I’m such a fan of hot cocoa and all things cocoa mixes. I have fond memories of drinking hot cocoa nightly before going to bed while growing up. Now that it is colder outside, we’ve been drinking plenty hot cocoa. We just love it so much. Did you miss my hot cocoa and snack bar (station)? Check out the post here.
Hot cocoa mixes are great for giving as gifts during the holidays. It’s a simple thoughtful and practical act. While it’s nice to give and receive expensive gifts, sometimes it’s the simple practical ones we end up using and appreciating the most. Think about it for a second. Do you have an expensive gift from years past sitting in one corner of your home that you barely used or never even opened? On the other hand, did someone gift you with a box of rich chocolate that you ate just within a few days of receiving it? See, sometimes it’s the simple things.
There is something I love about dry food gifts. I love looking at them and eventually taking a bite or two or three until all is done. At times, I may even admire them for a few days before digging in just because I know they will be gone quickly once opened. Hot cocoa mixes in jars are one of my favorite dry food mixes. I love looking at the layers in the jars and there are so many good ideas of how to layer them. In reality, the layered mix will have to be dumped into another bowl to be make it easier for using. But it looks pretty layered for now.
I chose to keep this hot cocoa mix easy. It’s creamy, delish and does not require a bunch of ingredients. I used Hershey’s cocoa because I love real cocoa – and not the fake stuff. I use the word ‘real’ loosely because no cocoa is real unless it comes straight from the tree, dried, then grounded into powder. Don’t ask how I know that. I love my cocoa real creamy too. Nothing is worse than hot cocoa that tastes watery. Follow the simple steps below to make it. Then grab the free printables (if desired), print them out with the best quality ink on cardstock paper, cut and attach to the jar(s) with pretty ribbon.
- 1 cup good cocoa powder
- 2 -1/2 to 3 cups confectioners sugar
- Marshmallows
- Semi sweet chocolate chips
- Decorative holiday ribbon
- Gift tags
- Food jars
- In a large bowl, mix cocoa powder with confectioners sugar until combined.
- Pour mix in jars for storing.
- Ideas for storing:
- Large jars – Layer 1/2 cup cocoa in a large food jar.
- Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips then with a handful of marshmallows. Repeat layers.
- Cover jar tightly.
- Attach a gift tag to decorative ribbon and tie it around the top of the jars.
- Small jars – If using smaller jars, create only one layer or use less ingredients to make multiple layers.
- To serve: Bring 1/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons mix to a gentle boil, stirring constantly about 1 minute.
- Pour in 1 cup milk.
- Continue boiling and gently stirring until milk is hot.
- Pour hot cocoa into a mug.
- Top with extra toppings and enjoy.
I purposely left out adding dried milk to the recipe because I know not everyone could use any kind of milk. It will be easier to add whatever milk someone prefers in their hot cocoa. Basically add any kind of favorite stir-ins and toppings such as marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate pieces, peppermint, etc for a customized drink. It’s a gift that does not take long to make but is great for bringing warmth and cozy on colder days.
Download the free printables by clicking on this link, wishing-you-a-merry-christmas-printables. Writing out the instructions for making the hot cocoa from the mix is also another good option for the tags. I skipped this step, though but I made these in two sizes. Download them as many times to get the desired amount.
Do you enjoy drinking hot cocoa on colder days? What do you think of putting a mix together for someone who enjoys it just as much?
Zan, this is such an amazing idea. So simple but yet sweet! Thanks for sharing this super cute gift idea!
This is such a great gift to give and receive – perfect for teachers at school and church. I need to fix up several of these to have on hand for last minute gifts. I do love my hot cocoa when it’s cold outside.
This is a great gift idea, especially for co-workers, neighbors and people you’d love to give a little-something to! Nearly everyone loves hot cocoa 🙂
Such a cute gift idea!! It’s great when a gift can be both pretty and useful. I think everyone loves hot cocoa!
Ooh, yummy! Now, I want some hot chocolate. LOL This is a fun gift idea, and easy too. Love it. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
I love this idea – because who doesn’t love hot cocoa?! The tags you made are adorable and yes, I definitely eat the entire box of chocolates in one sitting. There really isn’t any other way to do it! 🙂
Best,
Kelly
This is such a sweet gift idea. Everybody loves something handmade and it’s great because you’re not breaking the bank. 😉
Thanks for sharing!
XO! Vanessa