Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix

If you’re a fan of cozy, warm drinks, this vegan hot chocolate mix is a must-try! It’s super easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy hot chocolate that’s perfect for any chilly day. The best part? Making your own hot chocolate mix is a fun way to get creative in the kitchen! You can experiment with different flavors, like adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla, to make it truly your own. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for enjoying solo or sharing with friends during cozy get-togethers.

This homemade hot chocolate mix is fully customizable to match your taste. You can adjust the sweetness, choose your favorite plant-based milk, and even swap in different types of chocolate for a unique twist. With no artificial ingredients, this mix is the perfect way to indulge in a comforting treat while knowing exactly what’s going into your cup.

Come on, let’s go whip up a batch of this warming, chocolatey goodness!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

The best vegan hot chocolate mix is all about the right ingredients! With rich cocoa, creamy soy milk, and easy swaps like almond milk or carob chips, you can make it just the way you love it. The best part about this hot cocoa mix? You just need four ingredients:

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers bold chocolaty depth and a creamy texture when combined with plant milk. Dutch-processed cocoa is an excellent choice if you prefer a milder, less acidic flavor, while blending half cocoa powder with half cacao powder can add a richer taste and extra nutrients. Sifting the cocoa powder before mixing is a smart step to prevent clumps and create a smooth consistency in your drink.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the natural bitterness of cocoa powder and also enhances the chocolate flavor. This makes your hot chocolate taste indulgent and satisfying. Coconut sugar or maple sugar can add a subtle caramel-like sweetness. For a sugar-free option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener, keeping in mind that they’re much sweeter than regular sugar. To ensure even sweetness, blend the sugar finely into the mix before use.
• Unsweetened Soy Milk (or your favorite vegan milk): Creates a creamy, dairy-free hot chocolate with a satisfying texture. Almond milk or oat milk work well for lighter or creamier options, while rice or hemp milk are great nut-free alternatives.
• Mini Vegan Chocolate Chips (or finely chopped vegan chocolate): Essential for adding a rich, creamy chocolate flavor to your hot chocolate mix. Their small size allows them to melt easily in hot liquid, ensuring a smooth and velvety drink. If you want an even bolder flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate chips or finely chopped vegan chocolate bars. For a caffeine-free option, carob chips are a great alternative. Just make sure to store the chips in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping and preserve their quality.

How To Use This Vegan Hot Chocolate Mix

When you’re ready to make a steaming mug of this vegan hot cocoa mix, it only takes a few minutes to prepare! Simply heat some dairy-free milk up either in a microwave-safe mug or bowl in the microwave, or warm it up on the stove.

Stir in 3½ tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix for every one cup of milk. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Topping Ideas

While the mixture does include mini vegan chocolate chips, it’s always fun (and delicious) to add some toppings! Here are some of my favorites:

• Vegan Whipped Cream—Use store-bought or make your own! Coconut whipped cream or even aquafaba whipped cream are both excellent on top of this hot cocoa!
• Vegan Marshmallows—Whether you get mini or full-sized vegan marshmallows, you can’t go wrong!
• Chocolate Shavings—Double down on the chocolate and add grated vegan chocolate on top. A mixture of dark and white vegan chocolate would add a luxurious chocolatey flavor!
• Crushed Peppermint Candies—Adds a minty and festive twist! You can even add a crushed candy cane rim like I did with this Vegan Peppermint Mocha!
• Caramel Drizzle—Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over whipped cream for a sweet and buttery addition.
• Cinnamon Sticks—Add some warm spice by stirring in a cinnamon stick reminiscent of this Spiced Vegan Hot Chocolate.

Hot Cocoa Bar

If you want to have even more fun, create your own little at-home vegan hot cocoa station! Get some vegan marshmallows (along with colorful candy canes) and place them neatly in a decorative mason jar. Pop a little jar of vanilla extract or peppermint extract by your hot cocoa bar for a winter-inspired flavor boost. Set out your favorite festive sipping mugs, more jars full of tempting toppings, dairy-free whipped cream, and vegan honey, you’ve got yourself a vegan hot cocoa bar!

If you want to step it up a notch, you can even order a sparkly sign for your hot cocoa bar. Has your home ever been this ready for the holidays? 

The Perfect DIY Holiday Gift

Looking for a delightful vegan Christmas gift, stocking stuffer, Hanukkah gift, housewarming gift, hostess gift, or just want to pamper someone you love? A mason jar filled with chocolatey goodness and TLC is a surefire hit.

Stick some vegan marshmallows on the top of the jar. Then, add it to a gift basket with some fancy vanilla or peppermint extract and handwritten cocoa-making instructions for an extra special surprise. Your friend, neighbor, co-worker or loved one will think of you every time they sip on vegan hot cocoa throughout the season!