Cold weather is upon us again, and a good hot cocoa mix recipe is a MUST for brisk nights!

One of my favorite memories from childhood is playing out in the snow until it got completely dark. I'd run inside, kick off my boots and shed all my wet winter gear, and charge upstairs for a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows to warm me up. There's just something about that seasonal warm drink that feels nostalgic. Every time I taste it, I'm transported to my childhood, and it feels like home.

Even as an adult, I still enjoy a cup of hot cocoa every now and then. Admittedly, I'm more of a coffee with peppermint creamer kind of gal, but sometimes hot cocoa can really satisfy a sweet craving after coming in from the cold. Actually, throw in some Bailey's Irish Cream and I'm sold! 😉

Instead of opting for store-bought packets, you can make your own hot coca mix for a fraction of the cost at home. It's much creamier in my opinion, and who doesn't like to save a buck, right?

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Mixing It Up!

Today I'm sharing a very basic hot cocoa mix that you can make in just minutes with simple ingredients from your pantry. You'll need to grab some dry milk powder if you don't already have it! Simply whisk, then sift all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in your pantry.

To drink, stir 1/3 cup of the hot cocoa mix with 3/4 cup hot water or milk. In my honest opinion, this mix is plenty creamy when made with water, but if you like a richer hot cocoa, try it with milk instead!

For a garnish, try adding marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, candy canes or even flavored coffee creamer to your hot cocoa. (Or for the adult version, a splash of Baileys, Kahlua or Creme de Menthe will do the trick!)

How do you like to enjoy your hot cocoa? Let me know in the comments!