Preheat oven to 350°F. Place almonds on a baking sheet and bake for just a few minutes, stirring each minute, until the almonds are lightly toasted. Once you smell them, they’re done. Do not walk away from the oven for any reason or they’ll burn! Nuts go from raw to burned in seconds, so as soon as you smell them, remove them from the oven.

While the almonds are toasting, place maple syrup in a large bowl. Pour hot almonds into the syrup and stir to coat. Pour 3/4 cup hot cocoa mix over the almonds and stir to coat. Pour nuts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat. Let cool.

Place remaining hot cocoa mix in a large gallon ziploc bag. Place almonds inside, seal the bag, and shake to coat a second time, just before serving or gifting.