The perfect hostess or teacher gift for the holiday season is this Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Gift.
There's nothing better than a homemade treat, and these gifts are both easy and appreciated.
Let me show you how to put this mason jar gift idea together that comes with FREE printable gift tags.
I love giving homemade edible gifts during the holidays—it’s such a thoughtful and personal touch. For years, I’ve wrapped up plates of Christmas cookies in festive paper to share with family and friends.
Lately, I’ve started mixing things up with edible gifts packaged in mason jars. One of my favorite ideas was a DIY hot cocoa mix with a gift card tied to the jar—it was a hit with my nieces and nephews!
Looking for more Homemade Gift Ideas? Check out my Pancake Mix, Homemade Granola or my Mason Jar Cookie Mixes.
Table of Contents
- Choose How to Download Your Gift Tags
- Tips for Making and Gifting Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Mix
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- FREE Printable Gift Tags
- Mason Jar Mix Storage Tips
- MORE Homemade Mix Gift Ideas
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Choose How to Download Your Gift Tags
Click HERE to get the printable Hot Chocolate Gift Tags instantly for $2, or sign up with your email at the bottom of the post to download them for free!
Tips for Making and Gifting Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Mix
- Add a small instruction tag so the recipient knows how to make the hot cocoa—using either hot water or milk.
- Use a wide-mouth funnel to keep the layers neat and mess-free when filling the jar.
- Customize the mix with fun add-ins like mini chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or a pinch of cinnamon.
- Dress up the jar with a festive ribbon, gift tag, and extras like a candy cane or spoon.
- Use 32-ounce (quart-size) mason jars for best results. Adjust amounts if using smaller jars.
- Store the jar in a cool, dry place. Use within 2–3 months. For best texture, use mini marshmallows within 4 weeks.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
Check out my list...
My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
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Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- Unsweetened Baking Cocoa
- Non Fat Powdered Milk - like this Carnation brand found on Amazon.
Substitutions and Variations
- Crushed Peppermint Candies - add a layer beneath the mini marshmallows like I do with my Mason Jar Peppermint Hot Chocolate recipe.
- Mini Chocolate Chips- add white or chocolate chips to the jar before you add the mini marshmallows.
- Favorite Candy Bar - try adding your favorite candy bar chopped up into the mason jar mix.
- Festive Holiday Sprinkles - multi-colored sprinkles would look great mixed in the jar.
- Mexican Hot Cocoa - try adding 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the mix for a fun flavor.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients, except the marshmallows, in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture.
Step 2: If you don't have a sifter, you can whisk the cocoa powder vigorously in a separate bowl before combining it with the other ingredients. This will also help to aerate it and prevent clumps.
Step 3: Spoon the cocoa mix into mason jars, leaving room for a layer of mini marshmallows on top. Seal tightly, and your cozy homemade gifts are ready to share!
Step 4: Finally add a printable gift tag with some pretty ribbon. Your Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Gift is ready!
FREE Printable Gift Tags
These gift tags are free for you! Fill out the form below. Check your email for the download link. Don't forget to check your spam folder!
Mason Jar Mix Storage Tips
Store the mason jar in a cool, dry place like your pantry—just like other dry goods. While the hot cocoa mix itself will keep for several months, the mini marshmallows may start to harden or lose their texture sooner. For best results, enjoy the mix within 4 weeks of gifting or receiving it.
For a longer shelf life, swap in Dehydrated Marshmallows—they’ll keep the mix fresh and gift-ready for much longer.
- MINI MARSHMALLOWS: Vanilla Dehydrated Mini Marshmallow Bits in 2.5 Pounds, fresh and delicious flavor, perfect for hot cocoa.
- GREAT TOPPING: They can easily be added to a bowl of cereal or a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
- FUN SIZE VANILLA FLAVORED: Their small size makes it fun to add to any special baked treat, whether mixed in or added as a topping.
- COMES IN A BIG JAR: Reusable jar is convenient and keeps your marshmallows fresh.
- SARAH'S CANDY FACTORY: Made in the USA and repacked from bulk by Sarah's Candy Factory.
MORE Homemade Mix Gift Ideas
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📖 Recipe Card
Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Gift
Ingredients
Equipment
Video
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl; except the mini marshmallows.
- Mix thoroughly until everything is combined and no white is showing.
- Divide the mixture into the mason jars.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the top.
- Place the mason jar lid on top and tighten.
- Decorate by adding the printable instructional tags.
Nutrition
Notes
- To prepare, add ¼ cup of the cocoa mix to 8 ounces of hot water or milk. If you find it too sweet, try using 2-3 tablespoons instead.
- The nutritional information is only for the dry mix.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
LaWanna says
you state Notes: To prepare, add t to 3 tablespoons of the cocoa mix with either 8 ounces of hot water or milk.
your label says 1/4 cup of mix; which is 4 Tbsp. I noticed this on the Brownie mix also, you say 2 cups in notes but 2 1/4 on the printable note. Why the difference?
Lois says
Thanks so much for pointing that out! You were absolutely right—there were a couple of small differences between the printable labels and the notes in the posts. I’ve updated both the hot cocoa and brownie mix recipes so everything now matches and uses the same measurements across the board.
I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out and let me know—it’s so helpful!
Jen says
Hi! I am excited to make these jars. I tried to get the printable tags but didn't receive them. Can you please send me the link? Thank you!!
Lois says
I sent you an email with the link for the printable tags. Let me know if you still don't have them!