Did anyone else love instant hot chocolate as a kid!? We’re talking the packets you dump in a mug, add hot water, and stir for instant, chocolaty comfort. When we saw coconut milk powder in the store, inspiration struck for a dairy-free, naturally sweetened version that’s just as easy and delicious!
Just 3 ingredients required for the mix, then simply add it to a mug with hot water whenever the cocoa craving strikes! It’s the perfect solution for the busy holiday season, hot chocolate on-the-go, gifting to friends and family, and beyond. Let’s make hot cocoa!
How to Make Dairy-Free Instant Hot Chocolate
You’ll need 3 ingredients to make this instant hot chocolate:
- Coconut milk powder – It’s coconut cream that’s been dried and can be reconstituted by mixing with water to make coconut milk!
- Cocoa powder – We recommend using a high-quality brand for best flavor.
- Coconut sugar – Dry sweeteners work best because they make this mix shelf-stable. But even if you’re making a single serving to enjoy right away, coconut sugar is still our preferred sweetener for best flavor!
- Cinnamon (optional) – Adds natural sweetness and has beneficial effects on blood sugar plus other positive health outcomes.
To make this hot cocoa, simply add the dry ingredients to a mug (or a glass jar if making a larger batch), and stir them all together.
Then add a little hot water (an electric kettle is great for heating it) and stir again to dissolve the powders and sugar.
Then fill up the mug with more hot water and stir once more for what’s probably the easiest dairy-free hot chocolate you’ve ever made!
Top with Coconut Whipped Cream and a little grated dark chocolate if you’re in the mood for something more fancy and indulgent.
We hope you LOVE this hot chocolate! It’s:
Creamy
Chocolaty
Comforting
Classic
Quick & easy
& Perfect for gifting and on-the-go!
Make yourself a mug any time you’re craving chocolaty comfort in a mug, or mix up a batch of the dry ingredients to share with friends and family this holiday season! It would also be perfect for camping trips, taking to the office, or as a fun activity for kids.
More Quick & Easy Warm Beverages
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
3-Ingredient Instant Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free!)
Ingredients
HOT COCOA
- 2 Tbsp coconut milk powder (we like Native Forest // choose a brand without casein if dairy-free/vegan)
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (we like Equal Exchange Organic Baking Cocoa)
- 2-3 tsp coconut sugar* (or cane sugar)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 – 1 ¼ cup hot water
FOR SERVING optional
- Coconut whipped cream
- Grated dark chocolate
Instructions
- Add coconut milk powder, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and cinnamon (optional) to a mug (make sure it can hold at least 1 ¼ cup or 300 ml). Stir the dry ingredients together, then add just enough hot water to cover them (~2 Tbsp or 30 ml water // we like using an electric kettle for heating the water).
- Using a fork or small whisk, vigorously stir the mixture until a smooth, semi-thick “hot cocoa concentrate” forms. Then add 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water and stir well, breaking up any remaining clumps of coconut milk powder or cocoa.
- Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cinnamon for spice and/or more sweetener if you prefer. Enjoy right away! You can also make this treat fancier by topping with coconut whipped cream and grated dark chocolate.
Video
Notes
*To make a large batch (6 servings) of hot chocolate mix (for making ahead or giving as a gift), combine 3/4 cup (96 g) coconut milk powder, 6 Tbsp (36 g) cocoa powder, and 4-6 Tbsp (48-72 g) coconut sugar. Mix all dry ingredients and store in an airtight container. To make a mug of hot chocolate, mix 3 ½ – 4 Tbsp dry mix with 1 – 1 ¼ cup hot water following instructions for best results. Mix is best used within one month.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with the lesser amount of coconut sugar and without optional ingredients.
Jeremy says
Been making this for over a year now and its such a lovely replacement of the traditional one without sugar <3
Amazing! We’re so glad you’ve been enjoying it, Jeremy. Thank you for sharing! xo
Liz says
This is the best hot chocolate mix! I love it as is – not too sweet but nice and rich. I sometimes add a tablespoon of peanut butter powder which really takes it over the top! Thanks for the recipe. I made larger batches as Christmas gifts this year. It’s great that all you need to add is water. Yum yum yum.
Sounds delicious! Thanks so much for sharing, Liz!
Corelia says
Fun little spin: I like to make some peppermint tea, boil it, and then use it in place of hot water in this recipe. Makes for an extra-good hot cocoa. :)
I give this recipe 4 stars because it isn’t quite sweet or creamy enough (for me) unless I up the amount of sweetener and coconut milk. I do prefer this with maple syrup instead of coconut sugar; just find it gives a richer, sweeter end product.
Love that idea for a peppermint twist, Corelia. Thank you for sharing!
Jillian says
I made this as written and boy was it ever chocolatey. The cinnamon is absolutely essential to help cut down the natural bitterness of the cocoa powder. I found it too watery for my preference and ended up doubling the coconut milk and adding a bit of extra sugar and it ended up being super rich and decadent. Next time I make this I’ll aim for somewhere in the middle. I made a cup for my partner as well who is diabetic and subbed out the sugar for monk fruit sweetener and that works really well too.
Thank you for sharing, Jillian! One other idea – if using cacao powder vs. cocoa powder, it will have a stronger chocolate flavor. Hope that helps for next time!
Neha says
Hi! Thank you for this super recipe. Can this powder be filled in Vegan chocolate balls to make hot chocolate bombs out of them?
Oh fun! We haven’t tested that, but we don’t see why not!
Neha says
Ooo Yayyy… will surely let you know how it goes 🤩
Excited to hear!
Jeremy says
I apologize, I think its my first time rating. 5 stars for sure. As long as you let it cool down a bit, it tastes as good or better than any store-bought nostalgia hot chocolate : ) 5 stars!
