Craft Your Own Cocoa Mix

A Cozy Project for a Chilly Day

Making your own cocoa mix is a perfect kitchen project. It fills your home with a sweet, chocolatey smell. I love the simple joy of mixing everything together in one big bowl.

It feels like making a little bit of magic. You are creating cozy cups of warmth for later. Doesn’t that sound nice? What is your favorite thing to do on a cold day?

Why This Recipe Matters

This matters because you know exactly what’s inside your cup. It is just simple, good ingredients. That feels better for your body than a mystery powder.

It also teaches you a little lesson. Making things from scratch is a special kind of power. You can create happiness with your own two hands.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

My grandson once tried to help me make this. He was so excited he started mixing before I added the sugar. A big cloud of cocoa powder poofed right into his face!

He had a chocolatey brown nose for an hour. I still laugh at that. It is a happy memory tied to this simple recipe.

Let’s Talk About the Fun Part

The best part is adding your own special touch. You can stir in a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Or maybe a little dash of instant coffee for a grown-up kick.

This is your creation. What would you add to make it your own? Tell me your favorite flavor idea. I love hearing new ones.

The Secret to a Perfect Cup

Always use boiling water. Hot water from the tap just won’t do it. The heat is what makes the powder melt into a smooth, dreamy drink.

Stir it really well. Keep stirring until you see no more dry spots. This patience makes the cocoa extra creamy.

A Sweet Little Fact

*Fun fact*: The marshmallows on top are not just for looks. Freeze-dried ones stay crunchy in the jar. They won’t get sticky and make your mix wet.

They add a fun, sweet surprise at the end of your drink. Do you like marshmallows in your hot chocolate? They are my favorite part.

A Gift from the Heart

This mix makes a wonderful gift. Pour it into a pretty jar. Tie a ribbon around it with the instructions.

You are giving someone a warm hug in a mug. It shows you took the time to make something special. Who would you love to make a jar for?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Nesquik chocolate beverage mix	1 (20.1-ounce) container (about 5.5 cups)
Powdered non-dairy coffee creamer	1 (16-ounce) container (about 3.5 cups)
Instant nonfat dry milk	1 (32-ounce) container (about 7.5 cups)
Powdered sugar	1 (16-ounce) bag (about 4 cups)
Unsweetened cocoa powder	1 cup
Freeze dried marshmallows		Optional, for layering on top in the jar

Craft Your Own Cocoa Mix

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me at the table. I want to share my favorite cocoa recipe. This is the one my grandkids always beg for. Making your own mix feels so special. It’s like giving a warm hug in a mug.

Let’s get our big mixing bowl out. You’ll need one that can hold all our happy ingredients. We are going to whisk everything together until it’s one big, chocolatey family. I still laugh at that time I used a tiny bowl. We had a sweet, powdery snowstorm right on my kitchen floor!

Step 1

Pour all the dry ingredients into your big bowl. That’s the Nesquik, powdered milk, creamer, sugar, and cocoa. Now, take your whisk and stir, stir, stir. You want every single scoop to be the same lovely brown. (A hard-learned tip: Sift your cocoa powder first. It gets out all the little lumps!)

Step 2

Find your favorite jars or containers. They need to have tight-fitting lids. This keeps the mix fresh and cozy. I like to use my old mason jars. They look so cheerful sitting on the counter. Carefully spoon your mix into each container. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 3

This is the fun part! If you have freeze-dried marshmallows, sprinkle a handful on top. They look like little snowy pillows. This makes your gift extra pretty. What’s your favorite thing to put on top of hot cocoa? Share below! Now just put the lid on tight. Your homemade mix is ready to share or save for a chilly day.

Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes
Yield	About 20 servings
Category	Drink, Dessert

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This basic recipe is wonderful. But sometimes, a little change is nice. You can make your cocoa feel brand new. Here are a few of my favorite ideas to play with.

Peppermint Swirl

Add a teaspoon of crushed candy cane to your mug. It’s so refreshing and festive. It reminds me of winter holidays.

Cinnamon Spice

Mix a big pinch of cinnamon into the dry ingredients. It makes your whole kitchen smell like a bakery. So warm and cozy.

Orange Dream

Add a little orange extract to the big batch. Just a tiny bit! It tastes like a chocolate orange candy. So bright and happy.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Special Cocoa

Making the cocoa is just the beginning. How you serve it makes it an event. I love using my big, cheerful mugs. They make everything taste better.

For a real treat, add a dollop of whipped cream. You can drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings is also lovely. It feels so fancy, but it’s so easy.

This cocoa is perfect with a buttery shortbread cookie. For a drink, a cold glass of milk is classic. For the grown-ups, a little splash of peppermint schnapps is nice. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cocoa Mix Cozy

Let’s keep your cocoa mix fresh and tasty. You need an airtight container for this. A jar with a tight lid works perfectly.

Store your mix in a cool, dark cupboard. It does not need the fridge. I keep mine right next to the tea.

I once used a container that did not seal well. The mix got all clumpy. We had to break it up with a spoon.

Making a big batch saves you time later. You will thank yourself on a cold morning. A ready-made treat makes any day better.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Cocoa Troubles

Is your cocoa too sweet? Just add a little more cocoa powder. Start with one extra tablespoon and taste it.

Getting lumps in your mix? A good, long whisk fixes this. I remember when my grandson just stirred it gently. We found so many sweet lumps.

Does it not taste chocolatey enough? The cocoa powder is your best friend here. Adding more makes the flavor rich and deep.

Getting the flavor right builds your confidence. You learn to trust your own taste. A smooth drink is simply more fun to sip and enjoy.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Cocoa Questions Answered

Q: Is this mix gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your labels to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. That is the best part. It stays good for months in your cupboard.

Q: What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
A: You can use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar.

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It works just as well.

Q: Are the marshmallows needed?
A: No, they are just a fun extra. The cocoa is delicious all on its own.

Fun fact: The first hot chocolate was a bitter drink made by the Aztecs.

Which tip will you try first?

Wrapping Up From My Kitchen

I hope you love making this cocoa mix. It is a little jar of warmth for a chilly day. Sharing it with friends is even better.

I would be so happy to see your creations. Please share a picture of your finished jar. Let me know how your family likes it.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.