Thanks to the recent cold snap gripping the nation, I want to spend my days near my fireplace, curled up with a good book and a cup of something warm. Instead, I still have to run my usual errands, although there is lots of complaining. “Why? Why is it 9 degrees outside? I don’t want to get out in the cold!” To get myself motivated, I take my hot drink with me. What better way to cheer myself up than a glass of steaming gluten free Snowman cocoa? Not only does it taste good, but there are endless variations that can be made; peppermint cocoa, mocha cocoa and cinnamon cocoa. It can be packaged in a mason jar and given to friends who need a little extra warmth in their day.
I’ve included the basic recipe for hot cocoa mix below. To make it into the cutest gift container, you’ll need some extra supplies. Add one cup of cocoa mix to a one pint mason jar. Top the cocoa mix with 3 to 4 tablespoons winter themed sprinkles. I added blue sprinkles with white snowflakes I found on markdown after the Christmas holidays. Score! I topped this mixture with 1/4 cup mini marshmallows. To give it the snowman effect, I cut four snowmen marshmallow candies (think marked down Christmas Peeps) in half. I added one to each side of the jar. Before I screwed the lid onto the jar I placed a black cupcake liner onto the jar for a “hat.” I placed a snowman sticker on top of the lid. Sneaky tip: All I had in the way of black cupcake liners were Halloween themed. I used the snowman sticker to cover a skull on the cupcake liner. Maybe no one will pull the snowman sticker off.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup cocoa
- 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Variations:
- Mocha Cocoa: Add 1/2 cup swiss mocha instant coffee to the mix.
- Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy.
- Cinnamon: Add 1/2 crushed cinnamon candy.
- Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.
- To serve: Bring to boiling one cup of milk or water. Add 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa mix. Stir until dissolved. Top with marshmallows.
Another helpful hint: Use milk instead of water for a creamier taste. This recipe is gluten free so my daughter with Celiac can enjoy it too. I’ve noticed the rest of the family is not enamoured by cold weather and are happy to indulge in a cup of cocoa with me. What is your favorite cold weather drink?
Pingback: How to Make an Easy Marshmallow Snowman - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Using Leftover Easter Marshmallow Peeps Candy
I think that is really cool, My boys would totally love this. I like that its gluten free too.
This is such a cute idea! Perfect for a Frozen party goodie favor too
How cute! I love the mason jar. What a great gift!
How cute is this in a mason jar! I always say presentation is always best in mason jars!!
This is such a cute idea. It would make an amazing gift during the colder months.
I haven’t made cocoa this season. I enjoy making it after we have played in the snow but we just haven’t had much snow this season.
Okay, those snowmen are ridiculously cute! I love this idea, I should make it for my friend next year as a Christmas gift. He’s gluten intolerant.
I love the snowman peeps in there! I wanted to make some of these for Christmas gifts.
This is so very cute. Even without the snowman I would like it, but the snowman makes it extra special. It’s nice that it’s gluten-free too. Great gift idea!
It awesome how it is gluten free, I have a friend who can’t have any gluten at all!
Those would make super cute & tasty gifts! I’d love one 😀
I will have to tell my daughter about this. She has a teacher with a gluten intolerance who is always looking for new recipes to try out!
This is adorable! It would make for great party gifts.
How cute! This would definitely put a smile on anyone’s face
This is so adorable I can’t stand it. The finished product looks delicious, too.
That looks like so much fun to make and drink! My kids would love.
How cute! My kids have been all about hot chocolate/Cocoa lately they’d get a real kick out of this!
How adorable! I love mason jar gifts. Could also go for a cup of hot cocoa right about now.
Oh this looks like fun. I wish I could find some snowman peeps. I have everything except that.
This looks really cute and yummy. I like that it is gluten free.
Oh, my gosh! How cute is this!? This is a mix my girls would absolutely love!
Okay, that is so cute! I’m a sucker for anything in jars. And I will resist telling you the temperature in Southern California right now 🙂
I love hot chocolate! It’s FREEZING here and has snowed most of the week, I love to have something warm and since I don’t drink coffee, this is perfect!
Such a sweet drink for the season.I definitely would surprise a friend with one!
This is really a cute idea – the Snowman Peeps adds such a special touch. It is cold in Wisconsin -25 outside with wind chill BURR
That’s super-cute! And who doesn’t love a mason jar gift, I ask you?!
So many ways to repurpose a mason jar. It’s a gift all on its own!
This is very cute and I know my girls would love this. They would also love to make it for others.
This is such a cute gift idea! I am a huge fan of hot chocolate, it is the only hot drink that I can stand to drink so I will definitely be making lots and lots of this!
That is a super cute idea! I know a lot of people who are into snowmen as a theme at winter so this would make a great gift idea for them.
I absolutely love all of these recipes in a jar you’ve been posting. It’s such a cute idea, and there’s one for every holiday. Yay!
I love things in jars, too! They are clever and fun!
That is the cutest idea ever. My kids would LOVE that.