Thank you Vital Proteins for sponsoring this delightful post! All opinions expressed are genuinely my own.
Nourishing DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix with Peppermint Marshmallows (Paleo & AIP Friendly)
Embrace the cozy spirit of the holidays with a homemade touch that’s both delicious and incredibly good for you! This DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix, complete with fluffy peppermint marshmallows, is the ultimate festive treat. It’s not just a comforting beverage; it’s a thoughtful, personalized gift that caters to health-conscious friends and family, being entirely paleo and AIP-friendly. Crafted with care in your own kitchen, this mix transforms simple ingredients into a superfood-packed indulgence everyone will adore.
Why This Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix is Your New Holiday Essential
Is it truly the holiday season without a steaming mug of hot cocoa warming your hands and soul? Hot cocoa holds a special place in our hearts this time of year, evoking feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and pure joy. While store-bought hot cocoa packets offer convenience, they often come loaded with refined sugars, artificial ingredients, and common allergens that can deter those following specific dietary paths. This recipe offers a delightful solution, allowing you to craft a personalized, allergen-friendly, and nutrient-dense hot cocoa experience.
Our DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix with peppermint marshmallows is designed to be a universally loved treat. It’s an ideal gift for both the dedicated healthy eater and anyone who simply appreciates a truly delicious, heartwarming drink. What sets this recipe apart is its secret ingredient: collagen. We’ve infused this classic comfort drink with powerful superfoods, ensuring that every sip is not only tasty but also contributes to your well-being. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that proves healthy food can be incredibly fun and satisfying.
The Power of Collagen: More Than Just a Trendy Ingredient
Collagen has surged in popularity, and for good reason. It’s the most abundant protein in our bodies, acting as a foundational building block for skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and gut lining. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, making supplementation an excellent way to support overall health and vitality. Incorporating collagen into your diet can lead to smoother skin, stronger nails, healthier hair, improved joint flexibility, and a more robust digestive system. This hot cocoa mix is a fantastic, delicious way to seamlessly integrate this beneficial protein into your daily routine without even noticing it’s there!
For this recipe, we proudly feature Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I am a firm believer in the quality and efficacy of Vital Proteins products. Their collagen peptides are unflavored and dissolve effortlessly in hot liquids, making them the perfect addition to this hot cocoa mix, as well as smoothies, soups, and even baked goods. It’s a truly versatile superfood that boosts the protein content of any dish while offering its incredible array of health benefits.
Essential Ingredients for Your DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix & Peppermint Marshmallows
For the Hot Cocoa Mix:
- Cocoa Powder (or Carob Powder for AIP): The foundation of any good hot cocoa! Opt for a high-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor. For those strictly adhering to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), carob powder is an excellent caffeine-free, allergen-friendly alternative that offers a naturally sweet, earthy flavor profile. Both options ensure a delightful and compliant treat.
- Coconut Sugar: As this is a dry mix designed for storage, a granulated sweetener is key. Coconut sugar is a fantastic choice, providing a caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. It’s also paleo-friendly. You can also substitute with maple sugar for a slightly different flavor nuance.
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides: This is where the magic happens! Our hot cocoa isn’t just a treat; it’s a beauty and wellness booster. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides seamlessly dissolve, adding a significant protein boost and supporting your skin, hair, nails, and gut health without altering the flavor or texture of your delicious cocoa.
For the Peppermint Marshmallows:
- Honey: The natural sweetener and binding agent for our homemade marshmallows. You’ll need a full cup to achieve the perfect marshmallow consistency and texture. While you can’t reduce the honey in the recipe without affecting the structure, you can always manage your sugar intake by simply using fewer marshmallows per serving.
- Water: Essential for dissolving the gelatin and creating the syrup base with honey.
- Vital Proteins Gelatin: This is a crucial ingredient for homemade marshmallows! While both collagen and gelatin are derived from the same source and offer similar health benefits, they function differently in recipes. Collagen dissolves in liquid, which is why it’s perfect for the hot cocoa mix. Gelatin, on the other hand, solidifies liquids, making it indispensable for achieving that signature bouncy, chewy marshmallow texture. They are not interchangeable in this context.
- Peppermint Extract: Infuses the marshmallows with a refreshing, festive flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Be sure to use a high-quality extract for the best taste.
- Arrowroot Starch: Used to dust the pan and cut marshmallows, preventing stickiness and making them easier to handle and store. It’s a paleo and AIP-compliant starch.
For Assembling the Gift Jars:
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips (or AIP-compliant chocolate chunks): These add an extra layer of chocolatey indulgence and visual appeal to your gift jars. For a strict AIP option, you can create your own carob-based chocolate chunks. Try adapting a recipe like my AIP Hannukah Gelt recipe, using a rectangular mold, and then chopping the solidified carob into small pieces.
