Nothing says homemade love like a “Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar.” This easy and festive DIY Christmas treat is both pretty and practical. Layered with rich brown sugars, colorful candies, and classic cookie ingredients, it looks beautiful on your counter and tastes even better once baked. It’s a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift that works for neighbors, teachers, or friends. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, so you can prep it ahead of the holiday rush. Imagine the joy when someone opens your jar, bakes it, and fills their kitchen with the sweet smell of cookies. This little jar spreads holiday cheer in the simplest, most heartfelt way.
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Why You’ll Love This Cookie Mix in a Jar
You’ll love this cookie mix because it’s quick, affordable, and incredibly easy to make. Each layer looks stunning in a clear mason jar, making it a picture-perfect “easy cookie mix gift” for any Christmas celebration. The result? Soft, chewy cookies packed with chocolate chips and a rich caramel note from the brown sugars. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap M&Ms for sprinkles, or add nuts for texture. This “Christmas cookie jar idea” lets you create something unique without the stress of baking ahead.
What You’ll Need For Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar
To make your cookie mix gift, grab a quart-sized mason jar, measuring cups, and a funnel or spoon for easy filling. You’ll also need ribbon or twine and a printable tag for baking instructions. For a polished touch, use wide-mouth jars—they’re easier to fill neatly. Keep extra jars handy because once you make one, you’ll want to craft a few more for friends and family.
Dry Ingredients
Here’s what goes inside: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and three types of sugar—dark brown, light brown, and granulated. Each plays a role in flavor and texture. Finish with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, holiday M&Ms, or sprinkles. For festive flair, choose colorful candies that pop against the sugar layers.
Optional Decorations and Packaging
Dress your jar for the occasion with bright ribbons, holiday fabric toppers, or custom labels. Attach a printed or handwritten tag that lists baking instructions and a “best by” date. Add a little charm with mini cookie cutters or a small wooden spoon tied to the lid. The right presentation makes your cookie mix feel extra special.
How to Assemble the Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar
Start by whisking flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Spoon this mixture into the jar first and tamp it down firmly. Next, layer the dark brown sugar, pressing it tight, then the light brown sugar, followed by granulated sugar. Finally, add your mix-ins, filling to the brim. Pack everything down so layers stay crisp and distinct during storage.
As you work, tap the jar gently to settle ingredients evenly. Keep a clean cloth nearby to wipe off any stray sugar from the glass. Once sealed, add your gift tag with clear baking instructions. This simple process takes less than 15 minutes per jar, yet the finished result looks like something straight from a boutique bakery.
Assembly Steps at a Glance
- Whisk dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Layer in order: flour mixture, dark brown sugar, light brown sugar, granulated sugar.
- Top with mix-ins like M&Ms or chocolate chips.
- Seal tightly and attach a tag with baking directions.
Baking Instructions for the Gift Recipient
To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, stir together 12 tablespoons of melted, cooled butter, one large egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Pour in the jar’s contents and mix until combined, breaking up any sugar clumps. Scoop dough into rounded tablespoonfuls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are set and the centers look soft. Cool before serving for chewy, bakery-style cookies. They’ll be golden and fragrant—the perfect reward for such a simple gift.
Tips for Success and Customization
Always pack ingredients tightly to prevent shifting. Include a printed tag with step-by-step baking directions and storage info. Stick to shelf-stable mix-ins like chocolate chips or candy pieces. For a twist, try white chocolate chips with crushed candy canes or toffee bits for extra richness. Using both dark and light brown sugar adds a delicious depth and makes the jar look beautifully layered.
Storage and Shelf Life
Your cookie mix will keep for up to 3 months if stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly to prevent moisture. Add a “best by” label to the gift tag, especially if gifting early in the season. Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in the final cookies, so always check expiration dates on flour and leaveners before assembling.
Gifting Ideas and Presentation Inspiration
For creative packaging, tuck your jars into holiday baskets with cocoa packets or a mini whisk. Add a cookie cutter for fun, or a tag that says “Bake Me Anytime.” These jars make perfect homemade Christmas gifts, teacher thank-yous, or thoughtful hostess presents. They also pair beautifully with Classic Thumbprint Cookies for Christmas or Soft Gingerbread Cookies for the Holidays for a complete DIY holiday baking gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did people use cookie jars?
Cookie jars were originally used to keep baked cookies fresh and ready for snacking. They also added charm to kitchen counters.
How to gift people cookies?
You can gift cookies in tins, boxes, or jars. This “cookie mix in a jar” is a creative way to give cookies unbaked, so the recipient enjoys fresh ones anytime.
What can you put in a jar for a gift?
You can add anything shelf-stable: brownie mix, cocoa mix, pancake mix, or even soup ingredients. Cookie mixes are the most popular choice for holidays.
How to gift baked cookies?
Let cookies cool, place them in airtight bags, and tie them with ribbon. Add a small tag or holiday card for a personal touch.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Homemade Dinner Rolls for Your Christmas Table
- Cannoli Cookies – A Festive Holiday Treat
- Peppermint Brownies – Rich & Fudgy for Christmas
Conclusion
Making this Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar is such a rewarding holiday project. It’s simple, heartfelt, and perfect for spreading warmth during Christmas. You’ll love how easy it is to personalize and gift. From the colorful layers to the sweet baked result, it’s a homemade treasure that never fails to bring smiles. For even more DIY holiday baking inspiration, visit my Pinterest page for festive tag ideas, packaging tips, and presentation inspiration. “Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar” makes holiday gifting extra sweet.
Giftable Cookie Mix in a Jar
Equipment
- Quart-sized mason jar Use wide-mouth jars for easier layering.
- Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient layers.
- Mixing bowl To combine ingredients for baking.
- Whisk or spoon For mixing dry ingredients evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 to 1 ½ cups holiday M&Ms, chocolate chips, or mix-ins of choice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Spoon the flour mixture into the bottom of a quart-sized mason jar and tamp it down firmly to create an even layer.
- Layer the dark brown sugar on top, pressing down tightly. Add light brown sugar next, then the granulated sugar, packing each layer firmly.
- Finish with your mix-ins (M&Ms, chocolate chips, or sprinkles), filling the jar to the top. Seal tightly with the lid.
- Attach a printed or handwritten tag with these baking directions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix 12 tbsp melted (and cooled) unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Add the jar contents and stir to combine. Drop 1½ tbsp scoops onto a baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes and cool before serving.
