Homemade Cocoa

Make+homemade+cocoa+for+your+friends+and+family+for+a+tasty+treat+all+season+long.+You+can+vary+each+cocoa+jar+by+customizing+the+toppings.

Lauren Grant/Iowa State Daily

Make homemade cocoa for your friends and family for a tasty treat all season long. You can vary each cocoa jar by customizing the toppings.

Homemade cocoa is better than any of the packaged versions you can find in the store. Not only is it easy to make, but it also makes a large quantity for a minimal cost. Show your friends and family some love this holiday season with this simple-to-make homemade gift!

This recipe will make two jars full of cocoa. Double or even triple this recipe if you have a long list of friends and family.

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup cocoa

2 1/2 cups powdered milk

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Optional toppings:

mini marshmallows

crushed peppermint

mini chocolate chips

In a medium size bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir with a whisk to evenly combine.

Transfer cocoa mixture to a glass jar and fill about 3/4 of the way full. Top the rest of the jar off with your choice of topping or make a combination of them.

Tightly secure a cap on the jar and wrap with a holiday ribbon. Attach the following instructions for how to prepare the cocoa:

To prepare the cocoa fill a mug half full with cocoa mixture. Heat water or milk until it is steaming, and pour over cocoa mixture. Stir and enjoy!