In fact, I’ll do almost anything to stay out of the stores during the holidays. My friends all know that they will receive a gift, but that gift will come from my kitchen.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Is the Perfect Gift
Now I’ve been given some doozies in the past from friends similarly inclined to edible gift-giving. So, I try to make gifts of food that will appeal to as many people as possible. No dilly beans. No “what’s-in-that?” unidentifiable candies. Nope. I’m playing it safe. A cocoa mix like this one is universally loved and goes a long way toward solving my holiday shopping anxiety. Preparation time is ridiculously fast. The result is ridiculously charming.
Hot Cocoa Recipes: So Many Options!
I tried many versions before deciding that a simple approach is really the best—no fancy chocolate bits to melt, just cocoa powder, sugar, and flavorings. Dutch process cocoa is more alkaline and darker in color than natural cocoa powder, and therefore slightly more appealing in a hot cocoa. But you could really use either kind. I’ve also included variations for Mexican Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate, just in case you’d like to mix it up!
Try This Trick for Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
One pastry chef trick I use: Blend pure extracts or finely grated citrus zest into the sugar so the sugar becomes perfumed. I’ve done this here for this recipe, but the trick is good enough that you should think about using it in other sugary situations as well. Try combining sugar and lemon zest the next time you make a lemon bundt cake, for example.
Packaging and Gifting Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
When you’re shopping for ingredients, pick out some pretty jars, wrapping paper, ribbon, and few holiday baubles in which to wrap your gift. Print out the mix directions and paste them on oak tag labels, or write them out by hand. Check out your local office supply stores for ideas and supplies.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy Some Yourself!
A homemade gift is truly a gift of love. Love thyself, too, and keep a jar stashed in the cupboard for yourself. You’ll be glad you did, when the four o’clock slump hits on a chilly, gray day.
Fun Hot Cocoa Upgrades
For some added fun, here are some other flavors and add-ins you can stir into the mix before you pop it into your jars and seal them.
Mini marshmallowsChocolate chipsCandy cane bitsSome cayenne or other chili powderCinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or other spicesCinnamon sticks for stirringInstant coffee for a mocha mix
Cozy Recipes to Enjoy with Your Hot Cocoa
Ginger Almond Biscotti Mini Flourless Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes Peppermint Marshmallows Whipped Cream Cinnamon Snap Cookies
1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt
VARIATION: Mexican Chocolate Cocoa Mix
1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon chile powder
VARIATION: Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon pure mint extract 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt
To make one cup of hot cocoa:
4 teaspoons hot cocoa mix 3/4 cup milk (any milk of your choice) Cinnamon sticks, optional Peppermint sticks, optional Mini marshmallows, optional Whipped cream, optional
(Note: the addition of extract to the sugar makes it slightly damp, but the moisture is distributed when you mix it with the cocoa and cornstarch.) Serve immediately with any optional toppings you like.
