Christmas Gift Ideas: Cocoa Jars

Decorate Jars Filled with Home Made Cocoa Mix for Simple Gift Giving

Every year, lists for Christmas gift giving include several of those people who deserve our recognition and thanks, but for whom pricey items are not necessary. Still, you want a little something for teachers, bus drivers, hair dressers, dance instructors, neighbors and many others. Perhaps the need is gifts from your children for grandparents and family members. Whoever the recipient, nicely topped jars of home made hot cocoa mix are sure to please.

If you don’t already have several, purchase one quart mason jars at any retailer selling canning goods. You will also want to buy some inexpensive fabric in a Christmassy print; one half to one yard will top several jars. Coordinating ribbon will dress up your gift, as well.

Wash and thoroughly dry the jars. Fill with homemade cocoa mix. If you really can’t bear the thought of mixing, go ahead and use a retail product, but the following recipe is simple to make, and it makes a lot of cocoa.

This cocoa recipe has been around for years. It can be found in Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook (1989, Meredith Publishing Corporation). This recipe makes a rich and creamy hot chocolate.


Cocoa Mix
1 8 quart package non-fat dry milk powder (about 10 cups)
1 16 ounce package (approx. 4 ¾ Cups) sifted powdered sugar
1 ¾ Cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 6 oz. jar (1 ¾ cups) powdered nondairy creamer

Mix all ingredients in a very large bowl or Tupperware container until thoroughly combined. Seal tightly until used. Makes about 45 servings.

To make cocoa, combine 1/3 cup mix into ¾ cup boiling water.

Variations: add 1 ½ cups instant malted milk powder for Malted Cocoa Mix, or ½ cup instant coffee crystals for Mocha Mix.


All that is left to do is to fill the mason jars with the cocoa mix and add a decorative top.