Hot cocoa is the quintessential comfort drink, especially during the colder months. This delicious dairy free dry hot cocoa mix recipe is made with dry non dairy alternatives and allows anyone to enjoy a nice cup of cocoa! It's rich and creamy and stores up to six months! You can make this with dairy too if you would like!
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Why to make this dairy free hot cocoa mix recipe
Warming up to a nice warm hot cup of cocoa is just the epitomy of winter. It's perfect after a cold outdoor winter walk or for curling up and reading a story by the fire. Even our dogs love having a cup of dog hot cocoa in the winter! I love hot cocoa in cookies and pancakes too!
Alton Brown, a culinary genius known for his scientific approach to cooking, has a hot cocoa mix recipe that’s not only simple but also dairy-free. Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking to try something new, this five-ingredient hot cocoa mix is perfect for you. So let's get started!
ingredients
The ingredient list is simple. you only need five ingredients!
- Powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered milk
- Powdered vanilla
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
Plus a few extras for toppings like marshmallows, chocolate chips, or whipped cream if you'd like.
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, cocoa, powdered milk, vanilla and cornstarch until combined well.
- store mix in an airtight container and label.
- To make: Mix 2 ½ tablespoons of mix into one cup of hot water or non dairy milk. Whisk until smooth. Top with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and/or whipping cream if desired.
Substitutions
There are several substitutions that you can make in this recipe:
- Dairy: You can use regular powdered milk in this recipe in place of the dairy free powdered milk
- Gluten: This recipe is naturally gluten free!
- Cocoa: You can substitute carob in place of cocoa
- Vegan/Vegetarian: This recipe should be vegan and vegetarian. Make sure to check your labels.
- FODMAP: This recipe as prepared should be FODMAP friendly.
- Sugar free: you can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative. Just make sure it's a fine powder to ensure it dissolves well in your hot cocoa. Stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol can be good options.
Gifting
Yes, this hot cocoa mix makes a great gift! Package it in a decorative jar, add a label with instructions, and perhaps include a small bottle of vanilla extract or a bag of marshmallows, dairy free chocolate chips or dairy free whipped cream. It's a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
Storing
If stored properly in an airtight container, this hot cocoa mix can last for up to six months. Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place to avoid clumping.
If you live in a humid area, consider adding a small packet of food-safe desiccant to your container to prevent clumping. Always make sure your container is sealed tightly to keep the mix fresh.
FAQ
Absolutely! Adding dairy-free chocolate chips can make your hot cocoa even richer. Just keep in mind that they may not dissolve completely when you add the mix to hot water, so you might want to melt them first or add them as a topping.
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa will give a smoother, more refined flavor, while natural cocoa powder will have a more robust, slightly bitter taste. Both work well, so it depends on your personal preference.
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure you have a large enough container to store it and mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
You can use a dairy free heavy whipping cream, or dairy free creamer. These will give it a neutral flavor You can also use coconut milk but I've noticed it alters the taste of the cocoa a bit.
Yes, you can mix this with cold dairy-free milk for an iced cocoa. However, it may take a bit more stirring to fully dissolve the mix. You can also dissolve the mix in a small amount of hot water first and then add ice and cold milk for a smoother drink.
If your mix clumps, try sifting it through a fine-mesh sieve before storing it or using it. Clumping usually occurs due to moisture, so ensure your storage container is airtight and stored in a dry place.
5 Ingredient Alton Brown Dairy Free Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe
Equipment
- mason jar or airtight container for storing
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cup cocoa powder see notes
- 2 ½ cups powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon powdered vanilla
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- pinch of salt, marshmallows, non dairy whipped cream, sprinkles, or non dairy chocolate chips for topping, if desired optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, vanilla, and cornstarch. Stir until the mixture is well blended. Transfer the mix to an airtight container and label it.
- To prepare: Stir 2 ½ tablespoons of the mix into one cup of hot water or your preferred non-dairy milk. Whisk until smooth. For an extra treat, top with chocolate chips, marshmallows, or whipped cream if desired.
Kim Hermsen
This is delicious, but NOT dairy free if it contains 2.5 cups of powdered MILK.
burntapple
I'm dairy free and they now have coconut, soy, oat, and almond powdered milk. You can find it at Sprouts or other health food stores. Enjoy your hot cocoa!