DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (+ FREE Label Printable)

I shared this recipe for  DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix on the Fox News website last year, but I when I went to link to it today, I realized it was no longer up (they totally redid their lifestyle site). With the holidays (and prime hot cocoa season) upon us, I figured I would share the recipe again here!

This is an easy DIY edible holiday gift idea that is always a hit with friends or coworkers. (I also just like to make a batch to keep around the cupboards for a quick and cozy treat. It can be made in advance and keeps very well, so you can go ahead and make a few jars of it now, before things get too crazed!

To make this gift even EASIER, you can download my label printable. Just print it out on cardstock, cut, and attach to your gift with a bit of ribbon or twine!

Free DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Label Printable (click to download PDF)

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DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix 
Makes one 12-serving batch of cocoa mix (about 1 quart). Can be multiplied, as necessary. 

Ingredients 
1 cup instant dry milk
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup crushed peppermint candies (such as starlight mints or candy canes)
5 large marshmallows (optional)

Equipment: 1-quart glass jar with tight lid (such as a mason jar).

Optional for decoration: small scoop, kitchen twine, card for labeling

Directions 
Gently layer each ingredient into the jar in the following order: dry milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, chocolate chips, crushed candy, marshmallows.

Seal and label or decorate jar as desired.

Include the following instructions with the mix:

“To Prepare: Whisk together contents of jar in large bowl then return to container. For each serving, combine 1/3 cup mix with 1 cup boiling water or hot milk. Store in jar at room temperature up to 6 months.”