Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix – Easy Copycat Recipe

Nothing beats the childhood memory of coming inside from winter adventures to find a steaming mug of hot cocoa waiting for you. This homemade Swiss Miss copycat recipe captures that same comforting taste with just three simple ingredients. You can make a winter’s worth of warming drinks for a fraction of the store-bought cost, and it makes a thoughtful gift when packaged in pretty jars.

homemade Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix in a bowl next to mugs of hot cocoa

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Why This Recipe Works

Commercial hot cocoa mixes often contain artificial flavors and unnecessary additives. This homemade version uses three pure ingredients that blend together to create the perfect balance of chocolate richness and creamy sweetness. Sifting the ingredients multiple times ensures a smooth, lump-free mix that dissolves completely in hot water.

Ingredients

  • Powdered milk – Creates the creamy base and provides calcium and protein
  • Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps balance the cocoa’s natural bitterness
  • Cocoa powder – Provides the rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix ingredients

How to Make Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix

  1. Sift all ingredients together three times.
homemade Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix being sifted into a bowl
  1. Store this mixture in a tightly sealed container in a cool place.
  2. When ready to use, you can add a couple of heaping tablespoons to hot water.
a bowl of homemade Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix

To Serve

  1. Add 2-3 heaping tablespoons of mix to a mug (adjust to taste preference).
  2. Pour hot water (not boiling) over the mix and stir well until completely dissolved.
  3. Customize as desired with marshmallows, whipped cream, or flavor add-ins.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Mocha Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder per serving for a coffee shop-style drink with extra caffeine.
  • Spicy Mexican Hot Cocoa: Mix in 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper per serving. The heat pairs surprisingly well with chocolate.
  • Holiday Spice: Add ground cinnamon and fresh nutmeg to each serving. A splash of rum makes it adults-only.
  • Peppermint Twist: Crush half a peppermint candy and stir into each serving for festive Christmas flavor.
  • Salted Caramel: Dissolve a soft caramel candy in your hot cocoa and add a pinch of sea salt.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Pantry Storage: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Glass jars work best for maintaining freshness.
  • Moisture Prevention: Keep away from humidity and heat sources. A tight seal is essential to prevent clumping.
  • Gift Packaging: Layer in decorative jars with instructions attached. Include serving suggestions and flavor variations.
a bowl of homemade hot cocoa mix and two mugs of hot cocoa

Love chocolate? Try these recipes:

More Hot Chocolate Recipes

Be sure to check out more of my DIY recipes and easy drink recipes.

homemade Swiss Miss hot cocoa mix in a bowl next to mugs of hot cocoa

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix Copycat Recipe

Make Swiss Miss hot cocoa at home with just 3 ingredients! Perfect for cozy nights and holiday gifts. Costs a fraction of store-bought.
5 from 11 votes
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Hot chocolate, Hot Cocoa, Swiss Miss Cocoa Mix
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 40
Calories: 79kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces powdered milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa

Instructions

  • Sift all ingredients together three times. Store this mixture in a tightly sealed container in a cool place. When ready to use, you can add a couple of heaping tablespoons to hot water.

Nutrition

Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 42mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 105IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 0.3mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gwen

    I used hershey cocoa powder, powdered milk, and granulated sugar. It tastes fine for a dark hot chocolate but if you want something sweeter like the swiss miss milk chocolate hot cocoa packet, I think it needs more sugar.

  2. Unclassified Jerk

    5 stars
    This is so cool! Tastes EXACTLY like the real thing (assuming you do it right) and even better! Drank with a BUNCH of whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and marshmallows!

  3. Betty Parker

    5 stars
    This recipe has been around since the 80’s, I found it in a school cookbook, but I added mini marshmallows and coffee mate to the mix, and it made around 60 servings, kids loved it! Just make sure you put it in a air tight container.

  4. Bill Wielenbeck

    5 stars
    I’ve used this recipe several times, make sure you use Nestle’s Tollhouse cocoa powder and not Hersey’s, Herseys came out horrible, the bottom third of your mug turns out gritty and clumpy, not very good, Nestle’s always turns out great, (I haven’t used store brands yet to say either way)

  5. Heidimarie

    This recipe was great, thank you so much. I also added non dairy creamer powder to it and a bit more sugar to take away the bitter taste from cocoa powder. We also tricramered it just using non dairy creamer instead of the non fat dry milk. Tasted great also.

    Any copy cat recipes for “sugar free swiss miss cocoa”?

5 from 11 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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