Dessert

Hot Chocolate in a Jar Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

Introduction

Hot chocolate in a jar is a charming and convenient gift or treat that lets you enjoy rich, creamy cocoa anytime. This easy-to-make mix combines all the classic ingredients layered beautifully in a jar, ready to warm you up with just a few simple steps.

A clear glass jar with a metal lid is filled with five distinct layers: the bottom layer is white and powdery, followed by a smooth brown layer, then a light tan powdery layer, topped with a mix of small dark chocolate chips and white mini marshmallows. The jar is tied with red and white striped string holding a white tag with black and red writing and a small colorful illustration. The jar sits on a light wooden board with several mini marshmallows and chocolate chips scattered around it. Another similar jar with a metal lid and tag is blurred in the background, all placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has red stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup powdered milk
½ cup chocolate chips
1 to 1 ½ cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the dry ingredients into a 16-ounce mason jar. Start with 1 cup sugar, then add 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, followed by ½ cup powdered milk, ½ cup chocolate chips, and finally 1 to 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows. Use a funnel to make layering easier and prevent spills. Seal the jar with a lid.
Step 2: Print and cut out tags for the jars. Punch a hole in the top left corner of each tag.
Step 3: Cut about three feet of twine and wrap it around the rim of the jar several times. Thread one end of the twine through the tag’s hole and tie it into a bow to attach the tag securely.
Step 4: To make hot chocolate, spoon ¼ cup of the mix into a mug and add 8 ounces of hot milk or water. Stir well until smooth and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute powdered milk with powdered coconut milk or your preferred plant-based milk powder.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of peppermint extract to the jar for a festive twist.
If you prefer sweeter hot chocolate, increase the sugar slightly or add white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips.

Storage

Store the jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly sealed, the mix will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Once prepared as a drink, consume immediately; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar with a silver metal lid is shown on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Inside the jar, there are multiple layers: a bottom white powder layer, a middle light brown layer, a thin powdery white layer, and at the top small white marshmallows with some dark brown chunks visible under them. The jar has a red and white twisted string tied around its neck with a paper tag attached. Around the jar on the wooden board, there are a few scattered white mini marshmallows and dark brown chocolate chips. A white cloth with a red stripe is partially visible beside the jar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, you can use hot water to make the hot chocolate, but using milk gives it a richer, creamier flavor.

How many servings does one jar make?

A 16-ounce jar contains enough mix to make approximately 8 servings, using ¼ cup mix per serving.

Hot Chocolate in a Jar Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 jar (16 oz) or 2 jars (8 oz each) of hot chocolate mix 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Hot Chocolate in a Jar recipe is a perfect gift or cozy treat for chilly days. It layers sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered milk, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows in a mason jar, making it easy to prepare a rich and creamy hot chocolate by simply adding hot milk or water. The jars come beautifully packaged with twine and tags for gifting or personal use.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup powdered milk
½ cup chocolate chips
1 to 1 ½ cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

Layer Ingredients: Layer the dry ingredients into a 16 oz mason jar starting with 1 cup sugar, followed by 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, then ½ cup powdered milk, ½ cup chocolate chips, and finally 1 to 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows. Use a mason jar funnel to prevent spilling and add a lid to seal.
Prepare Tags: Print the tags and cut them out precisely using a paper trimmer or scissors. Punch a hole in the top left corner of each tag for attaching.
Attach Twine and Tag: Cut a 3-foot long piece of twine, wrap it around the rim of the jar several times, thread one end through the hole in the tag, and tie it into a neat bow to secure.
Serving Instructions: To serve, scoop ¼ cup of the mix into a mug and pour 8 ounces of hot milk or hot water over it. Stir well until fully blended and enjoy your warm, comforting hot chocolate.

Notes

Use hot milk for a creamier, richer hot chocolate; hot water works for a lighter version.
Adjust marshmallow quantity to taste or substitute with mini vegan marshmallows for a vegan option.
Store jars in a cool, dry place to keep ingredients fresh for several months.
Shake the jar before use if ingredients have settled.
The recipe can be halved to fill small 8-ounce jars as well, using the ingredient quantities mentioned.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: hot chocolate, cocoa mix, easy hot chocolate recipe, gift jar, mason jar desserts, homemade hot cocoa, holiday gift idea

Charlotte Montgomery

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