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Quick DIY Hot Cocoa Mix in a Mason Jar

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This quick DIY hot cocoa mix comes together in about five minutes using simple pantry staples. With crushed candy cane for a festive touch, it’s perfect for cozy nights or gifting in a mason jar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup powdered milk (whole milk powder works best for creaminess, but nonfat is fine too)
  • 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 4–5 regular-sized candy canes, crushed)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for extra richness when serving)

Instructions

  1. Crush the candy canes: Put the candy canes in a ziplock bag and seal it, squeezing out as much air as possible. Use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them into small pieces. Aim for pieces about the size of small peas. Set aside.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the powdered milk, both cocoa powders, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Use a fine-mesh strainer or sifter to sift everything together.
  3. Whisk everything together: Use a whisk to combine the sifted ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is a uniform dark brown color.
  4. Add the crushed candy canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until distributed evenly but still distinct.
  5. Layer in the mason jar: If gifting, layer the mix in the jar for a pretty presentation. Start with a layer of plain mix, then a layer of candy cane pieces, then more mix, alternating until the jar is full. Finish with a generous layer of candy cane pieces on top. If making for yourself, you can dump it all in at once.
  6. Attach serving instructions (optional): Write the instructions on a tag or sticker and attach it to the jar: ‘Add 3 tablespoons of mix to 8 oz of hot milk. Stir well. Enjoy!’

Notes

Use hot milk, not water, for the creamiest result. Whole milk works best, but 2% or oat milk are good alternatives. The mix can be stored in an airtight mason jar at room temperature for up to 3 months. The candy cane pieces will stay crunchy for about 2 weeks. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk powder. For a vegan version, use coconut milk powder and vegan candy canes or peppermint extract. Toasting the powdered milk at 350°F for 5 minutes before using adds a nutty, caramel flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot cocoa mix, DIY hot cocoa, mason jar gift, candy cane hot cocoa, homemade hot chocolate, easy gift, Christmas gift, peppermint hot cocoa

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-diy-hot-cocoa-mix-in-a-mason-jar/