Cookie Mix in a Jar: Custom DIY Gift Idea (+ Free Tags)

Layered cookie mix in a jar is a guaranteed hit and easy DIY gift idea for ANY occasion! Grab the free printable tags and instructions!

Gift baskets are popular gift ideas because there’s something for everyone. But I have two major issues with giving them: they’re expensive and impersonal.

But what do you give that person you don’t know well or has everything?

How about something that makes their tastebuds dance and their tummy hum in happiness?

If you’re seeking a unique and thoughtful gift idea, consider making cookie mix jars.

These cookie jars are the perfect homemade gifts because they’re easy, affordable, and completely customizable. They’re filled with all the dry ingredients needed to make a batch of cookies, and they make for a fun and easy DIY project.

Plus, they make a pretty and affordable gift idea that easy to customize for anyone! Make them for neighbors, teachers, friends, or your mailman. Give them to the staff at the retirement community, nursing home, or the package delivery person.

These jars are great because the receiver can keep them in their pantry for whenever they want a fresh batch of homemade cookies with half the work (and minimal effort). They’re also perfect for making on Christmas Eve… because rumor has it…chocolate chip cookies are Santa’s favorite cookies. 😉

I LOVE easy DIY gift ideas that people actually appreciate and use, and this cookies in a jar idea fits the bill!

What is a Cookie Mix in a Jar

The idea behind cookie mix in a jar is to make it easier for people to bake homemade cookies without having to measure out the ingredients.

It is a great gift for those who love to bake (or eat!) but may not have all the necessary ingredients on hand or may not have the time to measure everything out.

A cookie mix in a jar is a homemade gift that is perfect for any occasion. Pre-measured dry ingredients are layered in a mason jar, along with instructions on how to bake the cookies. 

The recipient of the gift only needs to add the wet ingredients, such as butter, egg, and vanilla, to the jar, mix everything together, and bake the cookies.

Easy To Customize DIY Gift Idea

To make a cookie mix in a jar, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder, as well as a mason jar to hold everything. From there, you can get creative and add different mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize your cookie recipe.

Once you’ve layered all the ingredients in the jar, you can add a decorative label with baking instructions so the recipient knows exactly how to make their cookies.

Customizing a cookie mix in a jar to suit your preferences (or the recipient’s preferences) couldn’t be easier! Just choose your favorite cookie recipe and layer the dry ingredients in the jar in a specific order.

Some popular cookie mix flavors include chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies.

Overall, cookie mix in a jar is a fun and thoughtful gift that anyone can appreciate!

Ingredients for Cookie Mix in a Jar

This part is super easy! You only need to dry ingredients for the type of cookies you want to make a jar for.

Dry Ingredients

The dry ingredients are the foundation of your cookie mix in a jar. Here are some of the key dry ingredients you’ll need:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is the most common type of flour used in cookie mix in a jar recipes. However, you can also use whole wheat flour or a combination of both.
• Granulated Sugar: This is the most common type of sugar used in cookie mix in a jar recipes.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel flavor to cookies.
• Baking Soda: This is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Baking Powder: This is another leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• Oats: Oats are a popular addition to cookie mix in a jar recipes.
• Chocolate Chips: Chocolate chips are a classic addition to cookie mix in a jar recipes. You can also use white chocolate chips or a combination of both.
• Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are popular nuts to add to cookie mix in a jar recipes.
• M&Ms: M&Ms add a fun and colorful touch to cookie mix in a jar recipes.

Choosing the Right Jar

When it comes to making cookie mix in a jar, choosing the right jar is important. Not only does the jar need to be the right size to fit all the ingredients, but it also needs to be visually appealing as it will be part of the gift.

Mason jars are the most popular type of jar used for cookie mixes. They are sturdy, have an airtight seal, and come in various sizes. Mason jars can also be easily decorated with ribbons, tags, and other embellishments to make them more festive and personalized.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a jar for your cookie mix:

Size Matters

The size of the jar you choose will depend on the recipe you are using. Check the recipe to see what size jar is recommended before you start assembling your mix.

In this recipe, I’ve included portions for THREE different size jars!

Click the image below – it’s your own EASY BUTTON to easily decorating your cookie in a jar gift! Just print out the free tags and labels and attach them to your jar gift!

Consider the Shape

A wide mouth mason jar will make it easier to neatly add the ingredients inside of the jar. I have found narrow-necked jars to be more difficult to work with.

Think About the Lid

A screw-top lid will keep the ingredients fresh and prevent them from spilling out. A lid with a rubber seal will provide an extra layer of protection and keep the ingredients even fresher.

