The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread some cheer than with a homemade gift that’s as delightful as it is delicious? Cookie mix jars are the perfect blend of personal touch and practicality, making them an ideal present for friends, family, and even coworkers. These charming jars, layered with all the dry ingredients needed to whip up a batch of festive cookies, are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.

Not only are they easy to assemble, but they’re also a fun, hands-on gift that anyone can enjoy, whether they’re seasoned bakers or kitchen newbies. Plus, with endless possibilities for customization, you can tailor each jar to match the personality and palate of the lucky recipient. In this post, we’ll share four festive cookie mix recipes that are sure to brighten the season—no matter who’s on your list! ????????

Mason jar mixes are an inexpensive homemade holiday gift idea! They are easy to personalize and share with family and friends.    Assembling the jars is EASY….just measure all of your all your dry ingredients from your favourite cookie recipe and layer them in a jar. It couldn’t be simpler!  PRO TIP: Make sure you use a spoon to help “pack” the ingredients down before adding the next layer, this will help avoid layers sinking into one another.

Here are four fun and festive cookie-in-a-jar recipes perfect for Christmas gifts! Each comes with simple instructions to layer in a jar and a recipe tag to attach for easy baking.

1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients to Layer in a 1-Quart Jar (in order):

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Baking Tag Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix well.
  3. Add jar contents and mix until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

2. Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients to Layer in a 1-Quart Jar (in order):

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Baking Tag Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, with 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  3. Mix in jar contents.
  4. Roll dough into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes.

3. Spiced Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients to Layer in a 1-Quart Jar (in order):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

Baking Tag Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/3 cup molasses and 1 egg.
  3. Gradually add jar contents.
  4. Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar (optional), and bake for 8-10 minutes.

4. Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients to Layer in a 1-Quart Jar (in order):

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate chips

Baking Tag Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  3. Add jar contents and mix. Chill dough for 1 hour.
  4. Roll into balls, coat with powdered sugar, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Decorate each jar with a ribbon, a festive tag with instructions, and a small holiday charm for added flair!

You can have fun decorating the jar with Christmas wrap, fabric or ribbon to make it extra festive!  It’s great way to use up some of those odds and sods from gift wrapping.

Make sure you add instructions on how to turn the contents of the jar into a batch of cookies.    Your friends and family will love this gift, allowing them to easily bake up a tasty treat with minimal effort!