Hot Cocoa Recipe with Dry Milk
Make a dry mix hot chocolate recipe, pop it into a mason jar, add a cute tag, and deliver it to neighbors, friends, and teachers. I’m sharing SEVEN recipes for hot cocoa with powdered milk so you can have some variety.

RELATED READING: 10-Minute Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs
Hot Cocoa Recipe with Powdered Milk
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, I’ve been sharing frugal gift ideas for years. From DIY bath bombs and homemade sugar scrub recipes to gifts in a jar, I am always looking for inexpensive ways to show people we care about them.
Today, I’m sharing seven recipes you can make for an easy hot chocolate mix recipe that has something for everyone.
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Ingredients and Supplies for a DIY Dry Hot Cocoa Mix
There are a few staples you’ll need and most are in your pantry. If you have a lot of these gifts to make like we do, I find buying it online is sometimes less expensive than at my stores.
First, you’ll need a jar or an air tight container of some kind. I prefer glass so I often use mini mason jars, however, you can also use treat bags and add a nice tag.
- dry milk powder (dairy powdered milk or a non-dairy milk powder will both work)
- granulated sugar (a fine, white sugar)
- cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- mini marshmallows
- salt
If you want to make a white chocolate hot cocoa mix (we do), all you need to do is buy white chocolate powder. It’s done for you. :)
As for “supplies,” you can just put this all into a bowl and whisk it together with a fork. If you want to be fancy, throw it into a food processor or dry blender to make it a finer texture. Both work.

More Mason Jar Hot Chocolate Recipes
Now, friends… This is where I really shine with my Pinterest-favorite dry hot cocoa mix recipe: I don’t keep it basic for everyone. Here are a few variations and something for everyone.
Psst: if you want a printable page with these variations and a free gift tag, grab the free printable hot chocolate dry mix recipe (no sign up or anything; just print and go).
- Choc-O-Holly: milk chocolate hot cocoa base + chocolate chips + mini marshmallows
- Snow-Kissed: white chocolate hot cocoa base + white chocolate chips + mini marshmallows
- Minty Kissmas: milk chocolate hot cocoa + mint chips + crushed peppermint candies + mini marshmallows
- Fiery Hot: white chocolate cocoa + red hot candies + mini marshmallows (it’s good when you add an adult beverage to it, as well…)
- Salted Caramel: chocolate hot cocoa + caramel candies + sea salt + mini marshmallows
- The Melty Snowman: white hot cocoa mix + snowman icing decorations + mini marshmallows (kid favorite!); can also use sprinkles
- Ginger Fun: milk chocolate cocoa mix + 1 tsp gingerbread spice mix + gingerbread cookie pieces (or these gingerbread icing decorations); can also use sprinkles
Use your own judgement, but I add as much of the “extras” as to make it visible in the gift jar. Basically, measure it with your heart!
More Holiday Gifts You Might Like
- Christmas Hot Cocoa Charcuterie Board – Love going a bit over the top for the holidays? Me, too!
- Hot Cocoa Bomb Cups – If you love rich, deep hot chocolate, skip the mix and make these.
- Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipes and Tips – If you have 10 minutes, you can make hot chocolate bombs that will be the talk of the neighborhood.
Please Save or Share This Easy Christmas Gift Idea
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Hot Cocoa Recipe Dry Milk
This dry mix hot chocolate recipe is going to be the best gift you give this season. It's inexpensive and there are so many hot cocoa mix recipe variations, there's something for everyone on your list.
Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered milk (dry milk powder; can be dairy free)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for white chocolate, see note below)
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
Notes
If using white chocolate hot cocoa mix, begin at step 2 above. You will not need any additional ingredients, as it is already balanced.
Recipe Variations for This Hot Cocoa Dry Mix:
- Choc-O-Holly: milk chocolate hot cocoa base + chocolate chips + mini marshmallows
- Snow-Kissed: white chocolate hot cocoa base + white chocolate chips + mini marshmallows
- Minty Kissmas: milk chocolate hot cocoa + mint chips + crushed peppermint candies + mini marshmallows
- Fiery Hot: white chocolate cocoa + red hot candies + mini marshmallows (it’s good when you add an adult beverage to it, as well...)
- Salted Caramel: chocolate hot cocoa + caramel candies + sea salt + mini marshmallows
- The Melty Snowman: white hot cocoa mix + snowman icing decorations + mini marshmallows (kid favorite!); can also use sprinkles
- Ginger Fun: milk chocolate cocoa mix + 1 tsp gingerbread spice mix + gingerbread cookie pieces (or these gingerbread icing decorations); can also use sprinkles
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 287Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 2839mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 43gProtein: 20g
All nutrition information is estimated. For accuracy, please calculate your exact brands and ingredients if accuracy is desired.

Meet the Creator
Hi there, I’m Sarah Nenni-Daher. I’m a crafty gal and always have at least 14 projects going at once. I am a crafter, designer, DIYer, and pattern maker. I share my creations here and in the Ruffles and Rain Boots® Shop.
Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots®, you’ll find DIY gnomes, crafts, gifts, cupcakes, laser crafts, and so much more. I love sharing video tutorials over on YouTube and chatting with other crafters in my Facebook groups. We’d love to have you!