I’ve made a ton of holiday gifts in reusable jars to give this year, and one of my favorites is this Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa in a Jar. Who doesn’t love a mug of hot chocolate to warm you up! This gift is not only simple to make and pretty to look at, but a delicious way to say thank you to those you love and appreciate!

Two mason jars with layered hot cocoa mix inside and red ribbons tied around the jars.Pin
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Why Hot Cocoa in a Jar Make the Best Edible Holiday Gift

  • Personalized Touch: What sets this gift apart from the rest is the personal touch. It’ll show that you’ve taken the time to curate a jar filled with comfort, and that extra thoughtfulness goes a long way in spreading holiday cheer.
  • Perfect for Anyone: Hot cocoa knows no limits – it’s a treat for everyone! Whether you’re gifting to a cocoa connoisseur or someone with a sweet tooth, this jar of joy will be perfect for anyone on your list.
  • Last Minute Holiday Hero: Hot Cocoa in a Jar is the perfect “oops, I forgot someone” last minute gift. I actually keep several ready to go during the holiday season  just in case I run into someone that I want to give something special to. They only take minutes to whip up though, so you can get it all together in no time if you need to!
  • DIY and Budget-Friendly: Putting these jars together is not only fun but also super affordable. You only need a few ingredients making it a budget-friendly yet heartfelt gift option. Plus you can customize it to anyone’s taste!
Mason Jar with red ribbon filled with hot cocoa mix.Pin

How to Make Hot Cocoa in a Jar

The Ingredients

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Granulated sugar
  • Chocolate chips
  • Cinnamon stick
  • 16 ounce mason jar with lid
Ingredients for Hot Cocoa in a Jar.Pin

The Instructions:

1. Layer Ingredients: In the mason jar, layer the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and top with the cinnamon stick. To ensure even, uniform layers use a funnel or fashion a makeshift funnel using parchment paper.

Spooning cocoa powder into mason jar with funnel.Pin

2. Gift with Instructions: Place the lid on top and tie a festive bow around the lip if desired. If gifting, include a card with these instructions: To make the hot cocoa, place the contents of the jar in a medium saucepan with 8 cups of milk. Simmer until the chocolate is melted and the hot cocoa is warm and smooth!

Side view of hot cocoa in a jar.Pin

Tips for Creating Hot Cocoa in a Jar

  • For Perfect Layers: Use a small funnel to get the perfect even layers. If you don’t have a funnel, you can create a makeshift funnel using parchment paper.
  • Add Some Personality: Get crafty with your jar! Wrap a colorful ribbon around the lid, attach a cute tag with the recipe instructions, and maybe throw in a candy cane or two for stirring. Let your creative spirit shine as you prepare this lovely gift.
  • Cinnamon: If you don’t have cinnamon sticks at the ready, you can substitute with 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
A mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and a cinnamon stick. Hot cocoa in a Jar in the background.Pin

More Edible Holiday Gifts

It’s no secret I love using mason jars for gifting. This hot chocolate recipe is perfect in a jar, or you could use a mason jar gift Easy Winter Chili In A Jar or some festive Sun Dried Tomato Basil Pesto too. Here are some more of my favorite edible holiday gifts to give!

A clear mug with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.Pin
Next time you’re in a search for a last minute holiday gift for someone, go for this simple and delicious Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa in a Jar! It takes no time to put together but will make someone feel extra special. Craft a bunch of these for your kids’ teachers, your babysitters or as a fun and festive hostess gift for you holiday parties!

Let me know in the comments if you’re gifting hot cocoa in a jar this year, and tag me on social media if you make these!

DIY: Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa in a Jar

Hot Cocoa in a Jar is the perfect treat to gift this holiday season! It's simple to put together and a great way to spread warmth and joy to all the wonderful people in your life.
4 from 4 votes
Course: Dessert, Drink
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes

Equipment

  • 12-16 ounce mason jar with lid

Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In the mason jar, layer the cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips, and top with the cinnamon stick. To ensure even, uniform layers use a funnel or fashion a makeshift funnel using parchment paper.
  • Place the lid on top and tie a festive bow around the lip if desired. If gifting, include a tag with these instructions: "To make the hot cocoa, place the contents of the jar in a medium saucepan with 8 cups of milk. Simmer until the chocolate is melted and the hot cocoa is warm and smooth!"

Video

Notes

Note: This recipe makes 8 cups of hot cocoa. Feel free to half or even quarter the recipe and use a smaller jar for smaller individual gifts. 

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @Weelicious or tag #weelicious!

About the Author

Catherine is a mama of three. A Kentucky girl living in California. Here’s what I know: all kids can be great eaters and mealtime must be easy. I create simple, healthy recipes the whole family will love.

Comments

  1. I am going to make these. They look supercute and homemade and they are simple! What size jar did you use?

  2. I made these to give as Christmas gifts this year! They were fun to make and a practical and unique gift for families 🙂 Thank you as always!

  3. I think if your co-workers have a couple of children you would give them the full recipe. For a couple you could 1/2 the recipe. I wouldn’t give someone a tiny jar with enough for only 1 cup of hot chocolate.

  4. I would love to make this for my co-workers. Would I just divide the recipe by 8 to get single servings?

  5. I make a sort of funnel out of parchment paper! Place it down into the jar so the cocoa powder slides down the parchment paper and doesn’t smudge the jar. 🙂

  6. I love this idea, but I have question about its execution. My daughter and I have trouble getting it to look so neat. The cocoa sort of sprays up on the sides when added and mixes with the sugar a bit. It doesn’t look as pretty as a result. Any suggestions? Thanks! 🙂 Jenny

  7. Where did you get the lids for the mason jars? It didn’t look like the amazon ones came with them.

4 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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