Hot Chocolate Mix

1. Gather the ingredients.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk nonfat dry milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and creamer, if using, until smooth.

3. Using a funnel, pour the hot chocolate mix into a Mason jar, filling it about 3/4 of the way to the top.

4. Layer chocolate chips and miniature marshmallows on top of the hot chocolate mix. Seal the jar and include the recipe for making homemade hot chocolate using the mix.

How to Use the Mix

If using the non-dairy creamer in the mix, place 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix in a mug. Add boiling water, and stir well. Top with chocolate chips and miniature marshmallows.

If you aren't adding non-dairy creamer to the mix, warm 6 to 8 ounces of milk in a saucepan or the microwave until hot, but not boiling. Add 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix. Stir well. Top with chocolate chips and miniature marshmallows.

Additional Toppings

If you are gifting this homemade hot chocolate mix for the holidays, adding a bit of broken up candy cane would add the perfect festive touch—or you can add a whole candy cane to the outside of the jar that can be used as a stirrer. You can also add a few white chocolate chips, red and green mini M&Ms, or even crushed pretzels to sprinkle on top. Placing a couple of caramel candies in the jar will bring delicious flavor to the hot beverage, and chocolate or colored sprinkles create a fun finish to the drink. To give the hot chocolate a little Mexican flair, add a few pinches of cinnamon to the mix.

Other Food Gifts in a Jar

If you enjoy making food from scratch and know others who do as well, edible mixes in a jar are a perfect present any time of year. Treat your friends to baked good mixes, such as blonde brownies, snickerdoodle cookies, and blueberry muffins, or mixes for cornbread or biscuits.