Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Jars with Marshmallows
These Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Jars with Marshmallows are the perfect gift or winter indulgence. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they come together in under 10 minutes and deliver a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars (each jar makes 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended)
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered milk (instant)
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (about 80g) mini marshmallows
- Optional: chocolate shavings or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Wash and dry your mason jars thoroughly. Let them air dry overnight to ensure no moisture remains.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, powdered milk, powdered sugar, and salt until no lumps remain (about 2 minutes).
- Using a funnel, spoon the dry mix evenly into 4 quart-sized mason jars (about 1 ½ cups per jar). Tap the jar gently on the counter to settle the layers.
- Top each jar with a generous layer of mini marshmallows (about ⅓ cup per jar). Press them down slightly so they stay in place.
- Screw the lids on tightly. For gifting, you can add a layer of decorative fabric or paper under the lid ring.
- Attach a small tag with instructions: ‘To make hot cocoa: Empty the contents of the jar into a saucepan. Add 4 cups of milk (dairy or non-dairy) and heat over medium, whisking constantly, until hot and smooth. Do not boil. Serve and enjoy!’
- Optional: Tie a ribbon or piece of twine around the neck of the jar. Add a sprig of cinnamon or a candy cane for extra flair.
Notes
Do not pack the mix too tightly in the jars; a gentle tap on the counter is enough. The flavors meld together after a week, so the cocoa tastes even better if the jars sit for a few days before using. For a test cup before gifting, make one cup to adjust sweetness or cocoa level as needed. To toast marshmallows for a twist, place under the broiler for a minute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (using ¼ cup m
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
Keywords: hot cocoa mix, homemade hot chocolate, gift jars, holiday gift, easy hot cocoa, marshmallow cocoa, DIY hot chocolate mix