Every winter I kept thinking how I needed a Paleo hot chocolate mix. I’m not a big drink gal, but there is just something cozy and nostalgic to have hot cocoa while walking around looking at Christmas lights or after caroling. So, this one had to come to life this year and I am thrilled with how easy it is! This mix can be Paleo or Keto, depending on the sweetener used, regular or mint/peppermint, added to dairy-free milk of your choice, or just hot water. So flexible and delicious – this one will be showing up in your pantry and your new go-to for all your hot chocolate needs!
Paleo or Keto Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar *see notes for Keto variation
- 1/2 cup coconut milk powder *optional, see notes
- 1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together and store in a sealed jar or container. If using mint or peppermint extract, stir it right into the dry ingredients till combined.
- To make hot cocoa, add a generous 1/4 cup to 8 oz hot water. (If you want an exact amount, it was 5 1/2 tablespoons...but that drives me batty to count out, so I just do a heaping 1/4 cup and call it a day ; ). Stir till combined and enjoy the chocolatey goodness!
- Makes 4 8-oz cups of hot cocoa. We make a triple batch of this mix and keep it stored in our pantry!
- Everyone likes their hot chocolate different levels of chocolatey and sweet. Too chocolatey? Decrease the amount of cocoa. Not sweet enough? Add some more sweetener. This one is balanced to what our family loves.
Notes
VARIATIONS:
KETO: Follow the above recipe and instructions, but sub 3/4 cup Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener or other granulated sugar-free sweetener. Can also sweeten with liquid Stevia, but would have to do so to taste.
SINGLE SERVE: Just want one cup of hot cocoa, not four? Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, and 2 tablespoons coconut milk powder into 8 oz hot water. Add a few drops mint or peppermint extract, if desired.
COCONUT MILK POWDER: I was thrilled to discover this stuff existed! I found it on Amazon and have ordered and enjoyed this brand and this brand (I go with whatever is cheaper). Don't want to invest or allergic to coconut? Leave out the coconut milk powder and instead stir 3 1/2 tablespoons (just under a 1/4 cup) of the mix into 8 oz dairy-free milk. Won't be as creamy, but still delicious!
This is so tasty! I used a strainer to help get all the clumps out and used half cashew milk half water to the mix for extra creaminess. My husband doesn’t like coconut at all so he’s not a fan but that’s ok, more for me 😂
Thank you so much for this recipe! I just made a batch, tried a cup, and loved it so much that I made another batch! I will be enjoying this as the weather has just gotten cold in South Louisiana!
Ps- I made it with extra creamy almond milk and mixed it with a tiny electric whisk! So creamy and delicious!
I made this over and over. I leave out the coconut sugar and add date syrup as needed to each cup. It’s soo good!! Thank you for creating it.
Wahoo for being on repeat! Thank you for sharing that modification, that’s great to know you enjoyed it with date syrup. Thank you!
We love this. We add a touch more coconut sugar and make in almond milk instead of water even with the coconut milk powder. It’s delicious!
I started making this as a cheaper alternative to the lakanto drinking chocolate. My 3 y/o son doesn’t even know the difference and it’s just as good hot as it is cold! We’re already on our second batch!
We love this! Huge hit in our house. I quadruple the recipe and store it in a big container.
I love having this in the pantry as needed. Thank you – so happy you enjoy this one!
Such a great easy recipe! My daughter thought I had used milk! The coconut milk powder really makes it creamy!!
I have been craving some good hot chocolate and this was so good! I used almond milk as I didn’t want to wait to get powdered coconut milk and it was still creamy! Can’t wait to have more tomorrow!
I agree – still super delicious without the powdered coconut milk. Glad you enjoyed, thank you!
I’ve been looking for a hot cocoa recipe that is delicious and creamy and doesn’t make me feel sick and this recipe is AMAZING. It’s creamy perfection and Autumn nailed it. Your family will love it. Thank you, Autumn!
Aw, thank you for the lovely review! I’m so happy this was a slam dunk for your family!
This is our favorite paleo/keto hot chocolate mix. Perfect for tree decorating night! Thank you.
Hooray! I’m so happy this hot cocoa is being enjoyed in your home, and paired with tree decorating night sounds perfect!
Our family is slowing going Paleo. Is this the kind of recipe that my non-family members who join us will be happy with? It’s a small event that will be buffet style to add in other ingredients.
We share it with Paleo and non-Paleo alike and it’s not far off from a more traditional mix recipe. I think it would be great, especially with other fun mix ins. Enjoy!
I actually made this with a dash of cinnamon. Delicious!!!
Mmmm, cinnamon sounds delightful! Thank you!