Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Pantry staples for ingredients
A Cozy Winter Gift from Rustic Roots & Simple Living
There’s something magical about cold December mornings and snow days—the kind where the snow falls softly and the house feels just a little quieter than usual. It’s on those days that I find myself reaching for a warm mug of hot chocolate. Not the store-bought packets, but a homemade mix that’s rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients straight from my own pantry.
This Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix has become one of my favorite winter gifts to make. It’s quick, budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and looks adorable layered in a mason jar with a bit of twine and a handwritten tag. It’s the kind of gift that feels thoughtful without requiring a full afternoon in the kitchen — and that’s my favorite kind of gift.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 4 cups of mix)
2 cups powdered milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional but delicious)
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional — helps the mix thicken)
Ready in a jiffy!
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together powdered milk, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch until well combined.
If using chocolate chips, stir them in last.
Spoon into mason jars, clamp-top jars, or tins. Tap gently to settle the mix.
Label with a simple tag:
“Use 3–4 tablespoons of mix per 8 oz hot milk or hot water.”
Ways to Customize Your Mix
For a Peppermint Twist:
Crush 2–3 candy canes and mix into the jar or layer them on top.
Mexican Hot Chocolate:
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne.
Mocha Lovers:
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons instant coffee granules.
Kids’ Favorite:
Top the jar with mini marshmallows before sealing.
Looks like this jar will hold 2 batches.
Packaging Ideas for Gift Giving
Use ½ pint mason jars for single-mug gifts or pint jars for family-sized mixes.
Add a square of seasonal fabric under the ring of the lid.
Tie on a cinnamon stick or a small wooden spoon.
Include a handwritten recipe tag (the little touches matter!).
This makes a perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, church events, or tucked into your handmade holiday baskets .
AI kindly made a label for you to download.
Final Thoughts
There’s something sweet about gifting something warm during the coldest months of the year. This mix is simple, nostalgic, and full of the kind of comfort that “Rustic Roots & Simple Living” is all about — taking the small things, the simple things, and turning them into moments of connection and joy.
Stay rooted,
Roxanne
P.S. If you like the jar labels they are available to download in the Shop section of the website.
