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When the weather starts to get cold, I love to warm up with a snuggly blanket and a warm cup of hot cocoa!
For the past few years, we have started the tradition of making up our own hot chocolate mix. It is a fun activity and the result is a hot cocoa mix with far less "junk" in it than the store bought kind. The kids love "Hot Chocolate Party Day" and everyone can help out in making this fun and festive treat!
There is milk powder in the mix, so if you have a milk allergy you might want to try using coconut milk powder or rice flour instead. I am lactose intolerant and I typically use a milk alternative in my hot cocoa and do well with it. I prefer Oat Milk with the cinnamon or peppermint and almond or coconut milk with the original and butterscotch. I will even use a few drops of almond extract when I use coconut milk to make "Almond Joy" hot chocolate.
However you choose to mix up this warm chocolatey treat, it will be delicious!
Hot Cocoa Four Ways
5 cups powdered sugar
5 cups dry milk
2.5 cups cocoa powder
1 bag of mini-marshmallows
1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Any of the following mix-ins:
Several candy canes or peppermint candies
1/2 cup of butterscotch chops
Cinnamon
In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, dry milk, and cocoa powder. Stir in mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips until all of the marshmallows are fully coated in powder. Store in an airtight container or mix 3.5 cups of mix with any of the following mix-ins.
Peppermint: Crush your peppermint candies. I use a food processor to grind mine into a fine powder. You may put them in a plastic bag and use a hammer or rolling pin to crush them. Larger pieces will take longer to dissolve in your final product. Stir in 1/2 cup of your crushed peppermint pieces.
Butterscotch: Stir in 1/2 cup of butterscotch baking chips.
Cinnamon: Stir in 1 TB of cinnamon and 4 TB of powdered sugar.
When ready to use: Heat 6 oz of water, milk, or milk alternative to the desired temperature. Stir in 1/4 cup of milk. Snuggle under a blanket and enjoy!
Click below for a recipe card and tags for your hot cocoa!