Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar: Perfect Christmas Gift Idea
This homemade hot cocoa mix in a jar is the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family. It’s simple to make and looks beautiful when packaged. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy mix that will bring warmth to any cold winter day. Plus, you can customize it with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate chips for an extra festive touch. As the holiday season approaches, this thoughtful, homemade treat is a delightful way to spread cheer. Simply add a ribbon, a cute label, and it's ready to give!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Easy to Make – Requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins like marshmallows, chocolate chips, or spices.
- Perfect for Gifting – Beautifully packaged in a jar, it makes a thoughtful, homemade Christmas gift.
- Rich and Creamy – Delivers a deliciously smooth and indulgent cup of cocoa.
- Long-Lasting – The mix can be stored for weeks, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients, making it a cost-effective gift idea.
- Great for Cold Days – Provides cozy warmth on chilly winter nights.
Key Ingredients
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the mix dissolve easily.
- Dry Milk Powder – Creates a creamy texture without needing fresh milk.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Optional Add-ins – Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Use Quality Cocoa Powder – Choose a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
- Sift Dry Ingredients – Sifting the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and dry milk helps avoid clumps and ensures a smooth mix.
- Layer Carefully – If gifting, layer the ingredients neatly in the jar for a beautiful presentation.
- Customize to Taste – Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla powder to give the cocoa mix a unique flavor.
- Seal Tightly – Use an airtight jar to keep the mix fresh for weeks.
- Include Serving Instructions – Attach a note with directions on how to prepare the hot cocoa, like adding hot water or milk.
- Double the Batch – Make a larger batch to keep some for yourself while gifting the rest!
- Perfect Portion Size – A typical serving size is 2-3 tablespoons of mix per cup of hot milk or water.
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This homemade hot cocoa mix in a jar is the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family. It’s simple to make and looks beautiful when packaged. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy mix that will bring warmth to any cold winter day. Plus, you can customize it with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or even chocolate chips for an extra festive touch. As the holiday season approaches, this thoughtful, homemade treat is a delightful way to spread cheer. Simply add a ribbon, a cute label, and it's ready to give!
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Crushed candy canes (optional, for a festive touch)
- Layer the dry ingredients
Begin by layering the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and dry milk powder into your jar. Start with a layer of cocoa powder, then powdered sugar, followed by the milk powder. Repeat the layers as needed until the jar is almost full, leaving space at the top for optional toppings.
- Add optional toppings
Once the jar is filled with the dry ingredients, top it off with mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy canes, if desired.
- Seal the jar
Secure the jar tightly with a lid to keep the mix fresh.
- Pre-mix option
If you prefer a more uniform look, you can combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl first, then pour the mixture into the jar. This will create a consistent mix rather than the layered effect.
- Attach instructions for use
Include a label or tag with the jar that provides instructions for preparing the hot cocoa. Recommend using 2-3 tablespoons of the mix per 1 cup of hot milk or water. Stir well until smooth.
- Gift or enjoy
Your homemade hot cocoa mix is now ready to gift or enjoy on a chilly winter day!
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- Calories from Fat 20kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 2g4%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.