There’s something incredibly comforting about wrapping my hands around a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate on a chilly afternoon. While I love making hot cocoa from scratch, I also appreciate having a homemade drink mix ready to go whenever the craving strikes. That’s exactly why I always keep a jar of this Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Mix in my pantry.
It combines creamy cocoa, sweet chocolate, and the irresistible nutty flavor of hazelnuts into one easy homemade mix. Just scoop it into a mug, add hot milk or water, stir, and you have a cozy café-style drink in minutes. It also makes a thoughtful homemade holiday gift when packaged in a pretty glass jar with a ribbon.
Whether I’m making a mug for myself after a long day or giving jars away during the holidays, this recipe is always a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy chocolate flavor with a delicious hazelnut twist.
- Ready in just a few minutes.
- Stores well for months.
- Makes a wonderful edible gift.
- Easily customized with spices or flavored extracts.
- Much more affordable than store-bought gourmet cocoa mixes.
Ingredients
Makes about 8 cups of mix (approximately 40 servings)
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered coffee creamer (hazelnut flavored if available)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips, finely processed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon hazelnut extract powder (optional, for stronger flavor)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Whisk
- Airtight container or glass jars
How to Make Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Mix
Step 1: Process the chocolate
Place the mini chocolate chips in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely ground. This helps them melt smoothly into the hot drink.
Step 2: Mix everything together
In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, hazelnut coffee creamer, processed chocolate, salt, vanilla powder, and hazelnut powder if using.
Whisk until the mixture is completely uniform with no streaks of cocoa remaining.
Step 3: Store
Transfer the mix to airtight containers or decorative jars. Store in a cool, dry pantry.
To Make One Mug
For one serving:
- ¼ cup Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Mix
- 8 ounces hot milk (for the creamiest result) or hot water
Add the drink mix to a mug and slowly pour in the hot liquid while stirring continuously until completely smooth.
Top with:
- Whipped cream
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings
- Toasted chopped hazelnuts
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup
Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate
- Using whole milk creates the richest, creamiest texture.
- Processing the chocolate chips makes them dissolve much more easily.
- Sift the cocoa powder before mixing if it contains lumps.
- Store the mix away from humidity to keep it fresh.
- Stir well before each use if the ingredients settle during storage.
Variations
Mocha Hazelnut
Stir 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into each mug.
Spiced Chocolate
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Dark Chocolate
Replace part of the powdered sugar with additional dark cocoa powder.
Peppermint
Add crushed peppermint candy when serving during the holidays.
Storage
Store the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool pantry for up to 6 months.
For gifting, divide into decorative jars and include serving instructions on a gift tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water instead of milk?
Yes. Water works perfectly, although milk produces a richer and creamier drink.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute dairy-free powdered milk and a non-dairy powdered creamer.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes. Reduce the powdered sugar by about ½ cup if you prefer a darker chocolate flavor.
Is this a good homemade gift?
Definitely. This mix looks beautiful packaged in mason jars and makes a wonderful Christmas, hostess, or teacher gift.
Hot Chocolate Hazelnut Drink Mix Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 40 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups hazelnut powdered coffee creamer
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips, finely processed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon hazelnut powder (optional)
Instructions
- Finely process the mini chocolate chips in a food processor.
- Whisk together all ingredients until evenly combined.
- Transfer to airtight jars or containers.
- To serve, stir ¼ cup mix into 8 ounces of hot milk or water.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or toasted hazelnuts if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 125
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 95mg
