A warm, rich, whole-food classic to kick off our Christmas countdown.

The holiday season always begins the same way in our home: with that first frosty morning when you can see your breath as you walk to the car, the kids press their fingers against the cold windows, and someone inevitably says, “Mama… is it hot cocoa weather yet?”

That’s usually my cue to pull out a jar of our Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix—the very first recipe of our 25 Days of Simple Christmas countdown.

Today’s recipe is all about comfort. Real comfort. The kind that wraps around you like a blanket, smells like childhood, and tastes like something your grandmother might’ve made on her stovetop long before boxed mixes ever existed.

This cocoa mix is warm, rich, velvety, and made with whole, real ingredients. No fillers. No preservatives. No mystery powdered milk. Just the good stuff—because the holidays should feel good, not rushed, artificial, or overly sweetened.

And, as always here at The Simple Pursuit, we’re bringing things back to our roots. Back to slower days. Back to cooking the way our ancestors did: with simple ingredients and a whole lot of heart.

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A Sweet Family Memory

Growing up, cocoa was more than a drink in our house—it was a ritual.
My mom would whisk cocoa on the stove while we gathered around the tree, still in pajamas, cheeks pink from playing outside. She’d use a wooden spoon to stir, and the moment that chocolatey steam hit the air, it felt like Christmas was officially here.

Now I get to give that same feeling to my own kids.

Every year, we make our cocoa mix together. Everyone has a job: the toddler dumps (and sometimes spills), the older one breaks up the chocolate, and I operate the food processor while they cover their ears dramatically like it’s the loudest machine on earth.

Then we pour it into jars, label them, and place them on the pantry shelf—a row of tiny promises for cozy nights ahead.

Some families light candles.
Some play carols.
In our house?
We make cocoa.

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Why Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Belongs in Your Pantry

1. Whole-food ingredients you can trust

Most store-bought mixes include artificial sweeteners, anti-caking agents, and preservatives. This one?
Just cocoa, coconut sugar, sea salt, and real chocolate.

2. Richer flavor than anything store-bought

The secret is blending actual chocolate into the mix. The result is silky, decadent, and deeply satisfying.

3. It’s fast, easy, and kid-friendly

You’ll have this mix done in under 5 minutes. Even faster if your kids help.

4. Makes a beautiful homemade gift

Add it to jars with twine, a wooden scoop, and a handwritten tag.
Instant meaningful gift.

5. Saves you during busy December nights

When you’re wrapping gifts at 11PM or coming in from sledding with the kids, this is the treat you can whip up in seconds.

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Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Whole-Food Version)

Makes roughly 2 ½ cups of cocoa mix

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot
• 6 ounces unsweetened, semi-sweet, or bittersweet chocolate
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and add to your food processor.
2. Add cocoa powder, coconut sugar, arrowroot, vanilla, and salt.
3. Blend until the mixture is fine, fluffy, and powdery.
4. Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place.

To serve:
Add 3 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup of warm milk, whisking until smooth.
Pour into your favorite mug. Enjoy with someone you love.

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My Favorite Ways to Use This Cocoa

• Stir it into warm oat milk after playing outside with the kids
• Add a dash of cinnamon or peppermint extract for a holiday spin
• Mix into coffee for a homemade mocha
• Package in jars to give to neighbors, teachers, and last-minute guests

There’s something special about knowing your pantry is filled with little bits of love—things you made with intention, ready to be used during the most joy-filled month of the year.

This cocoa mix is more than a drink.
It’s a tradition.
A moment.
A memory in the making.

And what better way to begin our countdown?

Day 1 is done… and tomorrow brings Day 2: Honey-Sweetened Marshmallows. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for floating on top of today’s cocoa.