This recipe for how to make Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix will be on repeat all winter long! Made with just three ingredients, it comes together in minutes and is easily pre-made or gifted. This hot cocoa is a totally vegan and gluten-free homemade treat that everyone will love. Just mix with one cup milk of choice!

What exactly is vegan hot chocolate mix?

Vegan hot chocolate mix is a simple shortcut to a steaming cup of cocoa. It is made with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, chocolate, and marshmallows. It is shelf stable, so the perfect gift for the holiday season!

Ingredients Needed for this Recipe

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process, if possible)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup finely shredded coconut, optional
1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows, vegan as needed

What is Dutch process cocoa powder?

Dutch process cocoa powder is made from cocoa solids that have been treated with an alkalizing agent to reduce the natural acidity of cocoa. This gives it a less bitter taste (and darker color) compared to the more typical “natural cocoa” extracted via the Broma process.

How To Make Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix

This recipe is really very simple, requiring just four to six ingredients. To make hot cocoa mix at home, you will:

1. Combine 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/2Â cup powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp salt.

2. Next, layer it in a sealable jar and (optionally) top it with 1/3 cup finely shredded coconut (this adds more richness but can be left out).

3. Then, you will add a layer of dark chocolate chips and a layer of mini marshmallows.

4. To serve, add three tablespoons of mix to one cup warmed milk of choice, stir, and enjoy!

Does hot chocolate mix expire?

Traditional hot chocolate mixes like Swiss Miss will expire after 6-12 months. This is because they often contain milk powder. This homemade hot cocoa mix is vegan, so that is not an issue here! The marshmallows you choose may become dry or sticky after a long period of time, so just check the packaging you bought for those. I personally have never had an issue here. Here is a list of seven types of vegan marshmallows!

Can I use hot chocolate mix in place of cocoa powder in recipes?

I’ve seen a few people asking this question, and the answer is yes, but do so carefully.

Because this recipe for dairy-free hot cocoa mix does not contain milk, it can easily but subbed for a portion of your cocoa powder (keeping in mind it will be sweeter, you may need to use less sugar in your brownie recipe.

Store-bought hot chocolate mix can contain a lot of other ingredients, so be sure you read those before subbing one for one.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for dairy-free hot chocolate mix! If you’re looking for more wintery drink ideas, try one of these next:

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Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix

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Author: Emily
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3 cups cocoa mix 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This recipe for Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Mix will be on repeat all winter long! Made with just three ingredients, it comes together in minutes and is easily pre-made or gifted. This hot cocoa is a totally vegan and gluten-free treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process if possible)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/3 cup finely shredded coconut, optional
1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows, vegan as needed

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Instructions

Being by sifting/combining cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and sea salt together, breaking up lumps as much as possible.
Add cocoa mixture to a medium sized sealable jar and pat down with a spoon. Pour optional coconut layer and pack. Repeat this process with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Seal the jar and store in the pantry.
To serve hot chocolate, heat 1 cup milk of choice and whisk in 3 TBS cocoa mixture (taking care to mix the layers as needed).