Warm beverages are welcome during the holidays. Not only do they warm us up, but they add to the festivities. Hot chocolate is popular, and pretty good hot chocolate mixes in dozens of flavors can be found on the store shelves. Most hot chocolate mixes are fairly expensive, however, so making your own not only saves money, but you know that the ingredients are fresh. The following Candy Bar Cocoa Mix is much cheaper to make than store-bought, and a flavor you won’t find on any grocery store shelf. It came about because I bought way too much Halloween candy and had to find ways to use it up. You can just grind up the leftover candy bars (if you don’t have any left over, you can purchase new ones) and add them to homemade hot chocolate mix.

This yummy mix makes a great gift for neighbors and friends. I packaged it in tins that I had in my Christmas stash and plan to add it to Christmas baskets for my friends. I also found cute bags at the dollar store that were perfect for this fun treat. You can use any candy bars that you like – a mix of several, one kind such as Butterfinger or peppermint patties, or your favorite bar. Whoppers make good malted hot chocolate, and Almond Joys make delicious coconut flavored chocolate. Your imagination is the limit. Make sure you attach a tag with instructions.

36 Servings

6 cups powdered milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa
2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups ground candy bars

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Store in an airtight container.
3. To make a cup: Heat 1 1/2 cups water in a large cup (microwave 2 minutes).
Stir in a heaping 1/3 cup hot chocolate mix.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 163 Calories from Fat 22
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 14% Protein 19% Carb. 67%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 4 mg
Sodium 168 mg
Total Carbohydrate 27 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 8 g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 2% Calcium 0% Iron 3%