Hot Cocoa Mix

My homemade hot cocoa mix packs a warming punch with a pinch of cayenne and plenty of chocolate flavor from Dutch process cocoa.

Instant cocoa is a fine concept, but most commercial mixes aren’t exactly packed with quality ingredients or flavor. My signature instant cocoa blend will fortify you through winter’s worst.

My homemade marshmallows go pretty good with this mix too. Just sayin’.

This recipe first appeared in Season 5 of Good Eats.

Foamy hot chocolate in a white mug on a grey napkin sitting on a white marble table.

ACTIVE TIME: 5

TOTAL TIME: 5

Yield: 1/2 cups

Software

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa, Dutch-process preferred
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Hot milk or water, to serve

Procedure

In a large airtight container, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, salt, cornstarch, and cayenne. Place the lid on the container and shake vigorously to combine. Sealed in an airtight container, this mix keeps indefinitely in the pantry.
To serve: Place two tablespoons of the mix in a mug and add about 2 fluid ounces hot water or milk. Stir to combine. Fill the rest of the mug with hot water or milk and enjoy.