Thanks so much for the follow up review, Jeremy!
Jeremy says
this was a great replacement for normal hot chocolate. Just add more cocoa for dark chocolate, and less for more like milk chocolate : )
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Jeremy. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a star rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! xo
mirari says
seems lovely! could you please, tell me, if i can use coconut flour for the milk powder? i never seen that in europe…
thank you; wishing you lovely holidays!
Hi Mirari, unfortunately coconut flour will NOT work here. If you can’t find coconut milk powder, you could simply do the cocoa powder and sugar mixture, and use your favorite milk in place of the hot water. Hope this helps!
Jason says
Really great, more convenient version for non-dairy hot chocolate! I tried the recipe as shown and just now using date syrup as the sweetener instead of coconut sugar. I found the date syrup to be much more satisfying, with a richer flavor overall. Obviously, you wouldn’t be able to make a large, pre-made batch doing it that way, though. Either way, this recipe really scratches the hot chocolate itch.
Wonderful! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Jason! Thank you for sharing!
Maaike says
Would love to try this! My to go to quick vegan hot chocolate recipe is rice- or milletdrink heatened up (both are sweet of themselves so no sugar needed) and pour a bit in a cup with some cocoapowder. Stir and slowly, while stirring, add the rest of the milk. If Im in the mood for some more work I add, before cooking, a dried pepper, a crushed clove, a crushed anisseed, some cinnamon and a crushed cardamom.
Wow, that sounds DELICIOUS! Thank you for sharing, Maaike! xo
Vicky says
Went to your coconut milk powder link right away so I can make this asap, and couldn’t believe the quantity lol 15kg! 202$ lol then I saw the other option for a 6 pack at 22$, phew 😅. Still wondering if this a good price is? Is powder coconut millk pricey? Any other brands stores that could carry this more affordable? Thanks!
Hi Vicky, sorry for the confusion! It shouldn’t be expensive. We found the Native Forest brand at a health food store for about $3 USD. Hope that helps!
Alma says
Thank you MB, I’ll go to my Health food stores…. been wanting to try Vegan hot chocolate – – Again, thank you!!
Victoria says
Yeah I give it a four it’s so hard to transition from dairy products to non dairy products this really helped I now know a hot chocolate recipe that I can keep on going back to
We’re glad it was helpful, Victoria!
Sabrina says
This was really good and easy to make!
Woohoo! Love hearing that, Sabrina! xoxo
Mark Isuak says
I have been doing something similar for ages. To add on to it, I ususally blend the ingredients with cold water and then microwave it to heat.
That ends up giving it a very natural and beautiful foam.
Thank you for sharing, Mark!
Victoria says
Thanks that really helped
Sheri says
I am highly allergic to coconut. Any alternative suggestions? Thanks
Hi Sheri, we aren’t sure of a shelf stable option, but a couple readers have mentioned replacing the water and coconut milk powder with oat milk with success. Hope that helps!
Cindi says
Okay to use cacao powder versus baking cocoa powder?
Yes! We slightly preferred the taste of cocoa powder here.
Donna Eda Neubauer says
Just made it, had an urge for hot chocolate, since wind chill in Wisconsin is zero degrees. Great recipe, will make it again, and again, and again. Easy, pezy
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Donna! Thank you for the lovely review! Stay warm! xo
Liah G. says
Made this with Oatmilk and molasses (I’m out of coconut sugars) and it is sooooooo smooooooth!!! Thanks for the afternoon pick me up!
Woohoo! Love your creativity in working with what you had, Liah! Thank you for sharing! xo
SUSAN says
Any recommendations for a substitute for the coconut powder?
Hi Susan! You could omit the coconut milk powder and swap out the water for a non-dairy milk of your choice, warmed on the stove. Let us know how it goes!
Susan says
Great! Thank you! I’m having guests over in a few days for hot cocoa and popcorn. I wanted to use your recipe, but one of the guests doesn’t like coconut. This sounds like a perfect option. I’ll let you know what he thinks.
Amazing! Looking forward to hearing =)
Kat says
1 Tbls oat flour (or more, depending on how thick you like it) / per serving.
Or, skip both, (the coconut & oat) just mix 1/3 ea in a jar (approximate is fine), the cocoa powder, dry creamer, and sugar of choice.
Optionally, add 1-2 tsp cinnamon, & 1/2- 1 tsp salt.
Close jar, shake well. Use as directed, but use with a non dairy milk, or milk, instead of water for best results.
I like using half the sugar powdered and half raw sugar. The raw gives a very slight molasses flavor and the powdered makes it extra smooth.
I also like to add 2 tbls peanut butter powder to my cup for chocolate peanut butter milk! Yum! :)
Kat says
It separated my reply to susan, so to clarify, I was suggesting replacing the coconut milk powder with 1tbls of oat flour.
I make single cups of oatmilk this way, so it should work for chocolate milk too. (I have made oat chocolate milk before, but I normally use soymilk and not water.)
Susan says
Oatmilk! Creamy, with the right amount of sweetness.
Joe says
I LOVE IT!!! Had to do it straight away 😊 I used oatmeal milk because I can’t stand the taste of coconut, and cane sugar. Now I’m looking for a replacement for the coconut whipped cream. But even with that, the creaminess was to die for! Thank you!
Yay! So glad you enjoyed, Joe!
The Vegan Goddess says
I love hot chocolate and haven’t had it in years so this sounds great.
However, I am not thrilled about the dry coconut milk because of how it’s processed.
Why not use regular coconut milk (low-fat) or almond milk in instead?
Hi there! We like this hot chocolate for a shelf stable option that’s an alternative to traditional powdered hot chocolate “packets”. We do have some other recipes you could try instead, like our Feel Good Hot Chocolate!