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If you’re like me, you have a number of folks on your holiday list that you want to give “a little something” to show your appreciation. But a lot of “little somethings” can quickly turn into a big expense. Homemade gifts can be a great way to trim your holiday budget! This quick and easy dairy-free hot cocoa mix is festive and frugal!
My family is definitely not dairy-free. However, many people on my list do have allergies or dietary restrictions. So I did some research and experimenting. After an afternoon or too much hot cocoa and a bit of a tummy ache, I came up with this delicious coconut hot cocoa mix. It’s been given the thumbs up by everyone in my family. Because it uses powdered coconut milk, all you have to do to turn the mix into a cozy treat is add hot water! But for an extra rich and creamy drink, it could also be made with your favorite hot milk.
What’s In It and What’s Not
A quick glance at the rows of instant hot cocoa at the grocery store reveal some rather undesirable ingredients: corn syrup, hydrogenated oil, artificial flavors and preservatives, just to name a few. (And of course, milk.) But with only a few ingredients, we can whip up a tasty treat and avoid all the unnecessary stuff.
Coconut milk powder– I used this one but it can be found at many grocery stores in the baking aisle or with the boxes of coconut milks.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Sugar
Cinnamon – I love the way the spice tastes with creamy coconut
*Optional: Mini Marshmallows
* If you choose to add the marshmallows, be sure to take a look at the ingredients first. It doesn’t make sense to me to go to the trouble of making a hot cocoa mix without all the garbage and then add marshmallows with questionable ingredients, preservatives, and food dye. Listen, marshmallows are not a health food, but I think the ones from Trader Joe’s are not so bad and here is another good brand. These are vegan, gluten-free, GMO free, and contain no artificial dyes or preservatives.
Now, if you want to make this project even more frugal, you could leave the powdered coconut milk out altogether. Simply use all the other ingredients and instruct the recipient to add 3 tablespoons of the mix into a cup of whatever hot milk they prefer.
How To Make Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa
This mix is designed to fill a half pint jar and makes “Coconut Hot Cocoa for Two.” If you want to fill a larger container, just multiply the ingredients accordingly!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered coconut milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 T sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Optional: mini marshmallows
Other Supplies
- An 8 ounce mason jar or other container with a lid
- Sticker label and instruction card
Instructions
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For a pretty presentation, layer each ingredient into the jar. Start with the coconut milk, then add cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and fill the remaining space with a layer of mini marshmallows. Secure the lid.
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Add a sticker label and a pretty ribbon/string to finish it off! Remember to include a little card or note with the instructions for making the cocoa and a list of ingredients.
Example Card
Coconut Hot Cocoa for Two
To enjoy: combine mix with two cups of boiling water. Stir well.
For an extra creamy treat: add to your favorite hot milk.
To make only one cup: shake jar very well to combine and add ½ cup mix in 1 cup of water/milk.
Happy gifting, friends. These dairy-free hot cocoa jars make great little treats for stocking stuffers, teachers, babysitters, co-workers, friends, neighbors, anyone really! And be sure to make an extra jar or two for yourself! The winter is long…
Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix
This quick and easy dairy-free hot cocoa mix is festive and frugal! To enjoy, simply add hot water. Or for an extra creamy treat, combine with your favorite hot milk. This mix makes two cups of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk Powder
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 T Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- Optional: Vegan Mini Marshmallows
Instructions
- In an 8 ounce mason jar or other container, layer ingredients for a pretty presentation. First add coconut milk powder, then cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon. Fill the rest of the space at the top of the jar with mini marshmallows.
- Seal the lid and decorate with a sticker label and a festive ribbon.
- To enjoy: Add mix to two cups of hot water and stir well. For an extra creamy treat, use your choice of hot milk.
- To make one cup, shake jar well to combine mixture. Use 1/2 cup of mix to 1 cup water/milk.
Notes
This recipe is for 2 cups of cocoa, but it can easily be multiplied to fill a larger jar!
Recommended Products
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you make a purchase from a link on my site, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I will never recommend a product or service that I do not personally use or like.
