This homemade peppermint mocha gift in a jar is a lovely, edible present to share with friends and family during the holidays. It’s simple to assemble and makes a cozy treat for movie nights or winter gatherings.
Homemade Peppermint Mocha Gift In A Jar
I love a steaming cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day, and this peppermint mocha mix is perfect for sharing. Packaged in a jar, it becomes a charming holiday gift for teachers, neighbors, coaches, or friends. You can keep the presentation simple or decorate each jar for a festive touch.
Below are two versions of the recipe: one-sized for a 16-oz jar and a larger batch for a one-quart jar that yields about 10–12 servings. Choose the size that fits the jar you plan to use.
Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha (16-oz jar)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup peppermint mocha cocoa mix
- 1/4 cup dry milk (optional—omit if you plan to use fresh milk)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunk or mini chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup small or mini marshmallows
- A few pinches of kosher or sea salt (optional, for extra flavor)
Repeat or double these amounts to make multiple jars.
Ingredients for Peppermint Mocha (one-quart jar)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup peppermint mocha cocoa mix
- 1 cup dry milk (only include if you plan to make cocoa with water)
- 1/2 cup chocolate mini chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup small or mini marshmallows
- A few pinches of kosher or sea salt (optional)
This larger jar yields about 10–12 servings.
Supplies for your gift jar
- 16-oz or one-quart Mason jar
- Christmas ribbon or twine
- Festive decorations in red, white, or other holiday colors
- Red & white pipe cleaner (optional for a candy-cane look)
- Gift tags and printed or written directions
- Optional: small holiday ornaments, gift bag, or a holiday mug to include with the jar
Adding a mug to the gift bag is a nice finishing touch and makes the gift feel more complete.
Directions to assemble
- Make sure the jar is clean and dry.
- If using dry milk, add it first. (Skip the dry milk if you prefer to prepare drinks with fresh milk.)
- Add the peppermint mocha cocoa mix.
- Add the sugar.
- Add the chocolate chips or chunks.
- Add the mini marshmallows.
- Top with crushed peppermint candies.
- Seal the jar with an airtight lid.
- Attach printed or handwritten directions to the jar and tie with ribbon. Add a pipe cleaner, gift tag, or other decorations as desired.
Before sealing, tie ribbon around the jar mouth and tuck a pipe cleaner or small peppermint candy under the ribbon for a festive look. Slip the gift tag onto the ribbon before securing it.
Great gift idea
This is an inexpensive, easy-to-make gift that’s perfect for groups, classrooms, or neighbors. It’s also a fun project to do with kids—everyone can help layer ingredients or add decorations.
To make an individual serving from the mix
- Shake or stir the jar to blend the dry ingredients before scooping.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the mix into a mug and stir in 2 fl oz hot water for a quick cocoa.
- Or, for a richer drink, use milk: stir 1/3 cup of mix into 3/4 cup (about 3/4 cup) of hot milk until dissolved and serve hot.
Serving suggestion: Simmer 1 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk in about 1/3 cup of mix (adjust to taste), heat until warm and well combined, then serve immediately.
Pro tip: Using fresh milk instead of water gives a creamier, more indulgent cocoa. If you plan to prepare drinks with milk, omit the dry milk from the jar so the mix dissolves smoothly when heated with milk.
After assembling all those jars, don’t forget to enjoy a cup yourself—this peppermint mocha is a cozy reward for your effort.
More holiday treats
Grinch crinkle cookies, peppermint drinks for kids and adults, copycat peppermint mocha recipes, peppermint white hot chocolate, and gingerbread lattes are all festive ideas to explore this season.
Published 12/17/2015 | Updated 12/06/2021