Description
This quick homemade hot cocoa mix in a jar is rich, smooth, and comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights or as a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 2 teaspoons powdered vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered milk, powdered vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is a uniform, dark brown powder with no streaks or clumps. Sift if necessary for a smoother texture.
- Place a funnel in the mouth of a clean, dry 1-quart (32 oz) mason jar. Carefully pour the cocoa mix into the jar. Tap the jar gently on the counter to settle the powder.
- Screw the lid on tightly. If gifting, attach a ribbon and a gift tag with instructions: ‘To make: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of mix into 8 oz of hot milk or water. Stir until dissolved. Add marshmallows if desired.’
- Make a test cup: Add 2 heaping tablespoons of the mix to a mug of hot milk. Stir well until completely dissolved. Adjust sweetness or cocoa to taste.
Notes
For best results, use hot milk instead of water for a creamier cocoa. The salt is essential—it enhances the chocolate flavor without making it salty. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. If the mix clumps, moisture has gotten in; ensure the jar is completely dry before use. For a vegan version, substitute powdered milk with powdered coconut milk or oat milk powder.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz) prepare
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 6.5
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: hot cocoa mix, homemade hot cocoa, gift in a jar, DIY hot chocolate, easy hot cocoa, winter drink, Christmas gift