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A Simple Homemade Gift: Christmas Cookies in a Jar Mix
Surprise your loved ones this holiday season with a delightful present: a mason jar filled with the makings of scrumptious Christmas cookies. It’s the ultimate shortcut to homemade treats that will surely bring joy to their taste buds.Â
All you need to do is carefully layer the pre-measured dry ingredients in a beautiful jar, and accompany it with simple baking instructions. We’ve included Free printable gift tags to make it even easier to give as a gift.  Spread the holiday spirit with this unforgettable gift!
CUSTOMIZABLEÂ RECIPE
Our cookie mix recipe is a versatile and delightful treat that brings joy to everyone. With a simple recipe as its foundation, this mix can be customized with various ingredients and flavors to create an array of delicious cookies. From classic chocolate chip to festive peppermint or indulgent double chocolate, the possibilities are endless. Just follow the instructions on the jar, add a few additional ingredients, and enjoy the sweet taste of homemade cookies that spread warmth and happiness during the holiday season.
WHY MAKEÂ CHRISTMAS COOKIESÂ IN AÂ JAR?
I often feel that the holidays can lose their personal touch, getting lost in the hustle and commercialization that tends to take over. It becomes more about rushing and spending, which can be really stressful, both on our time and wallets. That’s why I’m drawn to the idea of simplifying the holidays with simple, thoughtful gifts like these Christmas cookies in a jar. They bring back that personal element, allowing us to step away from the commercial frenzy and focus on what really matters – sharing genuine moments and heartfelt gifts. It’s a small but meaningful way to reclaim the spirit of the season.Â
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR CREATING THEÂ COOKIEÂ IN AÂ JARÂ MIX
Here is a shopping list of ingredients you will need to have on hand to make this recipe if giving as a gift:Â
- Regular white all-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Dark brown sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White sugar
- Mix-ins — such as chocolate chips, M&Ms, walnuts, cranberries, butterscotch chips, semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candies, or a combination of these.
Additional Ingredients If Baking Them Yourself:
- Egg
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
HOW TO ASSEMBLE THEÂ CHRISTMAS COOKIESÂ IN AÂ JARÂ MIX
Here’s how to assemble your Christmas cookie mix in the jar, broken down into easy, numbered steps:
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even mix for your cookie base.
Layer the Flour Mixture: Carefully spoon the flour mixture into your clean, dry mason jar. Gently tap the jar on your counter to settle the flour, creating a smooth and even layer at the bottom.
Add Dark Brown Sugar: Layer the dark brown sugar over the flour. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly, aiming for a flat, even layer.
Layer Light Brown Sugar: Follow with the light brown sugar, pressing it down as well, to create another distinct layer.
Add Granulated Sugar: Next, add a layer of granulated sugar, pressing it lightly for consistency.
Top with Mix-ins: Finally, add your chosen mix-ins (like M&Ms and chocolate chips) to fill the jar to the top. Make sure these are packed in snugly to prevent shifting.
Seal the Jar: Once all the layers are in place, close the jar with its lid, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to keep the contents fresh. Add ribbon and a gift tag (Free printable below) and your gift is ready!
A QUICK NOTE ON MEASURINGÂ FLOURÂ CORRECTLY
To ensure your Christmas cookies turn out just right, it’s crucial to measure the flour accurately. First, stir the flour in its container to loosen it. Then, gently spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, like the back of a knife, for a smooth, even surface. Avoid scooping directly from the container, as this can compact the flour and lead to using too much. The right measurement is key to the perfect cookie!Â
And there you have it! Your Christmas cookie mix is ready to be gifted or stored for later baking.
Festive Christmas Cookies In A Jar: A Delightful DIY Gift
Equipment
- 1 quart-sized (32 oz) clear mason jar with lid (cleaned and dried)
- Baker’s twine or decorative ribbon (optional)
- Gift tags and/or other embellishments
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS COOKIE JAR
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 265g
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dark brown sugar firmly packed (100g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar firmly packed (100g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50g
- 1 to 1 ½ cups mix-ins
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE GIFT RECIPIENT
- 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
ASSEMBLING YOURÂ CHRISTMAS COOKIEÂ JAR
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Carefully spoon the flour mixture into the bottom of your mason jar. Tamp it down to pack the flour as much as possible. Aim for straight edges against the glass for a visually pleasing layer, but don’t worry if it’s a bit uneven in the middle. If there’s excess flour on the sides, gently wipe it down with a paper towel or pastry brush.
- Layer the dark brown sugar over the flour, pressing firmly. Follow with a layer of light brown sugar, and then top with granulated sugar, ensuring each layer is packed and even.
- Add your chosen mix-ins, filling to the very top of the mason jar. The goal is to pack everything tightly to prevent shifting during transportation.
- Secure the lid tightly. Attach a Free printable instruction tag (provided above) to the jar with baker’s twine or ribbon.
INSTRUCTIONSÂ FOR THEÂ GIFTÂ RECIPIENT
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Let the melted butter cool until it's no longer warm to the touch.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the cooled butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour all the ingredients from the jar into the bowl. Stir well until completely combined, ensuring any clumps are broken up.
- Drop the cookie dough by rounded 1 ½ tablespoon-sized scoops onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
THE JOY OF GIFTING
This Christmas Cookies in a Jar recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients. It’s a symbol of the holiday spirit, a token of love and care. As you assemble these jars, imagine the joy they’ll bring, the sweet aromas filling your loved ones’ kitchens, and the smiles as they bite into a freshly baked cookie. It’s a gift that embodies the essence of the season – sharing, caring, and creating joyous memories.
So, let’s get into the holiday spirit and spread some homemade happiness, one jar at a time! And if you enjoyed this tutorial on making Christmas cookies in a jar mix for gifting, you might also enjoy these other recipes and crafts for homemade gifts.
- DIY Fire Starters: Charming Homemade Gifts & Printable Tags
- Easy Recipe for Lotion Bars with Only 3 Ingredients
- Cedarwood and Sage Winter Bath Soak Recipe
- Make Your Own Lavender Linen Spray (With Free Labels)
- Easy Bath Melt Recipe With Soothing Chamomile and Oat
- Recipe for Cinnamon Ornaments: The Perfect Addition to an Old-Fashioned Holiday
- Dried Orange Slices for Natural Homemade Ornaments
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