03.02.2021
Unexpected Uses for Hot Cocoa Mix
Turn hot cocoa mix into more than a drink. Easy ideas and tips for baking, popcorn, pancakes, milkshakes, ice pops, storage and substitutions.
- Hot cocoa mix adds quick chocolate flavor to oatmeal, frosting, pancakes, popcorn, milkshakes and ice pops.
- Use small measured amounts and tweak sugar and liquid because mixes contain sugar and milk solids.
- Store sealed in a cool dry place. For baking swaps or vegan needs choose cocoa powder or dairy-free mixes for best results.
Cooking routines change with the seasons, but chocolate cravings are year round. Our hot cocoa mixes craft unparalleled drinking chocolate, but make for surprising secret ingredients too. A tablespoon of hot cocoa mix works magic when sprinkled over morning oatmeal, folded into homemade cake frosting, or whisked into your favorite pancake batter recipe. We pulled together some of our favorite ways to cook with our hot cocoa mix. If you have your own favorite use for hot cocoa mix, email us at spices@thespicehouse.com, or comment below.
Hot Cocoa Popcorn
Hazelnut Hot Cocoa Milkshake
Hot Cocoa Ice Pops
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with hot cocoa mix besides hot chocolate?
You can add it to oatmeal, fold it into buttercream or cream cheese frosting, whisk it into pancake batter, sprinkle it on popcorn with melted butter, blend it into milkshakes, or mix it into milk or yogurt for ice pops. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.
How much hot cocoa mix should I add to recipes?
Start small. For one serving of oatmeal use about 1 tablespoon. For pancakes or batter, try 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of flour and reduce other sugar. For frosting, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons per cup of frosting, then adjust to taste. For milkshakes, use 2 to 4 tablespoons per 2 cups of ice cream and milk.
How do I use hot cocoa mix in cold recipes without clumps?
Dissolve the mix first in a little warm water or milk to make a syrup, then add to cold drinks. For milkshakes and ice pops, blend the mix with the milk or ice cream in a blender so it disperses evenly.
Can I swap hot cocoa mix for cocoa powder in baking?
You can, but mixes contain sugar and milk solids so the swap changes flavor and texture. For precise baking use cocoa powder. If you must substitute, expect a milder chocolate taste, reduce added sugar, and reduce some liquid as needed. Test small batches before baking large recipes.
Is hot cocoa mix vegan or how can I make vegan versions?
Many commercial mixes contain milk powder and are not vegan. Look for a dairy-free label or make your own blend with unsweetened cocoa, sugar, and a non-dairy powdered milk or omit the milk powder and use plant milk when mixing.
How should I store hot cocoa mix and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool dry place away from strong odors. Sealed, it typically keeps best for 6 to 12 months. If it smells off or shows moisture clumps, discard it.
Any tips for using hot cocoa mix on popcorn?
Toss popcorn with a little melted butter or neutral oil, then sprinkle the cocoa mix while you toss so it sticks. For a stickier coating, mix the cocoa with a tablespoon of melted butter and a teaspoon of maple syrup, drizzle over popcorn, then toss.
Can I use hot cocoa mix in savory dishes like chili or rubs?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a better choice for savory recipes. Hot cocoa mix has added sugar and milk solids that can throw off flavor. If you try it, use very small amounts and cut back on sweeteners.
What can I make with hot cocoa mix besides hot chocolate?
You can add it to oatmeal, fold it into buttercream or cream cheese frosting, whisk it into pancake batter, sprinkle it on popcorn with melted butter, blend it into milkshakes, or mix it into milk or yogurt for ice pops. Start with small amounts and taste as you go.
How much hot cocoa mix should I add to recipes?
Start small. For one serving of oatmeal use about 1 tablespoon. For pancakes or batter, try 1 to 2 tablespoons per cup of flour and reduce other sugar. For frosting, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons per cup of frosting, then adjust to taste. For milkshakes, use 2 to 4 tablespoons per 2 cups of ice cream and milk.
How do I use hot cocoa mix in cold recipes without clumps?
Dissolve the mix first in a little warm water or milk to make a syrup, then add to cold drinks. For milkshakes and ice pops, blend the mix with the milk or ice cream in a blender so it disperses evenly.
Can I swap hot cocoa mix for cocoa powder in baking?
You can, but mixes contain sugar and milk solids so the swap changes flavor and texture. For precise baking use cocoa powder. If you must substitute, expect a milder chocolate taste, reduce added sugar, and reduce some liquid as needed. Test small batches before baking large recipes.
Is hot cocoa mix vegan or how can I make vegan versions?
Many commercial mixes contain milk powder and are not vegan. Look for a dairy-free label or make your own blend with unsweetened cocoa, sugar, and a non-dairy powdered milk or omit the milk powder and use plant milk when mixing.
How should I store hot cocoa mix and how long does it last?
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool dry place away from strong odors. Sealed, it typically keeps best for 6 to 12 months. If it smells off or shows moisture clumps, discard it.
Any tips for using hot cocoa mix on popcorn?
Toss popcorn with a little melted butter or neutral oil, then sprinkle the cocoa mix while you toss so it sticks. For a stickier coating, mix the cocoa with a tablespoon of melted butter and a teaspoon of maple syrup, drizzle over popcorn, then toss.
Can I use hot cocoa mix in savory dishes like chili or rubs?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is a better choice for savory recipes. Hot cocoa mix has added sugar and milk solids that can throw off flavor. If you try it, use very small amounts and cut back on sweeteners.
All your hot cocoa recipes look yummy. I’m sure to try.
How about Spiced Hot Chocolate? Bet you could come up with something great for that. There is (or was?), a fabulous one in Portland OR chocolate shop who’s name eludes me (2 locations), dark thick, rich and spicy – demitasse size. Yum!
Hi Yosh,
Cocoa powder is a great secret ingredient for making chili and a natural pairing for any chile pepper. Think mole sauce and its flavor profile.
Hot cocoa mix, on the other hand, has added sugar, so it may be too sweet for any chili con carne recipes.
These sound great. Will try all. Thanks!
How about cocoa powder as my secret ingredient for chilli