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During the chilly season, hot chocolate becomes a must-have in our home. My kids always want some, so I came up with this cheap and easy DIY hot chocolate mix. It's super tasty, quick to throw together, and means I've always got something warm and soothing on hand when needed.
Your Cozy Winter Companion
I used to spend way too much on store hot chocolate packets until I figured out homemade tastes way better and costs way less. Nothing beats seeing my kids' happy faces when they come inside from snow play knowing hot cocoa is waiting. And I really like knowing exactly what ingredients go into our snug sips.
Grab These Items
- Sugar: Gives just the right sweetness to balance out the chocolate taste.
- Cocoa Powder: Creates that rich, chocolate foundation we all love.
- Dried Milk: Makes everything creamy while helping the mix last longer on your shelf.
- Salt: You can skip it, but it really brings out all the chocolate goodness.
Whipping It Up
- Mix Everything
- Put sugar, cocoa powder, dried milk, and salt in a jar or bowl. Give it a good shake or stir until everything's mixed up nicely.
- Brew Your Drink
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons into hot water or milk. Stir till it's all melted and drink up.
- Save For Later
- Pop it in something airtight and it'll stay good for 6 months.
Fancy Touches
I've picked up some cool ways to jazz up each mug over time. Sometimes I'll throw in some cinnamon or a tiny bit of vanilla to the mix. My children go crazy when I pile mini marshmallows on top or add some whipped cream. During Christmas we love stirring with candy canes for a cool minty kick.
Gifting Comfort
This mix turns into such great presents, particularly around Christmas time. I enjoy putting it in cute jars with ribbons and tags I write myself. Now and then I'll put together small hot chocolate hampers with cups, marshmallows and some cookies. It's such a nice way to give a bit of comfort and happiness to people you care about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does powdered milk do?
- It gives the drink that extra creamy and satisfying texture when made with hot water.
- → Can I pick between sugar types?
- Yep, either is fine! Use granulated for more texture or powdered for a smoother mix.
- → How much should I use per cup?
- 1-2 tablespoons should work, but tweak it depending on how rich you like yours.
- → How long can I store the leftovers?
- If you use a dry, airtight container, it’ll stay good for plenty of time without issues.
- → Does the salt make a big difference?
- Salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the cocoa flavor, but you can skip it if you want to.