DIY Brownies in a Jar for Gifting or Baking
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? A jar of homemade brownie mix is an excellent, thoughtful gift idea that’s easy to make and fun to personalize. Whether you’re creating mason jar gifts for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, this DIY Brownies in a jar is a sure way to delight any chocolate lover. Plus, it’s a great option for both personal consumption and sharing with friends and family!
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Ingredients for the Brownies in a Jar
To start, gather your dry ingredients and a quart jar. If you don’t have a quart mason jar laying around and you don’t have a need for a case of them I suggest shopping at the dollar store.
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (use dark chocolate cocoa powder for extra richness!)
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup of add-ons like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy canes for a holiday twist
How to Assemble Your DIY Brownie Jar
Prepare Your Mason Jar
Start with a clean, dry mason jar. A quart jar works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure the jar has a wide mouth, as this makes it easier to layer the ingredients without spilling. Using glass storage jars not only adds an elegant look, but it also preserves the freshness of the ingredients.
Layer the Dry Ingredients
For the first layer, I mixed the flour, cornstarch, salt and baking soda. The second layer consisted of the cocoa powder. The third layer was the sugar and the final layer was the add-ons (chocolate chips, nuts etc).
Seal the Jar
Once all the ingredients are layered, tightly seal the jar with its lid. For an extra touch of charm, place a square of fabric over the top of the jar and secure it with the jar ring. Choose fabric that matches the holiday season or the event you’re gifting for, such as red and green for Christmas or pink for Valentine’s Day.
Add a Decorative Bow or Ribbon
To give your DIY brownie mix that homemade gift feel, tie a decorative bow or ribbon around the neck of the jar. You can use festive colors or rustic twine depending on the look you’re going for. This small detail can turn a simple jar into a beautiful, thoughtful present.
Attach a Recipe Card
Don’t forget the recipe card! Use a gift tag or a printed card to provide the baking instructions. I printed the instuctions on kraft colored cardstock and punched a hole in a corner to attach it to the ribbon. Handwriting or printing the instructions adds a personal touch. Simply tie the card around the top of the jar with a bit of string or ribbon.
Here’s what you’ll want to write on the recipe card:
- To the dry ingredients in the jar, add:
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Pour the jar contents into a large bowl and mix with the wet ingredients.
- Stir until combined, but do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a prepared pan (a square pan works great).
- Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool before cutting.
Optional Finishing Touches
If you’re planning to gift these brownies during the holiday season, you can add a candy cane tied to the ribbon for an extra festive look.
Assembling the jar with care not only makes it a functional brownie mix but also a beautiful and thoughtful gift. These jars are perfect for gifting during the holidays, as hostess gifts, or even for personal consumption. They are fun to make, and the layered ingredients look great on display in a kitchen or pantry!
Tips for Perfect Layering
- Use a jar funnel to keep the ingredients from sticking to the sides of the jar.
- Pack the layers tightly so the ingredients don’t shift during transport.
- For a clean look, gently tap the jar on the counter after each layer to help the ingredients settle.
Why These Brownies Make the Best Gifts
Mason jar brownies are an excellent hostess gift or edible gift for the holiday season. With easy brownie mix instructions and customizable ingredients, these jars are not only functional but also add a homemade touch. Consider adding dark chocolate chips, peppermint flavor, or cream cheese for an extra special batch of fudgy brownies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DIY Brownies in a Jar make the perfect gift for any occasion, whether it’s the holiday season, a birthday, or a simple thank-you gesture. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable add-ons, this homemade brownie mix is a thoughtful way to share a little sweetness with loved ones. The beautiful layers of ingredients in a mason jar, topped with a festive fabric square and recipe card, create a gift that’s both personal and practical.
Plus, these jars are a breeze to put together and can even be made in batches for last-minute gifting. So, grab your jars, layer up those ingredients, and give the gift of fudgy, delicious brownies that anyone would be thrilled to bake and enjoy. Happy baking!

Brownies in a Jar
Equipment
- 1 glass jar
- measuring spoons/ cups
- Fabric, ribbon, and a recipe card for decoration
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces)
Instructions
- Start with a clean, dry mason jar. A quart jar jar works perfectly for this recipe.
- For the first layer, I mixed the flour, cornstarch, salt and baking soda. The second layer consisted of the cocoa powder. The third layer was the sugar and the final layer was the add-ons (chocolate chips, nuts etc).
- Seal the jar tightly with the lid. Decorate with fabric under the lid ring and a ribbon. Attach a recipe card for baking instructions.
Notes
Brownie Baking Instructions
You’ll Need to Add:- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup avocado oil (or vegetable oil)