Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Make this delicious homemade hot cocoa mix to share with friends, co-workers, or the kids' teachers.

Find a pretty cup, fill it with cocoa mix and it becomes the ultimate quick and easy (and frugal!) gift idea.

Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't love hot chocolate?

The secret ingredient in this homemade hot cocoa mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor.

This recipe makes enough hot chocolate mix for four homemade Christmas gifts, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows and a spoon.

Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane and include a tag with the following instructions: "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into a cup, add hot milk or boiling water, and stir well."

Customize each gift to the recipient by choosing a cup, spoon, and ribbon that suits his or her personality:

For the nature lover: select a rustic handmade mug, a small wooden spoon, and a plaid fabric ribbon. Add an evergreen sprig!

For a lover of all things vintage: choose an old teacup and a vintage silver spoon (single silver and silver-plated flatware can be found at thrift and antique shops, garage and estate sales, or online at Etsy or Ebay). Add a silky satin ribbon in a color that coordinates with the cup.

For that special teacher: a "#1 Teacher" cup or one with an apple or other "teacher art" with a ruler printed ribbon makes this a perfect teacher's gift.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry milk powder
  
• 3/4 cup sugar
  
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
  
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
  
  

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process in three “bursts” of about ten seconds each, until mix is an even color and in very fine particles.
  
  
• Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it.
  
  

Makes about 4 cups of mix.

Return from Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix to Homemade Presents

Home to Frugal Living Now