This easy paleo and vegan hot cocoa mix is full of ginger spice and the perfect winter warmer.
Is there anything cozier than a warming cup of hot cocoa in your hands on a chilly evening? (Add a fire in the fireplace, a fuzzy pair of slippers and a good book and I’m in heaven!)
So simple but deliciously soothing, hot cocoa is a wintertime staple no matter your age. Nobody needs an excuse to indulge themselves in a warm cup or two this time of year, and while there are many ways to make it, having a homemade hot cocoa mix on hand is arguable the best.
Making your own mix ensures that a hot cup of cocoa is never more than a quick boil and stir away. Because let’s face it, there will always be those days when the thought of doing anything more than boiling water just seems like too much effort.
And while convenience makes store-bought mixes attractive, the rather sketchy list of ingredients they often contain most certainly does not; not to mention that making your own is really quite easy.
It starts with a blend of shaved chocolate and cocoa powder for their deep, rich chocolate flavor. A touch of gingerbread spices, bring a warming note to the cozy cold weather favorite. Coconut sugar sweetens the mix while providing a subtle caramel-like undertone, while powdered coconut milk creates a creamy, full-bodied backdrop to all the big flavors.
The chopped chocolate and coconut milk powder are the secret ingredients here; they add body and richness that would otherwise be missing to the finished drink (they also happen to make it vegan and paleo friendly). If you’ve ever found the pre-made mixes unsatisfyingly watery and bland, it’s because they often just use non-fat milk powder and cocoa powder. You need a little fat to carry the flavors and make a really delicious instant hot cocoa.
A quick pulse in the blender or food processor and you’re done. Spoon the mix into jars and give them away as gifts or just keep them on hand to get you through the chilly winter months.
Comforting, chocolaty and oh so cozy, this gingerbread spice hot cocoa might become a new nightly habit!
Sylvie Shirazi
This paleo and vegan hot cocoa is full of ginger spice and the perfect winter warmer.
10 minPrep Time
3 minCook Time
13 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- ½ cup/ 96g coconut sugar
- 2 Tablespoons/18g arrowroot
- ¼ cup/24g cocoa powder
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- ¾ cup/ 96g powdered coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 2oz/56g 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped
- Shaved chocolate for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place coconut sugar, arrowroot, cocoa powder and salt in a high speed blender or food processor until finely ground and powdery. Add powdered coconut milk and spices and pulse briefly to combine. Add finely chopped chocolate and pulse again to distribute (do not over process). Transfer to an airtight container.
- Boil 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of hot cocoa mix and whisk vigorously until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour into a mug and serve topped with shaved chocolate if desired.
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