Print

Homemade Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix in a Mason Jar

homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix - featured image
Print Recipe

This homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix is rich, minty, and comes together in about ten minutes. It’s the perfect cozy drink for cold nights and makes a wonderful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups powdered milk (whole milk powder preferred, nonfat works too)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred, natural works fine)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (about 6–8 regular-sized candy canes, crushed finely)
  • 1/3 cup hot water or hot milk (per serving)
  • Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional, for serving)
  • Extra crushed peppermint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crush the peppermint candies: Place candy canes or starlight mints in a sturdy ziplock bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine powder and tiny pieces. Set aside.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Sift together or whisk vigorously until uniform and clump-free.
  3. Add the crushed peppermint: Pour the crushed peppermint into the bowl and whisk until evenly distributed.
  4. Layer the jars (optional but pretty): Using a funnel, layer the mix into mason jars. Alternate layers of cocoa mix and extra crushed peppermint for a striped effect. Tap the jar gently between layers to settle.
  5. Seal and label: Put the lid on the jar and tighten. If gifting, attach a tag with instructions: ‘Add 1/3 cup of mix to a mug, pour in 1 cup of hot water or milk, stir well, and enjoy.’
  6. Make a cup: Scoop about 1/3 cup of mix into a mug. Heat 1 cup of water or milk until steaming but not boiling. Pour over mix and stir until dissolved. Top with whipped cream and extra crushed peppermint if desired.

Notes

For extra depth, toast the powdered milk in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until light golden, then cool completely before mixing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to a year. The peppermint flavor intensifies over time. If the mix clumps due to humidity, break up lumps with a fork or re-sift.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint hot cocoa, homemade hot cocoa mix, mason jar gift, Christmas drink, hot chocolate mix, peppermint cocoa

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/homemade-peppermint-hot-cocoa-mix-in-a-mason-jar/