Hot chocolate, or cocoa is a staple at our house. We all love it, except my husband. And he loves so much to be warm that he still has quite a bit of it in the cooler months.
I grew up with the packaged mix stuff, which can do in a pinch. But it’s not my favorite.
But my dad spent several years perfecting this dry mix. In my personal opinion, I think he’s done it.
This is the best mix I’ve ever had. It’s creamy and chocolatey and it mixes really well. You know how sometimes with mixes it all just clumps and takes a lot of work to get it mixed into the liquid and even then you sometimes find chunks? This does not do that. A few stirs and it turns into rich chocolate creaminess.
I did make a few alterations from my dad’s recipe. First I add just a bit of cocoa, because I really like dark chocolate. The other change isn’t really a change, but an option. I’ve started using flavored coffee creamer instead of just plain. It gives it a little bit of flavor and makes it fun. I’ve tried vanilla, caramel, and last year they even had Girl Scout Cookie flavors of dry coffee creamer! So, see what you can find or even what you already have.
We of course like it with a few miniature marshmallows, because that’s still the funnest part of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate Nesquick
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups non-fat instant dry milk
- 1 1/4 cup dry coffee creamer, any flavor (like Coffee Mate)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together with a whisk to combine well.
- Keep in an airtight container.
- To make the cocoa:
- Mix 1/3 cup of cocoa mix with a mug of hot water.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Kirk Dexter.
One Year Ago, 2014
Is the cocoa unsweetened? I’d assume so but just checking.
Hi Sharie! Yes the cocoa powered is unsweetened! Thank you so much for clarifying, I’ll update the recipe!
A tip from someone who’s been making her own for a couple years now.
Don’t use store bought Nesquick or creamer, they both have chemicals in them. If you’re going to go out of your way to make this, then do yourself (and your health) a favor and learn how to make your own nesquick (unsweetened cocoa and sugar) and creamer (milk powder and flavoring of choice, vanilla extract is one)
Personally I like Nesquick and creamer, but love your suggestions for those who don’t. Thanks!
Can you make a sugar free version of this.
Christine, I have never tried making it sugar free, but it does sound like a good idea that I need to look into. My dad might have even tried a sugar free version at one point. Thanks.
Can you double this recipe at once or just do it separate
Hi Bonnie! This would be very easy to double, the only problem would be finding a bowl big enough to mix and then keep it in:) If you’re planning on making it for gifts, that would be perfect. It’s one of my favorite things to do with this recipe!
I got a recipe to make the same thing but it makes more than 20 cups but I’m going to try your’s and just make more at once. I love homemade hot chocolate you can make gifts for people at the holidays
Just made a batch up….I added about 1/2 a container of marshmallow bits to it too
How many cups does this approximately serve?
The recipe states that makes approximately 20 servings, using the 1/3 cup suggested in the instructions. Hope you like it!
Hello. Merry Christmas! If I make this before christmas(Christmas is 3 weeks away yet) can i freeze the batch to keep it fresh?. I plan on giving it to my neighbors for gifts. Thank you.
Tammy
Tammy! Merry Christmas to you too! I actually make up a batch of this and keep it in an airtight container in the pantry and it stays good for the whole winter! All of the ingredients are just fine at room temperature for several months, as long as you keep them in an airtight container. Good luck!
Hello, I’m am considering making this for all the nurses/staff at my dialysis center. What would use to measure with besides a 1/3 cup and still get the same flavor ?
April, I’m not really sure I understand your question. You can certainly use anything to scoop the mix out, but you should use about a 1/3 cup of mix for each 8 oz of water. Hope that helps!
1/3 cup equals 6 TBS.. If I’m not mistaken. If that helps..