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 gained’t get from something store-bought. It’s wealthy, with simply the proper steadiness of chocolatey goodness and creamy texture. Simply add scorching water, give it a stir.
For one more winter favourite, make your individual homemade eggnog.
Why My Recipe
- Caramelized powdered sugar provides a gourmand aptitude that completely wows!
- Simply add scorching water for a clean, creamy cocoa anytime, no milk required.
- Non-compulsory malt and vanilla powders give it that basic, old-school scorching cocoa vibe.


If you wish to make it much more gourmand, go forward and add within the elective malt and vanilla powders. They offer it that basic scorching cocoa taste that immediately brings again childhood recollections. This combine can be excellent for gifting in the course of the holidays. Portion it into cute jars, tie on a tag with directions, and also you’ve received a candy little do-it-yourself reward that’s positive to be successful.
Ingredient Notes


- Granulated Sugar: Toasting the sugar provides it a refined caramel taste. Unfold it evenly on a baking sheet so it toasts correctly. Should you needed to skip caramelizing the sugar, exchange with twice the quantity of powdered sugar.
- Dutch-Course of Cocoa Powder: Dutch-process dissolves simpler so it’s most popular for one of the best texture.
- Powdered Milk: You’ll discover this close to the baking or espresso part. Search for complete milk powder for the creamiest outcomes, however nonfat works too.
- Cornstarch: Helps the combo 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 (Non-compulsory): Provides a basic diner-style malted taste. Search for it close to the recent chocolate or powdered milk part.
- Vanilla Powder (Non-compulsory): 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 do-it-yourself caramelized powdered sugar. Toasting sugar provides a wealthy, caramel-like vibe to your cocoa combine, and it’s simpler than you would possibly assume.
Unfold your granulated sugar in an excellent layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F, stirring each quarter-hour. It’s achieved when it turns a pale yellow and smells flippantly caramelized, which normally takes about 1 hour.
Toasted sugar provides taste with out altering the sweetness, so it’s a enjoyable method to improve do-it-yourself mixes with out further 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 comfortable and powdery.
Non-compulsory Elements
Including malted milk powder and vanilla powder provides this cocoa a nostalgic, old-school diner-style taste that actually makes it stand out. Malted milk powder provides creaminess and that signature malt store style. Vanilla powder boosts the chocolate taste in a approach 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 objects. 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’d like your cocoa to style further particular.
Taste Variations
There are many straightforward methods to customise this cocoa combine. Strive certainly one of these enjoyable additions:
Peppermint Cocoa: Stir in 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist.
Mexican Sizzling Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon floor cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Additional 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 on the spot espresso powder to the combo.


Add Milk to Make it Creamier
This combine is designed to work with scorching water, however if you’d like an excellent creamier cup, attempt certainly one of these choices:
Sizzling Milk: Swap water for complete milk or any milk various like oat or almond milk.
Creamy Improve: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
Finest 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 finest.
Moisture is the most important enemy right here, so be certain your container seals nicely. Should you’re utilizing this for gifting, think about including a small silica packet (food-safe) for further safety.
Present It
This combine makes an ideal do-it-yourself 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 nicely. For a creamier model, use scorching milk as an alternative.”
You too can tuck just a few marshmallows or mini sweet canes contained in the jar for a festive contact. Nice for lecturers, neighbors, coworkers, or vacation social gathering 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 combo to clump or spoil.
Shelf Life: When saved correctly, this combine will maintain for as much as 6 months. Should you’re gifting it, embody a “finest by” date on the label to assist the recipient get pleasure from 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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