DIY Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar (Easy Homemade Gift)

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Hot cocoa gift sets in the store can cost $10 to $15 each, but you can make your own for a fraction of that. This homemade hot cocoa mix takes 5 minutes to stir together, and layered in a pretty jar with marshmallows and a ribbon, it’s a gift everyone loves: teachers, neighbors, the mail carrier, coworkers. Keep a jar for yourself, too. It’s handy for cozy nights and camping trips!

How to layer a gift jar

1. Use a clean, dry pint or quart mason jar.
2. Spoon in the cocoa mix and tap the jar gently so it settles into a flat layer.
3. Add a layer of chocolate chips, then fill to the top with mini marshmallows.
4. Seal, tie on a ribbon, and attach a tag with the directions (below).

Fun variations

• Peppermint: add a layer of crushed candy canes.
• Mexican hot chocolate: stir 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne into the mix.
• Brown sugar: swap the white sugar for brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
• Extra creamy: include the non-dairy creamer so it can be made with water.

Gift tag directions

Stir 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of mix into 6 to 8 oz of hot milk (or hot water if the mix includes creamer). Top with marshmallows and enjoy!

Mandie

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

A quick homemade hot cocoa mix to layer in jars and give as gifts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cocoa mix

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup non-dairy creamer optional; needed if making with water

For the jar

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• mini marshmallows to fill the jar

Method

 

Make the mix

1. In a large bowl, whisk the dry milk, sugar, cocoa and creamer until well blended with no lumps.

Fill the jar

1. Spoon the mix into a clean, dry jar and tap to level. Add the chocolate chips, then fill to the top with marshmallows. Seal and tie on a ribbon.

To make a cup

1. Heat 6 to 8 oz of milk until hot but not boiling (use water only if the mix has creamer). Stir in 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of mix and top with marshmallows.

Notes

Store the mix airtight for up to 6 months.

FAQ

How long does the mix keep?

About 6 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you add marshmallows, give it within a month or two so they stay soft.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Leave out the dry milk and creamer, and make each cup with your favorite non-dairy milk.

How many jars does this make?

One batch fills about two pint jars once you add the marshmallows.

You might also like:

• Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
• Marshmallow Snowmen