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    Home » Our latest posts » Drinks

    Gifts in a Jar: Hot Cocoa Mix with 3 Variations

    December 4, 2018 Filed Under: Drinks, Hot Drinks

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    This Hot Cocoa Mix is great to have on hand during winter for personal use or add it to mason jars for a quick last minute gift. Basic recipe plus 3 variations: peppermint, mocha and sugar free.

    If you need a quick last minute gift this winter, grab a mason jar and fill it with this easy and delicious Hot Cocoa Mix, add a note with the instructions and you are done!

    top down view of mug of hot cocoa with cookies with text overlay "Gifts in a Jar: Hot Cocoa Mix"

    I like to keep a few jars of this Hot Cocoa Mix on hand for those "oops I forgot" occasions like neighbors, teachers, that person that got you something and you don't have one for them... or am I the only spacey one here.

    The recipe below makes about 10 cups, enough for 5 pint sized mason jars. Plenty for gift giving.

    Cut it in half or one quarter for home use. Unless you want a lot of hot cocoa on hand. Mmmmmm. My guys wouldn't object.

    Hot Cocoa Mix Variations

    I have three variations below, but don't limit yourself to just those.

    Peppermint - crush up peppermint candies and add to the mix.

    Mocha - add instant coffee or espresso powder (this was a hit for teacher gifts)

    Sugar and/or Dairy Free - use stevia or sucralose instead of the sugar and non-dairy creamer for the milk (make sure it is sugar free creamer if you need both non-dairy and sugar free, which I do for one friend)

    To make it extra creamy, swap in some or all non-dairy creamer for the milk. You can also go for flavored creamer like vanilla or caramel.

    Printable Tags for Hot Cocoa Mix in Jars

    Here are some printable gift tags to attach to the jars

    printable tags with cocoa mix instructions

    Hot Cocoa Mix

    top down view of mug of hot cocoa
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 4 cups powdered milk (or use some or all non-dairy powdered creamer)

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, sift in each of the ingredients to remove any lumps. Stir in the powdered milk, and whisk well until combined.
    • Scoop into jars, or other container and store up to 6 months.
    • To make cocoa, add ½ cup mix to ½ cup boiling water.

    Notes

    Variations

    Peppermint: crush peppermint candies (starlight mints, candy canes, etc.) in a bag with a hammer or in the food processor to get about ¼ cup. Stir in the mix before putting in jars
    Mocha: add 3-4 tablespoons of instant espresso powder (this is my favorite) to the mix before putting in jars. If using instant coffee add the equivalent amount of coffee needed to make 10 servings of coffee. 
    Sugar Free: use the equivalent amount of your favorite powdered sugar free substitute for the powdered sugar (e.g., stevia or aspartame). Read the package directions - some only require ½ cup of the sugar free sweetener to equal 1 cup sugar. 

    More Gifts in Jars

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    Gifts in a Jar: One Hour Whole Wheat Bread Mix. Whole wheat bread mix in a jar for gift giving. Bread is ready in one hour from start to finish.
    One Hour Whole Wheat Bread Mix

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suzy Godfrey

      December 04, 2018 at 5:02 am

      Thanks for hosting and have a blessed week!

      Reply
    2. Marilyn

      December 04, 2018 at 4:45 pm

      Thank you so much for hosting again this week. You always do so much for bloggers! Have a relaxing week! I am off to see some posts.

      Reply
    3. Amy

      December 04, 2018 at 11:06 pm

      Thank you for hosting the party. Have a great week.

      Reply

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