By How to Create a Festive Hot Chocolate Gift in a Mason Jar with Peeps
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Who doesn’t love a cozy cup of hot chocolate, especially when it’s all dressed up for the holidays? If you’re looking for a creative, budget-friendly gift idea that’s both adorable and delicious, a mason jar hot chocolate gift is the way to go. Add a fun twist with Peeps, and you’ve got a treat that’s sure to make anyone smile. Whether it’s for a teacher, a neighbor, or a little “just because” surprise, this DIY gift is a sweet way to show you care without breaking the bank.
The best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re not the crafty type! With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you’ll have a festive jar that looks store-bought but feels homemade. Plus, you can customize it with different Peeps shapes and holiday decorations to match the season. Ready to get started? Let’s jump in and create something magical!
Read also: Creative & Unique Photo-Themed Gift Ideas
What to Gather Before Starting This Fun DIY Craft
1. Peeps Marshmallow Snowmen
Credit: The Blair Candy
2. Starlight Spearmint Candy
Credit: Crunch & Krunch
3. Mason Jars
Credit: KAMOTA
4. Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix
Credit: Ghirardelli
Making DIY Peppermint Trees: A Sweet Holiday Craft
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for your peppermint creations.
Prepare your tools: Lightly coat the inside of metal Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutters with nonstick cooking spray. This will make it easier to release your peppermint trees once they’ve cooled.
Set up the base: Place your cookie cutters on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any sticky spills and prevent sticking.
Add the candies: Arrange green peppermint candies inside each cutter, breaking them into smaller pieces if needed. Leave a little space between the candies to allow them to spread and fuse when they melt.
Bake to perfection: Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 5 to 6 minutes, keeping an eye on the candies as they melt into shape.
Cool and release: Once the candies have melted, remove the tray and let the trees cool completely. When they’re hard, gently press or wiggle the edges to pop them out of the molds.
These peppermint trees are not only tasty but also make charming holiday decor or edible toppers for cakes and hot chocolate! You can even experiment with different candy colors to create a festive forest of treats.
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How to Assemble Your Mason Jar Hot Chocolate Gift
Layer the ingredients: Start by spooning 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the bottom of a clean mason jar. Gently tap the jar to create an even layer. Next, sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar on top of the cocoa. The layers not only look pretty but also keep the ingredients fresh and separate.
Add the festive touches: Place a Peeps Snowman inside the jar, leaning it against the glass for a whimsical look. Carefully nestle a peppermint tree on top, ensuring it stays intact. These fun extras make the jar feel special and festive!
Decorate the jar: Seal the lid tightly, then tie a festive ribbon around the jar’s neck for a holiday-ready touch. Attach a cute tag or label with the following instructions:
“Remove the Peeps Snowman and peppermint tree. Pour the cocoa mix into a mug, then add 1 cup of very hot milk and 1 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips. Stir well or cover and shake the jar to mix. Serve alongside the peppermint tree and Peeps Snowman for a delightful treat!”
Optional customizations: Feel free to get creative! Swap the Peeps Snowman for a holiday-themed marshmallow or add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for extra flair. You can also use colorful markers or stickers to personalize the label.
These mason jar hot chocolate gifts are not only delicious but also thoughtful and charming. They’re perfect for gifting to friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season!
