Mocha Hot Cocoa

Delicious mocha hot cocoa, perfect for gifting or to enjoy on a cold day when you want something a bit indulgent.

A mug on a plate filled with hot cocoa topped with mini marshmallows. The mug says warm and cozy on it and it's surrounded by hot cocoa mix and other mugs.

I love a bit of indulgence when I’m drinking hot cocoa, it can be whipped cream, or some other flavoring. However, this mocha hot cocoa is my favorite. It’s not to sweet but is yummy nonetheless. I also find it makes a great homemade gift for the holidays.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make
  • Not super sweet
  • Perfect mix for gifting (see below on how to do that)
  • Subtle coffee flavor
Three jars filled with hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, and chocolate squares. The jars have lids and are embellished with ribbon and a tag with it's name and directions.

Ingredients

Hot Cocoa Mix – Use your favorite one. I love the Starbucks Classic mix.

Bittersweet Chocolate – I like to use Lindt Chocolate Squares at 70% but you can also use Ghiradelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 60%. Note: Milk chocolate will make it super sweet.

Instant Espresso Powder – Instant Espresso Powder gives a subtle coffee flavor and is easier for gifting. 

Milk – Use your favorite milk here whether it’s dairy or non-dairy (if you want to cut down on the dairy you’re consuming).

Whipped Cream (Optional) – A great topping option that you can sprinkle garnishes over.

Marshmallows (Optional) – Big or small marshmallows are always a good idea

Instructions

  1. Warm the milk on the stovetop or microwave until hot, making sure to not let it come to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the hot cocoa mix, instant espresso powder, and chocolate squares or chips until they are dissolved. 
  3. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
A mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows on top and cocoa mix in jars to gift behind it.

Gifting

There’s something special about gifting homemade goodies. This is a favorite and easy way to put together something special for:

  • Hostess
  • Friends
  • Co-workers
  • Coffee Lover
  • Chocolate Lover
  • White Elephant
  • Gift Basket
A tall jar filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. Tied with a ribbon and a label and directions attached. The label says Mocha hot cocoa.

Supplies Needed

Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix – I like to make a batch for two for each jar.

Chocolate Bars or Chips – Bars are a bit more indulgent and look pretty but you need more of them, chips can be the more economical way to go. Make sure you are using bittersweet or dark chocolate so it’s not super sweet.

Marshmallows – Small or fun shaped marshmallows are a good option. Large marshmallows won’t fit in the jar.

Tall Glass Jars – You can use recycled jars or canning jars at your local supermarket, craft store, or Walmart. These are a nice option if you are making a large batch to gift Tall Canning Jars

Ribbons – Use your favorite ribbons, just make sure they are easy to tie and don’t have wires in them, you want them kind of floppy. 

Gift Tags/Labels – You can get as creative as you want here. Print the name and directions onto card stock. If you’re handy you can create your own labels.

Putting It Together

To each jar add:

4  TBSP Hot Cocoa Mix

2 tsp  Instant Espresso Powder

4 Squares Lindt Chocolate or a small handful of chocolate chips

Marshmallows to the top of the container

Add lid, instructions tag and embellishments as desired.

Three tall jars with lids ribbons and tag that are filled with hot cocoa mix and mini marshmallows.
A mug on a plate filled with hot cocoa topped with mini marshmallows. The mug says warm and cozy on it and it's surrounded by hot cocoa mix and other mugs.
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Mocha Hot Cocoa

Indulgent, not too sweet hot cocoa with a subtle hint of coffee flavor.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hot chocolate, hot cocoa, mocha
Yield: 2 people
Calories: 422kcal
Author: Stillwood Kitchen

Materials

  • 4 tbsp Hot Cocoa Mix I like Starbucks Classic but use your favorite
  • 2 tsp Instant Espresso Powder Medaglia D'Oro is a good brand
  • 4 tbsp Bittersweet Choc Chips 60% Or 4 Squares from a bar of Lindt Chocolate at 70%
  • 16 oz Milk
  • Whipped Cream (Optional)
  • Marshmallows (Optional)

Instructions

  • Warm the milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, making sure it's hot but not simmering.
  • Add in the cocoa mix, espresso powder, and chocolate. Mix until combined and the chocolate is dissolved..
  • Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Notes

Do not use milk chocolate as it makes it super sweet. You can sub in dark chocolate if you can't find bittersweet chocolate.

Nutrition

Serving: 8oz | Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 374mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 401mg | Iron: 1mg

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