all of your posts!
Tanya Says
I just made my shopping list and added cocoa powder so I can make a batch of this. It’s so easy! Thank you!
Peggy Says
Is anyone else having trouble with the cocoa not melting and most of it just sitting on top of the milk? It’s definitely hot enough… thanks for any help!
Becky Says
Post authorStir it up really well – it should dissolve 🙂
Seadonna Says
Try using a whisk….
Christine Says
We always whisk the mix with a bit of the milk first…then add the rest of the milk to finish…it does take some mixing
Belia Says
I have been looking for a homemade hot cocoa recipe and this one sounds delicious. Where do you get your 2-cup mason jars? They are really nice.
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Belia! Everything’s linked in this post:
http://www.cleanmama.net/2016/10/label-jars-pantry-storage.html
Stephanie Says
Does this mix work with just hot water?
Becky Says
Post authorNo, you need some type of milk or milk alternative 🙂
Red Says
I was wondering if you have a recommended substitution for the sugar to sweeten as I am diabetic and of course have to watch my sugar intake….thnx
Becky Says
Post authorStevia?
Trudy Says
I tried making this with coconut sugar & it turned out fabulous! You can’t even tell a difference! I also blended my mix in the blender to turn it into a fine powder which helped it to dissolve in the milk much easier. And it is diabetic friendly! This is a win-win! Thanks for sharing this clean recipe!
Vida Says
Thanks for this great recipe! I’m enjoying a delicious cup of cocoa right now! 🙂 If you don’t mind a thinner consistency, it does work with just hot water. I added in a little cashew milk (like creamer) to make it just a little richer. Very nice!
Janelle Says
This recipe is awesome! I used coconut sugar because that’s what was on hand and the result is a very tasty, kinda nutty, hot cocoa!
Fransisca Inge Says
Thank you for christmas ideas! God Bless Youu:)
Amanda Says
Love this simple recipe!! I’m wondering if I could sub the cocoa with cacao powder? We steer clear from cocoa because it usually is alkalized. Thanks!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorYes, I have been making it with cacao and love it!