Best Hot Cocoa Mix (Just Add Water!)

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 precise stability 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 connoisseur aptitude that completely wows!
• Simply add scorching water for a easy, creamy cocoa anytime, no milk required.
• Optionally available 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 non-compulsory malt and vanilla powders. They provide it that basic scorching cocoa taste that immediately brings again childhood recollections. This combine can be good for gifting through the holidays. Portion it into cute jars, tie on a tag with directions, and also you’ve acquired a candy little selfmade 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. If you happen to wished to skip caramelizing the sugar, change 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 entire 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 stability the sweetness and produce out the chocolate taste.
• Malted Milk Powder (Optionally available): Provides a basic diner-style malted taste. Search for it close to the recent chocolate or powdered milk part.
• Vanilla Powder (Optionally available): A dry different to vanilla extract that enhances the flavour of chocolate. You possibly can skip it, nevertheless it does spherical out the flavour properly.

Caramelized Powdered Sugar

The key weapon for this scorching cocoa is the selfmade 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 a fair layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F, stirring each quarter-hour. It’s executed 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 option to improve selfmade mixes with out further substances.

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 mushy and powdery.

Optionally available Components

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 method that liquid extract can’t, particularly in a dry combine.

You possibly can normally discover malted milk powder within the scorching chocolate or powdered drink part, typically 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 non-compulsory, they’re enjoyable upgrades if you would like your cocoa to style further particular.

Taste Variations

There are many straightforward methods to customise this cocoa combine. Attempt 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.

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 would like a fair creamier cup, strive one in every of these choices:

Scorching Milk: Swap water for entire milk or any milk different like oat or almond milk.

Creamy Improve: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.

Greatest Storage Containers

Hold your scorching cocoa combine in an hermetic container in a cool, dry spot. Mason jars, clamp-lid jars, giant 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 sure your container seals properly. If you happen to’re utilizing this for gifting, take into account including a small silica packet (food-safe) for further safety.

Reward It

This combine makes an excellent selfmade reward. Portion it into pint-sized mason jars or deal with baggage, 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 just a few marshmallows or mini sweet canes contained in the jar for a festive contact. Nice for academics, neighbors, coworkers, or vacation celebration favors.