Cookie Mixes in a Jar: Homemade Gifts with Heart
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable, and thoughtful gift idea for teachers, neighbors, or holiday gatherings, cookie mixes in a jar are the answer. These layered jars look beautiful on their own, and they come with something everyone loves—homemade cookies. Best of all, they can be made in advance and kept on hand for last-minute gifting.
Whether you’re filling up stockings, putting together gift baskets, or saying thank you to your child’s teacher, these ready-to-make cookie mixes are a sweet way to share a little love from your homestead kitchen.
Tips for Assembling Cookie Mixes in a Jar
- Use a 1-quart (32 oz) mason jar for each mix. Wide-mouth jars work best for layering.
- Add dry ingredients only. Leave out eggs, butter, or vanilla—those are listed on the tag.
- Use a funnel to help keep the layers neat and level each layer before adding the next.
- Press brown sugar down firmly so it doesn’t shift.
- Finish with a fabric square and ribbon on top for a cozy, homemade look.
5 Cookie Mix Recipes in a Jar
Each recipe below fits a 1-quart jar and yields about 2 dozen cookies. Just layer the dry ingredients in a glass mason jar and add one of these free printable gift tags with directions.
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Mixes in a Jar
Ingredients for Jar:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Gift Tag Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, cream ¾ cup of softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Add cookie mix. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes.
2. Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Gift Tag Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream ½ cup softened butter with 1 egg. Stir in cookie mix. Scoop and flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Mixes in a Jar
Ingredients for Jar:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
Gift Tag Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix ½ cup peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 1 egg, and ½ tsp vanilla. Add dry mix. Bake 10–12 minutes.
4. M&M Sugar Cookies
Ingredients for Jar:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup M&Ms
Gift Tag Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat ¾ cup butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir in mix. Drop spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and bake 8–10 minutes.
5. Snickerdoodle Cookie Mixes in a Jar
Ingredients for Jar:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
Gift Tag Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat 1 cup softened butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix in contents. Roll into balls, then roll in cinnamon sugar. Bake 8–10 minutes.
You can print our free recipe card with all 5 of our Cookie Mix in a Jar recipes for your convenience.
FAQs
How long do cookie mixes in a jar last?
They last up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly to prevent moisture.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
No. These are all dry mixes. Only the fresh ingredients (like butter and eggs) are added when the cookies are baked.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips for butterscotch, cranberries for raisins, or use gluten-free flour blends. Please note any changes on the tag.
Can I print these gift tags?
Yes! Here are the printable tags for each recipe. Print on cardstock, cut out, punch a hole, and tie on with ribbon or twine.
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