My Mom's Hot Chocolate Recipe: Almost 50 Years of Super Creamy Comfort
One more accomplishment for the day! My mom's hot chocolate recipe. I've used it for hmmm almost 50 years! Super creamy! 1/3 cup scoop in an 8oz cup of boiling water!
I use an Ice Cream Bucket.
1 c. Powdered sugar
2# Nestle Quick (1.5 lb. lg. Container)
8 quart size Carnation Powdered Milk
8oz. Pream (Coffeemate powder)
This is how it is written by my mom. I added what I use.
There's something special about a recipe that's been made in your family for nearly five decades. This hot chocolate mix is one of those recipes. It's simple, it's creamy, and it makes a big batch that you can keep in an ice cream bucket in the pantry — ready whenever you need a warm mug of comfort.
My mom wrote it down years ago, and I've added my own notes over the years about what I use. Now I'm sharing it here so it's written down for good.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Super creamy. The combination of powdered milk, Pream, and Nestle Quick makes a rich, velvety hot chocolate that tastes like a treat, not a mix.
Makes a huge batch. One ice cream bucket's worth lasts for weeks — perfect for large families or for gifting.
Simple to make. Just dump everything in the bucket and stir. No cooking, no special equipment.
Family tradition. This is a recipe that's been used for almost 50 years. It's the real deal.
Easy to customize. Add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, or a handful of mini marshmallows to make it your own.
Ingredients You'll Need
Makes enough to fill an ice cream bucket (about 6 to 8 quarts of mix)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 pounds Nestle Quick (the large 1.5 lb. container, plus a little extra to make 2 pounds)
8 quarts powdered milk (Carnation brand is what we use)
8 ounces Pream (Coffee-Mate powder)
To Serve:
1/3 cup hot chocolate mix
8 ounces boiling water
Why These Ingredients Matter
Powdered sugar dissolves easily and adds sweetness without grittiness.
Nestle Quick is the chocolate flavor base — it's what gives this mix its classic, nostalgic chocolate taste.
Powdered milk is the backbone of the mix. It's what makes it creamy and shelf-stable. Carnation is what we've always used.
Pream (Coffee-Mate powder) is the secret to that super creamy texture. It's a powdered creamer that adds richness and body.
Boiling water is all you need to serve it — the mix dissolves beautifully in hot water.
Ingredient Substitutions
Nestle Quick: Any chocolate milk powder can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different. Nesquik is the classic choice.
Powdered milk: Any brand of instant nonfat dry milk works. Carnation is our family favorite.
Pream: Any powdered coffee creamer can be substituted. Coffee-Mate is a common swap.
Powdered sugar: Granulated sugar can be used, but it won't dissolve quite as smoothly.
Equipment Needed
One-gallon ice cream bucket with a lid (or any large airtight container)
Large spoon or whisk for mixing
Measuring cups
Mug for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Bucket Ready
Make sure your ice cream bucket is clean and completely dry. Any moisture can cause the mix to clump.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Dump all the ingredients into the bucket: the powdered sugar, Nestle Quick, powdered milk, and Pream.
Step 3: Stir Well
Stir everything together until it's evenly combined. This takes a few minutes — make sure you get down to the bottom of the bucket so there are no pockets of powdered milk or sugar.
Step 4: Seal and Store
Put the lid on the bucket and store it in a cool, dry place. It will keep for several months.
Step 5: To Serve
Scoop 1/3 cup of the mix into an 8-ounce mug. Pour boiling water over it and stir well until dissolved. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Stir thoroughly when making the mix. An uneven mix means some cups will be too sweet and others too bland.
Use boiling water. Hot water dissolves the mix best and gives you that smooth, creamy texture.
Stir before scooping. The ingredients can settle over time, so give the bucket a quick stir before you scoop.
Adjust the scoop to your taste. 1/3 cup is a good starting point, but you can use a little more or less depending on how strong you like it.
Keep it dry. Moisture is the enemy of a good dry mix. Store it in a cool, dry place and always use a dry scoop.
Recipe Variations
Mocha Hot Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of instant coffee powder to the mix for a coffee-chocolate twist.
Spiced Hot Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the mix.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies to the mix.
Extra Rich: Use whole milk instead of boiling water for an even creamier cup.
Gift Jars: Scoop the mix into mason jars, add a ribbon, and give it as a homemade gift.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Keep it away from moisture and heat.
Freezing: Freezing isn't necessary for this mix, but it can extend its shelf life if you live in a humid climate. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to a year.
Leftover Hot Chocolate: Store any prepared hot chocolate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this hot chocolate mix last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it will keep for about 6 months.
Can I use a different container?
Yes — any large airtight container works. The ice cream bucket is just what our family has always used because it's the perfect size.
Can I use this mix for cold chocolate milk?
Yes! Stir 1/3 cup of the mix into a glass of cold milk instead of hot water.
What if I don't have Pream?
Any powdered coffee creamer will work. If you don't have any, you can leave it out, but the hot chocolate won't be quite as creamy.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes — just cut the recipe in half or in quarters. The proportions stay the same.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Check the labels on your specific brands, as ingredients can vary. Nestle Quick and most powdered milks are typically gluten-free, but always verify.
Printable Recipe Card
MY MOM'S HOT CHOCOLATE MIX
Yield: One ice cream bucket (about 6–8 quarts of mix) | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: None | Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 pounds Nestle Quick (the large 1.5 lb. container, plus a little extra to make 2 pounds)
8 quarts powdered milk (Carnation)
8 ounces Pream (Coffee-Mate powder)
Instructions:
Make sure your ice cream bucket is clean and completely dry.
Dump all ingredients into the bucket.
Stir well until evenly combined, scraping the bottom of the bucket.
Seal with the lid and store in a cool, dry place.
To serve: scoop 1/3 cup of mix into an 8-ounce mug, pour boiling water over it, and stir until dissolved.
Notes: This is how my mom wrote the recipe. I added what I use. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Stir the bucket before scooping, as ingredients can settle.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Always check ingredient labels for allergens and follow safe food storage practices.
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