The Best Way To Make Instant Hot Cocoa Taste Like a $5 Starbucks Order

There are few things in the world that I love more than hot cocoa. When I was a little kid, I used to sneak into the pantry when everyone else had gone to bed to get a packet of instant hot cocoa. Of course, I was too young to boil my own water, so I did what any sneaky, resourceful kid would do: I ate the cocoa mix right out of the packet with a spoon.

It’s been a long time since I’ve done this—and truthfully, I can’t recommend it. But I do have a hack for making every cup of instant hot cocoa rich, creamy, and irresistible. The best thing about this trick is that it doesn't require any skill or extra equipment.

No, it’s not milk! I understand why swapping dairy with water is so popular. It’s an easy and fairly inexpensive way to add creaminess to an instant mix; however, I like to save my milk for other recipes. My hot chocolate hack is so simple and so genius, I’m giving you fair warning that you might be mad you didn’t think of it first: it's mixing two packets of instant hot cocoa into one mug.

Why I Love Doubling up on Hot Cocoa Packets

Adding twice the amount of suggested instant hot cocoa to a mug adds more depth of flavor and is slightly thicker, so it tastes more velvety and chocolatey.

I’ve been doing this for years, and my guests never believe me when I tell them that the hot chocolate is just instant Swiss Miss. (I think it's the best brand in the instant cocoa game.) It has so much flavor that they assume I melted actual chocolate on the stovetop and added steamed milk. Sometimes a guest will demand that I show them how I make it, and I am always happy to oblige because it couldn't be simpler.

All I do is just dump two packets of instant hot cocoa into one mug, then fill it with hot water and stir vigorously. You can add whatever toppings you’d like to really finish it off in style. I’m partial to using a few of these fancy peppermint-flavored marshmallows from Aldi, but any standard marshmallow or whipped cream will do.

Doubling up on hot cocoa packets is one of the cheapest ways to make your mug more indulgent. Whenever I make this, I usually smile and think of how much my childhood self would enjoy this decadent treat—and now you and your loved ones can, too.