Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix {Pint Jar Size}
I’ve been making my own hot chocolate mixes for many years. It’s such a comforting pantry staple to have on hand for the cold weather. But my hot cocoa mix recipe keeps evolving as the years have gone by. Instead of huge batches made with entire containers of nesquick and creamer, I’m now making this smaller version with simpler ingredients, that’s a perfect size for gift giving too.
Ingredients for DIY Hot Chocolate Mix
Although I used my updated old hot cocoa recipe for awhile, I was ready for a new recipe. I was tired of buying chocolate drink mix and creamer to use in that recipe, but then still having lingering remainders of those containers that were always taking up space.
So this time around, I’m focusing on the three main ingredients of dry milk powder, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. These are ingredients I usually have on hand and that can be used for other recipes too. Then I’m also adding in a little bit of cornstarch (helps with smoothness and thickening) and salt (to counter-balance the sweetness).
But I did decide to try adding one fun ingredient to my mixture too – Marshmallow Bits! This can be an optional ingredient but it’s a simple way to add marshmallows to the mixture, especially for gift giving.
A Perfect Size Mix for Canning Jars and Gifts
I also wanted this new version of hot cocoa mix to fit easily into ordinary canning jars. Isn’t it frustrating when you find a recipe you want to give as a jar gift, but it makes either a little too much, or not quite enough to nicely fill your jars? Yeah, so frustrating . . .
This hot cocoa mix recipe will fill a pint jar with just a little head-space left in case you want to tuck a little baggie of mini marshmallows into your jar too. And if you want a larger batch, just double the recipe and use a quart jar instead.
And to make your gift giving just a bit easier, I’ve got a free printable label for you too with helpful instructions that tell the recipient how much of the mix to use to make a mug of hot cocoa.
Free Printable – – > Hot Cocoa Mix Tags/Labels
Making A Mug of Hot Chocolate with your Homemade Mix
Because there’s already dry milk powder in this mix, all you need to do is add water when it’s time to enjoy a mug of hot cocoa. Just put about 3 tablespoons of mix in the bottom of your mug, add about 3/4 cup of hot water and stir to mix. A pint jar of this hot cocoa mix will make enough for 8 servings.
So far we’re enjoying this new version of a homemade hot cocoa mix and it’s nice to have another strategy for just making my own!
More Homemade Mixes:
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup dry milk powder
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-In:
- 3 tablespoons marshmallow bits
Instructions:
- Mix together in a mixing bowl the dry milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- You can also stir in some dried marshmallow bits if you wish.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar with a lid. A pint size jar works well for this recipe. (see note below)
- To make a mug of hot chocolate: Stir together 3 tablespoons of the mix with 3/4 cup of hot water.
Notes:
This sounds like just the thing for us to make for a neighbor gift, and, perfect timing, too! Thank you! I just read your end of year review and having just turned 65 last month, I’m right there with you. I’ve reviewing a lot of habits, processes etc. too and I completely agree that this is the time of our lives! Rest assured that there are plenty of us out here that have plenty of interest in what you have to share! I’d much rather get my information from you than AI any day! Keep on, Beverly, keep on!
Thank you for your encouraging words Tess!
How about a healthy sugarless version for people who cannot eat sweets. I haven’t had a cup of cocoa in years. Thanks
Many times people replace the regular sugar in these recipes with their favorite no-sugar substitute. I haven’t tried that yet but one of the healthier sugar substitutes, like Monk Fruit for instance, might be a possibility, as long as it dissolves well.