Home Made Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe & More!

One of my favorite things to make for the holidays as gifts are home made hot cocoa mixes. This mix is very easy to put together and can last a couple of months, if stored in a secure container, such as a mason jar.

This cocoa mix is made with only 5 ingredients and is dairy free. This recipe calls for coconut sugar that I grind in a coffee grinder. You can also use a ninja or vitamix to grind the coconut sugar using the small grinder attachment.

What is coconut sugar?

Coconut sugar is the nectar that comes from the flower buds of the coconut tree. The flavor is lightly sweet with caramel notes. It makes for a great substitution for brown sugar in most recipes. There are claims that it is lower on the glycemic index but recent findings suggest that coconut sugar ranks similarly to regular sugar in the glycemic index.

Coconut sugar is widely available in most grocery stores, and bulk stores, like Sam’s, Costco, and Bulk nation. To get more bang for your buck, buying in bulk is the way to go.

If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can use all powdered sugar. I like adding the coconut sugar because of the flavor it lends itself to the hot cocoa mix. Sweet chocolate goodness with hints of caramel.

I love using mason jars, especially the wide mouth jars. I used two different kinds of jars due to what was available at the time. Simply wash all mason jars and lids with warm soapy water, dry, and fill. You can decorate them simply by adding a small tag with directions and some twine.

 I added a small embellishment in the lid using a cut out, decorative card stock, and buttons or snowflake stickers. Use whatever you have on hand or keep it as simple as you want.

 

Kids can help!

Kids make excellent cheap labor helpers. Older children can help measure, clean or decorate jars, while the younger ones can stick on labels or mix ingredients, depending on ability.

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Hot cocoa mix recipe

Dairy free, allergen friendly, corn free, clean chocolate drinking

Yields: 8, 8 oz mason jars

Ingredients:

2 1/2 C. organic powdered sugar*

2 C. coconut sugar, finely ground* OR powdered sugar

3 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp. Himalayan or sea salt

1/4 C. arrowroot starch*

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients by sifting them into a large bowl and whisk until well combined.
2. Measure 15 tbsp of mix into each mason jar container (3/4 c + 3 tbsp).
3. Place lid on mason jar and make sure it is secure.
4. Decorate, if desired.
5. 3 leveled tbsp of mix to one cup of milk or milk substitute. Jar serves 5.

Enjoy.

Make it extra special by pairing these cocoa mixes with my homemade marshmallows!

BONUS RECIPES!

CLEAN Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

I usually make this with just black coffee and it hits the spot for me. This is a great way to get your peppermint mocha fix without all the extra additives, all the while, keeping that crispy Lincoln in your pocket. Ca-ching.

**Add 3 Tbsp of hot cocoa mix to hot coffee, (with milk/cream/milk substitute) and mix well until completely dissolved. Add ¼ tsp of peppermint extract OR 1 drop of peppermint oil. You can add more sweetener of choice, if desired.

Adult Cocoa Drink

And… This delicious cocoa is great as an adult drink, too. Make as directed and add a shot of your favorite vodka, such as Ketel One.

You’re welcome.