Hot Chocolate in a Jar: Easy Christmas Gift!

Hot chocolate, or cocoa, is a perfect holiday treat! It also makes a wonderful gift in a jar, and it is a super easy and quick present to make. As an added bonus, this hot cocoa mix is from scratch and can be mixed with many add-in options for lots of different flavors.

Christmas and hot cocoa just meld so well together. Whether you drink it while looking at Christmas lights or sitting next to a cozy fire or even when wrapping presents or watching a holiday movie, it is a perfect option for celebrating in a simple way.

I love hot chocolate, but I wanted to find a quick and simple way to mix up my own. Hot cocoa mixes are really just a few ingredients mixed together, so it isn’t a difficult or expensive recipe. However, I don’t always love the extra preservatives that are used in a lot of pre-mixed anything nowadays, so whenever I can create a mix myself, I try to do so. Also, even though the layers are pretty to look at, I mix the ingredients ahead of time when gifting in a jar. This allows the mix to be served without having to dump all of the ingredients in a bowl and to mix together before serving.

My favorite part about making your own homemade instant hot cocoa is that you can add fun extras to create tasty flavor combinations. I have listed below several options of add-ins that you can use, especially if you want to create a hot cocoa bar or special cup. Also, you can put any of these in the jar with the hot chocolate mix as a gift.

What do you need to make hot chocolate in a jar?

To create a hot chocolate in a jar gift, you really only need these items:

–Mason Jar or Glass Container with Lid: The size of the container is really up to you. However, I suggest a pint size jar at least. It is easiest to use a container with a wide mouth, or opening, but it isn’t necessary.

–Canning Funnel: A funnel is super helpful when you are filling the jar so as not to spill and waste any of your precious cocoa mix!

–Hot Cocoa Mix Ingredients: To create this mix with my recipe, you will need cocoa powder, powdered milk, powdered sugar, and salt.

–Extras/Add-ins (optional): If you are wanting a special flavor, you will want to add this to your hot chocolate jar.

–Decorations/Tags: You will want to place the instructions for how to serve your hot cocoa on the tag as well as decorate the top of the jar with ribbon and fabric, twine and a fancy tag, or whatever you like best!

Hot Chocolate Flavors:

Chocolate goes so well with many flavors. Here are just a few of the options that are possible and the extras that you need to make them:

• Double Chocolate: This one is so obvious, but cannot be omitted. Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate chips to the mix at the top of the jar. Perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Most often found during the holiday season, you can make this variation by adding 1/2 cup of pieces of candy canes or mint chocolate chips. Also, Andes mint pieces are wonderful if you want something a little less minty.
• Salted Carmel Cocoa: Adding 1/2 cup of salted caramel chips to the jar is a tasty treat for those who love a salty-sweet flavor combo!
• Toffee Hot Cocoa: Grabbing 1/2 cup of the toffee pieces and placing them in the jar is delicious! The buttery, sweet, caramel flavor is such a great addition to the hot cocoa flavor.
• Traditional Hot Chocolate: No one can forget the classic marshmallow and hot chocolate combo. Just add 1/2-3/4 cup of these to the top of your jar to give a much loved treat as a gift!
• White Chocolate Cocoa: If you are a fan of white chocolate mochas, then you would love this variation. Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to your jar to create this tasty cocoa treat.
• Peanut Butter Cup Cocoa: Peanut butter and chocolate are best friends, so it makes sense to create this combo. You have the option of adding 1/2 cup of chopped peanut butter cups or peanut butter chips to make this variation.
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: Cinnamon and chocolate come together for this tasty cocoa. You can either add a dash to 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon to your cocoa mix, or top the jar with 1/2 cup of cinnamon chips.

How do you make homemade hot cocoa in a jar?

Making your own hot cocoa mix at home is a very simple process. Here are the steps:

Start by placing all of the ingredients (cocoa powder, powdered milk, powdered sugar, and salt) together in a blender.

Mix until thoroughly combined.

Place the funnel in the mouth of the jar you are using. Use a scoop, spoon, or measuring cup to scoop the hot cocoa into the jar.

Fill the jar to about 3/4 (up to an inch below the top if not using extras) full. You can pat down with a measuring cup or even your hand to make sure the contents are packed tight.

Pour in the extras you are using over the hot cocoa mix. Place the lid on the jar.

Decorate the jar as you choose! Don’t forget to add a tag of how to make a cup of cocoa with your mix.

You are now ready to give your hot cocoa in a jar to the person of your choice! I hope this recipe helps prepare you for the holiday season. Don’t forget to enjoy your hot cocoa with whatever fixings you like as well!