Hot cocoa mason jars make a cute gift idea for any occasion. This is an easy recipe to make, and I have printable gift tags so your hot chocolate jar gift recipe is ready for gifting. I also have some variations of things to add for different flavors.

Hot Cocoa Mason Jars

Hot cocoa is a classic winter drink that almost everyone loves. These hot cocoa mix jars make a cute presentation to give as a gift or keep on the shelf for yourself for homemade hot chocolate mix.

You can easily make several jars (think teacher gifts!) or make a few jars and keep on the shelf for yourself.

I made them layered because they look cute, but you can also mix the ingredients in a bowl before filling the jars so it's ready to go.

Don't forget to grab your free printable gift tags below!

For more hot chocolate recipes, check out these posts:

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love making hot cocoa mason jars because they are so easy to make! Just line up your jars, add the ingredients, and then attach the label. Boom. Several jars done in just a few minutes.

You can customize your hot chocolate jar gift recipe by adding different things. I have a list of variations and additives below to use.

This hot chocolate recipe in a mason jar is made with real ingredients without preservatives or fillers. This gives it a better taste, and you can enjoy a mug of hot cocoa without the additives.

They are easy to store on the shelf for cold winter nights. Too tired to make hot cocoa from scratch? Just grab a jar off the shelf and make it.

This hot chocolate mix in a jar gift is inexpensive. I've given them as teacher gifts because it's hard to buy for 10+ teachers each year.

How Long Does Hot Cocoa Last?

If you keep the jar sealed and moisture doesn't get into it, this mason jar hot cocoa mix recipe will last about 6 to 12 months.

This is a 16 oz mason jar hot chocolate recipe, so each jar holds 4 servings of cocoa. My recipe makes two 8-ounce jars or one 16-ounce jar of hot cocoa mix.

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Variations

This hot cocoa mason jar mix is a basic recipe, but here are some variations that you can make:

Make a sugar free hot chocolate mix in a jar with this sugar free hot chocolate mix recipe.
Use milk to make your hot chocolate instead of water. It makes it creamy for a delicious treat.
You can also use almond milk or oat milk. Personally, I prefer oat milk.
Instead of chocolate chips, try crushed peppermint candies or Andes bits.
Use white chocolate powder or dark chocolate powder for delicious variations. Note that the white chocolate power is a premade hot chocolate mix, so don't add the milk powder or sugar.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, chai mix, or vanilla powder for a flavored mix.
Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy hot chocolate.
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of vanilla powder for baking.

Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Mix Ingredients and Supplies

Here's what you'll need for the best homemade hot chocolate mix in a jar:

Mason jars - This hot cocoa mix jar gift makes two 8-ounce (jelly) jars or one 16-ounce pint jar. For gift giving, I like to use a 16 oz mason jar hot chocolate recipe.

Labels - I have printable labels below this list. Just enter your email address for instant delivery.

Twine - I use red and white baker's twine. You can use any twine you'd like to attach the labels.

Scissors and paper trimmer - I like to use a paper trimmer for cleaner edges, but you can also use scissors to cut the labels.

Hole punch

Sugar - Use regular sugar or stevia. Personally, I find that half stevia powder and half sugar cuts the calories without sacrificing taste.

Unsweetened cocoa powder - You can use your favorite brand. I recommend a higher quality cocoa powder like Nestle cocoa powder or Hershey's cocoa powder. You can also use a dark chocolate powder or a Dutch chocolate powder. I like to mix chocolate powder and Dutch chocolate because it almost tastes like an Oreo!

Powdered milk - You can use nonfat powdered milk or whole powdered milk. I recommend using whole powdered milk if you plan to use water to make your hot cocoa mix jars.

Chocolate chips - These give the hot cocoa mix in a jar more chocolate flavor. You can use regular chocolate chips, but I like mini chocolate chips because the melt quicker. You can also use white chocolate chips for a delicious flavor.

Mini marshmallows - I used dried mini marshmallows. You can use your favorite marshmallows or omit them, but the powder will not fill up the jars.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar

Step #1

Layer the dry ingredients into the jars. For a 16 oz mason jar hot chocolate recipe, layer 1 cup sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup powdered milk. 1/2 cup chocolate chips, and 1 to 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows.

To make 2 8-ounce jelly jars, add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup powdered milk, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows to each jar. I used a mason jar funnel to make it easy and prevent spilling. Add a lid.

Step #2

Print the tags and cut out the tags using a paper trimmer or scissors. Punch a hole in the top left corner of the tag.

Step #3

Cut the twine about three feet long. Wrap it around the rim of the jar several times. Stick one end of the twine through the hole in the tag and tie into a bow.

Step #4

Add 1/4 cup powdered mix to a mug. Add 8 ounces warm water or milk and stir. Enjoy!

Your hot chocolate mix in a jar gift is ready for gifting! I also use this hot chocolate mix to make these easy peppermint hot cocoa cookies.

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How to Make Hot Cocoa in a Jar + Free Printable Gift Tag

Hot Cocoa Mason Jars

Why You'll Love This Recipe

How Long Does Hot Cocoa Last?

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe Variations

Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Mix Ingredients and Supplies