Step by Step Recipe – Turning Your Cookie Mix into Cookies

Now that you have your cookie mix in a jar, it’s time to turn it into delicious cookies! Follow these simple steps to bake your cookies to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 jar of cookie mix
• Butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Equipment

• Funnel
• Oven
• Baking sheets
• Greased cookie sheet

*NOTE: For the full recipe (including portions), please use the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Baking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, pour the contents of the cookie mix jar.
3. Add the melted butter, vanilla, and egg to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out the cookie dough and place it onto a greased (or parchment paper-lined) cookie sheet.
5. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
8. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cookie Mix in a Jar Tips

• Make sure you use a clean, DRY jar. You don’t want any moisture in there.
• I recommend using a funnel to add the ingredients into the jar.
• Tap the jar on the counter to flatten the ingredients after adding each new ingredient.
• I think the jar looks the best when you use a spoon to push down the ingredients and create a nice line.
• Pack the ingredients in nice and tight so they all fit.
• For an added decorative touch, cut out a 6-inch piece of fabric and place it between the lid and the band.

Cookie Mix in a Jar Variations

If you’re looking for a fun and easy, great gift idea, mason jar cookies are a great option. Not only are these chocolate chip cookies mason jar gifts thoughtful and personalized, but they’re also delicious! 

Here are some variations of cookie mix in a jar that you can make for your friends and family.

Different Flavor Cookie Mixes

If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY gift, mason jar cookies are a great option. Not only are these chocolate chip cookies mason jar gift thoughtful and personalized, but it’s also delicious! 

Here are some ideas for mason jar cookie mixes:

• Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Add peanut butter cups to a chocolate chip cookie mix for a delicious twist.
• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Add oatmeal to your mason jar cookie mix.
• Hazelnut Rocky Road Brownie Mix: Add hazelnuts and marshmallows to a brownie mix for a unique flavor.
• Toffee-Pecan Cookie Mix: Add toffee bits and pecans to a sugar cookie mix for a sweet and nutty flavor.
• Macaroon Mix: Create a coconut macaroon mix for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert.
• Toffee Blondies in a Jar: Add toffee bits to a blondie mix for a sweet and chewy treat.
• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Mix oatmeal and peanut butter cups for a hearty and delicious cookie.
• Cowboy Cookie Mix: Add oats, chocolate chips, and pecans to a cookie mix for a cowboy-inspired treat.
• Lemon Crispies: Add lemon zest and white chocolate chips to a sugar cookie mix for a tangy and sweet flavor.
• Toasted-Coconut Drops: Create a coconut cookie mix with toasted coconut for a unique and tropical flavor.
• Chocolate Raisin and Oatmeal Cookie Mix: Mix chocolate chips, raisins, and oats for a hearty and sweet cookie.
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add cocoa powder and chopped-up Andes Mint pieces.

Holiday Themed Cookie Mix

You can use seasonal ingredients or colors to make a festive, holiday-themed mix. Here are some ideas to give this holiday season:

• M&M Cookies in a Jar: Use red and green M&Ms to create a Christmas-themed mix.
• Cranberry-Vanilla Cereal Drops: Add dried cranberries and vanilla cereal to create a holiday-inspired mix.
• Milk Chocolate-Cherry Cookie Mix: Use dried cherries and milk chocolate chips to create a festive mix.

No matter which great idea you try, mason jar cookies make a great holiday gift idea!

Adding a Personal Touch

It’s easy to customize this sweet gift to suit the recipient! Here are a few ways to add a personal touch to your cookie mix in a jar gift:

Free Printable Tags and Recipe Labels

To make your cookie mix in a jar gift even more special, consider adding a printable tag or recipe card. You can grab these free printable labels, which include everyday, holiday, and blank versions that you can fill in yourself.

Simply make a hole at the top with a hole punch and use some pretty baker’s twine to attach the cute gift tag to the lid, and some double-sided tape or double-sided dot stickers will work well to attach the recipe instructions to the jar.

Click the image below – it’s your own EASY BUTTON to easily decorating your cookie in a jar gift! Just print out the free tags and labels and attach them to your jar gift!

Add-On To The Gift

If you want to take this gift to another level, you can tape a gift card to the back of the gift tag. Or, for seasonal gifting, tying a cute cookie cutter to the jar with the printable tag is a lovely touch!

Mix-Ins

When adding mix-ins, consider the gift recipient’s taste preferences and any allergies or dietary restrictions. For example, if the recipient is allergic to nuts, you could add dried fruit or seeds instead.

Gluten-Free Options

If you or someone you know has a gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or celiac disease, it’s important to make a cookie mix that’s gluten-free. This means that the mix should not contain any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye.

When choosing a gluten-free cookie mix, be sure to read the label carefully and look for certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). You can also try making your own gluten-free cookie mix using gluten-free flour that measures just like all-purpose flour.

Storing this Mason Jar Cookie Recipe

Storing your cookie mix properly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Use these tips:

• Store in an airtight container: Once you’ve opened the package of cookie mix, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture and air from getting in, which can cause the mix to spoil. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is a great option for storing cookie mix.
• Keep in a cool, dry place: Store your cookie mix in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Heat and humidity can cause the mix to spoil, so it’s best to avoid storing it in the kitchen near the stove or oven.
• Use within the expiration date: The sealed jar will stay fresh for 1 to 2 months.

Click the image below – it’s your own EASY BUTTON to easily decorating your cookie in a jar gift! Just print out the free tags and labels and attach them to your jar gift!

Cookies in a Jar FAQs

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