This scorching cocoa combine is one which wows! I take issues up a notch by toasting the sugar first, which provides a deep, caramelized taste you received’t get from something store-bought. It’s wealthy, with simply the appropriate steadiness of chocolatey goodness and creamy texture. Simply add scorching water, give it a stir.
For an additional winter favourite, make your personal homemade eggnog.
Why My Recipe
- Caramelized powdered sugar provides a connoisseur aptitude that completely wows!
- Simply add scorching water for a clean, creamy cocoa anytime, no milk required.
- Elective malt and vanilla powders give it that basic, old-school scorching cocoa vibe.


If you wish to make it much more connoisseur, go forward and add within the elective malt and vanilla powders. They provide it that basic scorching cocoa taste that immediately brings again childhood reminiscences. This combine can also be good for gifting in the course of the holidays. Portion it into cute jars, tie on a tag with directions, and also you’ve bought a candy little home made reward that’s certain to be a success.
Ingredient Notes


- Granulated Sugar: Toasting the sugar provides it a delicate caramel taste. Unfold it evenly on a baking sheet so it toasts correctly. If you happen to needed to skip caramelizing the sugar, substitute with twice the quantity of powdered sugar.
- Dutch-Course of Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process dissolves simpler so it’s most popular for the most effective texture.
- Powdered Milk: You’ll discover this close to the baking or espresso part. Search for entire milk powder for the creamiest outcomes, however nonfat works too.
- Cornstarch: Helps the combination dissolve higher in scorching water and provides a contact of creaminess.
- Salt: Simply sufficient to steadiness the sweetness and produce out the chocolate taste.
- Malted Milk Powder (Elective): Provides a basic diner-style malted taste. Search for it close to the recent chocolate or powdered milk part.
- Vanilla Powder (Elective): A dry various to vanilla extract that enhances the flavour of chocolate. You may skip it, however it does spherical out the flavour properly.
Caramelized Powdered Sugar
The key weapon for this scorching cocoa is the home made caramelized powdered sugar. Toasting sugar provides a wealthy, caramel-like vibe to your cocoa combine, and it’s simpler than you may suppose.
Unfold your granulated sugar in a good layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F, stirring each quarter-hour. It’s completed when it turns a pale yellow and smells frivolously caramelized, which normally takes about 1 hour.
Toasted sugar provides taste with out altering the sweetness, so it’s a enjoyable method to improve home made mixes with out additional components.
To show it into powdered sugar, simply mix it in a high-speed blender or meals processor for about 30 to 60 seconds, or till it’s smooth and powdery.
Elective Substances
Including malted milk powder and vanilla powder provides this cocoa a nostalgic, old-school diner-style taste that basically makes it stand out. Malted milk powder provides creaminess and that signature malt store style. Vanilla powder boosts the chocolate taste in a manner that liquid extract can’t, particularly in a dry combine.
You may normally discover malted milk powder within the scorching chocolate or powdered drink part, usually close to breakfast gadgets. Vanilla powder is usually discovered within the baking aisle close to extracts, or on-line if it’s not at your native retailer. Whereas completely elective, they’re enjoyable upgrades if you need your cocoa to style additional particular.
Taste Variations
There are many simple methods to customise this cocoa combine. Strive one in every of these enjoyable additions:
Peppermint Cocoa: Stir in 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist.
Mexican Scorching Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon floor cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Further Chocolatey: Combine in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for melty richness.
S’mores Type: Toss in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a campfire vibe.
Mocha Cocoa: Add 2 tablespoons immediate espresso powder to the combination.


Add Milk to Make it Creamier
This combine is designed to work with scorching water, however if you need a good creamier cup, strive one in every of these choices:
Scorching Milk: Swap water for entire milk or any milk various like oat or almond milk.
Creamy Improve: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
Greatest Storage Containers
Preserve your scorching cocoa combine in an hermetic container in a cool, dry spot. Mason jars, clamp-lid jars, massive glass jars with screw on lids, or plastic pantry containers with tight-fitting lids work greatest.
Moisture is the largest enemy right here, so make certain your container seals properly. If you happen to’re utilizing this for gifting, take into account including a small silica packet (food-safe) for additional safety.
Present It
This combine makes an important home made reward. Portion it into pint-sized mason jars or deal with luggage, and tie with a ribbon or twine. Add a tag with easy directions:
“Add 3 1/2 tablespoons of combine to a mug. Pour 8 ounces of scorching water over prime and stir properly. For a creamier model, use scorching milk as a substitute.”
You may as well tuck a couple of marshmallows or mini sweet canes contained in the jar for a festive contact. Nice for lecturers, neighbors, coworkers, or vacation get together favors.
Storage Directions
Retailer your cocoa combine in an hermetic container in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cabinet. Keep away from any moisture moving into the container, as that may trigger the combination to clump or spoil.
Shelf Life: When saved correctly, this combine will preserve for as much as 6 months. If you happen to’re gifting it, embody a “greatest by” date on the label to assist the recipient take pleasure in it at peak high quality.
Earlier than every use, give the container a fast shake or stir to redistribute the components, particularly if it’s been sitting for some time.
Extra scorching chocolate goodness…
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