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Cozy DIY Hot Cocoa Mix Jars with Marshmallows

DIY hot cocoa mix jars - featured image

These DIY hot cocoa mix jars are the ultimate comfort food in a jar, featuring a perfectly balanced blend of cocoa, sugar, and powdered milk for a luxuriously creamy drink. They make wonderful homemade gifts and are ready in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup powdered milk (instant)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
  • 4 pint-sized mason jars (16 oz each)
  • Baker’s twine or ribbon
  • Small cellophane bags or plastic wrap

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered milk, granulated sugar, vanilla bean powder, fine sea salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together thoroughly for about 1 minute to break up any clumps.
  2. Sift for smoothness: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl to remove any stubborn lumps and aerate the mix.
  3. Prepare the jars: Ensure mason jars are clean and completely dry. Using a funnel, layer the cocoa mix into the jars. Tap the jar gently on the counter after each addition to create distinct stripes.
  4. Portion the marshmallows: Divide the mini marshmallows into four small cellophane bags, about 6 tablespoons per bag. Tie each bag closed with baker’s twine or ribbon, leaving a long tail.
  5. Assemble the jars: Place the lid on each jar and screw it tight. Tie the bag of marshmallows around the neck of the jar using the long tails of the twine.
  6. Attach preparation instructions: Write or print the following on small cards: ‘To make: Heat 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) until steaming. Stir in 3 heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix until fully dissolved. Top with marshmallows from the attached bag. Enjoy!’ Tie these to the jar or marshmallow bag.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality cocoa powder like Ghirardelli or Valrhona. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother flavor. Make sure powdered milk is instant for best dissolving. Store mix in airtight container in cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Marshmallows should be used within 2 months. For dairy-free version, substitute powdered milk with coconut milk powder and use dairy-free marshmallows.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa mix, DIY gift, homemade hot chocolate, mason jar gift, winter drink, cozy recipe, hot chocolate mix