- Glass Jars: The perfect vessel for your homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows. I recommend 11 oz jars for a generous gift, but feel free to use any size. Simply adjust the amounts of mix, chips, and marshmallows you add to fit.
- Ribbon and Other Decorations: This is where your creativity shines! Personalize your gift jars with ribbons, gift tags, small ornaments, or any other decorative touches to make them truly special. A trip to your local craft store can provide endless inspiration for making these jars look as charming as they are delicious.
Crafting Your Collagen Hot Cocoa & Peppermint Marshmallow Gift Jars (Paleo & AIP)
DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa & Peppermint Marshmallow Gift Jars (Paleo & AIP)
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the hot cocoa mix
- ¾ cup cocoa powder, sub carob powder for AIP
- 1 cup Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
- 1 cup coconut sugar
For the peppermint marshmallows
- 1 cup water, divided
- 3 tbsp Vital Proteins Gelatin
- 1 cup honey
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2-3 tbsp arrowroot starch
- For assembling the jars
- 4-8 tbsp dairy free chocolate chips, sub this recipe and use a rectangular glass mold to chop into chunks for AIP
- 4 eleven oz glass jars, or 8 five-six oz jars
Instructions
For the hot cocoa mix
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder (or carob powder), Vital Proteins Collagen, and coconut sugar. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and there are no clumps. Set this delightful mix aside.
For the peppermint marshmallows
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Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan (or a slightly larger one if preferred) by lining it with parchment paper. Lightly dust the parchment paper with 2-3 tablespoons of arrowroot starch, ensuring an even coating to prevent sticking.
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Pour ½ cup of water into a small, heatproof bowl. Evenly sprinkle the Vital Proteins Gelatin over the water. Stir gently with a fork to ensure the gelatin is fully moistened and combined. Allow it to bloom (thicken) for 5-10 minutes.
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In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the honey with the remaining ½ cup of water. Heat this mixture slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a temperature of 235-240°F (113-116°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the “soft ball” stage. Remove the pan from heat immediately once the desired temperature is reached.
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Carefully pour the hot honey mixture into the gelatin mixture while continuously whisking with an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Continue whisking for 10-12 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken and transform into a light, airy, and voluminous marshmallow fluff. Towards the very end of the whisking process, add the peppermint extract and mix until just combined. The finished marshmallow mixture should be lukewarm, very thick, and form stiff peaks.
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Promptly pour the warm marshmallow mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use a lightly oiled spatula to spread it evenly. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and allow it to set and harden for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
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Once the marshmallow has completely solidified, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it onto a clean cutting board that has been lightly dusted with additional arrowroot starch. Use a sharp, lightly oiled knife to slice the marshmallow into small, evenly sized squares. Re-dust your knife and the marshmallows with arrowroot starch as needed to prevent sticking.
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Store the finished peppermint marshmallows in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.
To assemble the jars
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Divide the prepared hot cocoa mix equally among your chosen glass jars. Layer in a desired amount of dairy-free chocolate chips (or AIP chocolate chunks) and the homemade peppermint marshmallows. Secure the lids, then decorate the jars with festive ribbons, tags, or other embellishments to create charming gifts. Store the assembled jars in the refrigerator if gifting immediately, or until ready to share.
To make the hot cocoa
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To prepare a single serving of hot cocoa, combine 2 tablespoons of the hot cocoa mix from the jar with 8 ounces of your preferred non-dairy milk (such as coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk). Heat gently until warm, stirring until the mix is fully dissolved. Top generously with additional chocolate chips and the delightful peppermint marshmallows for an extra treat. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Notes
Gifting and Storage Tips
Once your beautiful collagen hot cocoa mix and peppermint marshmallows are assembled in jars, they are ready to impress! These personalized gifts are perfect for holiday parties, teacher appreciation, neighbor gifts, or a thoughtful gesture for anyone who appreciates a unique, homemade present. The effort you put into crafting these will truly shine through, showing your loved ones how much you care about their well-being and holiday cheer.
For optimal freshness, store the hot cocoa mix in an airtight container at room temperature. The homemade peppermint marshmallows, however, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their soft, chewy texture and prevent them from getting too sticky. They typically last for about a week when stored properly. You can assemble the jars shortly before gifting, or layer them with the hot cocoa mix, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, then simply add a festive bow!
This DIY Collagen Hot Cocoa Mix with Peppermint Marshmallows is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create, share, and enjoy the holiday season with health and happiness at its core. Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness and the refreshing burst of peppermint, all while nourishing your body from the inside out.
