Surprise neighbors and friends with this sweet food gift.

Learn how to make homemade hot chocolate mix.

We briefly cover both here, but the full recipe is below with step-by-step instructions.

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix after stirring the mix together

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Transfer the mix to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and seal.

Keep in a cool, dry place up to 3 months.

Many of the most treasured presents we get every year are the sweets and treats people make.

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir with a whisk to combine completely and break up any dry lumps.

Stir in the dark chocolate.

Stir well with a spoon and top with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired.

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix prepared in a mug to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix combining the ingredients in a bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix stirring together the dry ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix adding the chopped dark chocolate to the mix

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix in a jar to store

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate Mix pouring the water into the mix to prepare

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Hot Chocolate mix prepared in a mug topped with marshmallows

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox