Giftable Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar Guide
A cozy, giftable hot chocolate mix made with cocoa, dry milk, and brown sugar, layered into jars with chocolate chips and marshmallows for an easy, shelf-stable treat.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sifter (optional)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon
- Funnel (optional)
- Jars with lids (1-quart or two pint jars)
Ingredients
Dry mix
- 200 g unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
- 250 g nonfat dry milk powder
- 150 g light brown sugar gently packed
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
For layering and decorating the jars
- 80–100 g mini chocolate chips
- 30–40 g mini marshmallows or dehydrated marshmallow bits
- 1–2 peppermint sticks or mini candy canes per jar (optional)
To serve (per mug)
- 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix about 40 g
- 1 cup hot water, milk, or non-dairy milk 240 ml; adjust for richness
Instructions
- Measure and sift the dry base. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, dry milk powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cornstarch, breaking up any visible lumps with the back of a spoon. If you don’t own a sifter, whisk thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom, until everything looks even and powdery.
- Taste a tiny sample of the mix. Dip a clean, dry spoon into the mixture and taste a few grains for sweetness and chocolate intensity. If it seems bitter, add 1–2 tablespoons more sugar; if too sweet, whisk in another tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Stir in optional flavorings. Whisk in the ground cinnamon or any dry spices you plan to use, making sure there are no streaks. You can also stir in mini chocolate chips now if you prefer them distributed instead of layered.
- Prepare the jars. Wash and dry jars and lids thoroughly, then let them air-dry until there is no visible moisture inside. Use a funnel (or parchment rolled into a cone) to make filling easier.
- Layer the mix for a visual gift. Spoon roughly half of the hot chocolate mix into each jar and tap lightly to level. Add a layer of mini chocolate chips, then the remaining mix. Finish with marshmallows on top, leaving at least 1 cm (about 1/2 inch) of headspace so the lid closes without compressing the toppings.
- Seal and label. Wipe jar rims with a clean, dry cloth and screw on lids until fingertip-tight. Label with contents/date and include directions (e.g., “Stir mix to combine. Add 1/3 cup mix to 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or milk. Stir until dissolved; top with marshmallows.”).
- Add decorative touches (optional). Cover the lid with fabric, parchment, or kraft paper and secure with twine or ribbon. Tuck in a small candy cane, cinnamon stick, or mini whisk, keeping decorations away from the jar’s mouth so it stays easy to open.
- How to prepare a mug at home. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or milk into a heat-proof mug. Whisk in 1/3 cup (about 40 g) of the mix until smooth and no dry powder remains. Adjust with more mix for a stronger drink or more hot liquid to soften the flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
