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ATK Kids

This DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Will Make You Swear Off Packaged Mixes

Plus, it’s the perfect homemade gift for kids to give this holiday season.
By Published Dec. 6, 2022

What’s better on a cold winter day than a cup of hot cocoa?

Not much, if you ask me. But often, I find that store-bought packets of hot cocoa mix just don’t hit the spot.

Imagine my delight when I discovered the ATK Kids recipe for hot cocoa mix from The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs. With this recipe, your young chef can make a large batch of the dry mix, add a scoop to some milk, and heat it up in the microwave. It’s perfectly rich, creamy, and oh so cozy.

The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs

The ultimate do-it-yourself cookbook for kids. Don’t buy it at the store. Make it yourself! These recipes are perfect for everything from a weekend project with your family to an after-school snack to homemade gifts for the holidays.  
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Hot Cocoa Mix Ingredients

There are a few unconventional ingredients in this mix that make it just right. 

  • Nonfat dry milk powder gives the hot cocoa a rich dairy flavor. 
  • Confectioners’ sugar dissolves more quickly than granulated sugar and helps to thicken the mixture. 
  • And a combination of white chocolate chips and cocoa powder creates a more complex, creamy chocolate flavor than just using cocoa. (If you’re anti white chocolate, don’t worry—the finished product won’t taste like white chocolate.)

To make this mix gift ready, store it in a jar or other airtight container and include a note with the instructions for how to turn it from mix to drink. Or just keep it for yourself to satisfy your own cravings whenever they hit. I won’t tell, I promise.

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

Serves 10 (Makes 3½ cups mix)

Add 1½ cups nonfat dry milk powder, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, ¾ cup white chocolate chips, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to food processor. Lock lid into place. Hold down pulse button for 1 second, then release. Repeat until chocolate chips are finely ground, about ten 1-second pulses. Transfer mixture to airtight storage container. (Cocoa mix can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 months.)

To make a cup of hot cocoa: First, whisk the mix inside its container to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add ⅓ cup mix to large mug. Pour 1 cup milk into mug over top of cocoa mix. Heat in microwave until hot, about 2 minutes. Stir until well combined and top as desired.

Hey! Did you know ATK Kids has its very own YouTube channel? Subscribe now and watch great, funny, silly, and delicious cooking videos for the whole family.