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Hot chocolate is a huge hit around here whenever the temperature drops. My kids ask for it nonstop, so I whipped up this super simple, wallet-friendly homemade mix. It's really tasty, a breeze to mix up, and I can always grab a cozy drink whenever anyone wants one.
Cozy Winter Staple
After grabbing overpriced mixes for ages, I finally realized how much tastier and cheaper it is to just make it myself. My kids race in after sledding because they know there's always cocoa waiting. Plus, I actually know what's in each mug, which feels good.
What Goes In
- Salt: Totally optional, but it'll make the chocolate taste even richer.
- Powdered Milk: Gives you a creamy cup each time and stays fresh for ages on the shelf.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers all that bold chocolate flavor we crave.
- Granulated Sugar: Makes things sweet and balances out the chocolate vibes.
Fun Steps to Try
- Store for Later
- Pop your mix inside any sealed container and it'll stay fresh for around 6 months.
- Make Hot Chocolate
- Drop 1-2 tablespoons of your mix into hot milk or water. Stir well till it's all dissolved, then sip away.
- Combine Ingredients
- Toss powdered milk, cocoa, sugar, and salt (if using) together in a jar or bowl. Mix things up until it all looks even.
Switch It Up
Little add-ins make every cup a surprise. Sometimes I shake in some cinnamon or swirl in a splash of vanilla. The kids lose it when I pile on whipped cream or drop in marshmallows. For Christmas, we even grab candy canes to stir for some minty magic.
Gifting Some Cheer
This homemade mix is a sweet present, especially once December hits. I love filling up cute jars, tying some ribbon around them, and adding a handwritten note. Sometimes I go all out with mugs, cookies, and marshmallows in a basket. It's such an easy way to send a little love to folks we care about.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does powdered milk do?
- Powdered milk adds creaminess and makes your hot chocolate richer when you prepare it.
- → Should I use powdered or granulated sugar?
- Both work fine! Pick depending on your texture preference.
- → How much mix per cup should I use?
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of mix to hot water. Adjust to suit your taste.
- → How long can I store it?
- If kept in a sealed jar or container, it lasts a long time because of the dry ingredients.
- → Is salt really needed?
- Salt’s optional but boosts the chocolate flavor by cutting through the sweetness. Skip it if you want.