DIY Cookies in a Jar Gift Idea
Cookies in a jar make great teacher gifts, holiday presents, or thoughtful surprises for any occasion. This easy DIY gift idea is both thoughtful and budget-friendly, making it perfect for sharing your favorite cookies with friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers. Giving a homemade gift is a simple way to show appreciation any time of year — and these charming layered jars make it easy.
**This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.
Why Cookies in a Jar Make the Perfect Gift
Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, a hostess gift, or something sweet for baby showers or bridal showers, mason jar cookies are always a big hit. They look beautiful, require very little additional cost, and come together in just a few minutes. Plus, you can pair the jar of cookie mix with a small gift card, a wooden spoon, or even an ice cream scoop to create a complete gift basket.
Ingredients for the Cookies in a Jar
To start, gather your dry ingredients and a quart-sized mason jar. You can usually find single jars at the dollar store if you don’t want to buy an entire case. A wide-mouth jar works best to make layering easy and mess-free.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
1 cup chocolate chips (feel free to use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a twist)
How to Assemble Your DIY Cookies in a Jar
Prepare Your Mason Jar
Start with a clean, dry quart-sized glass jar. Wide-mouth jars make it easier to layer the ingredients neatly. Using clear glass jars also helps show off the beautiful layers and makes this a charming homemade gift idea.
Layer the Dry Ingredients
Begin by combining the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, then add that as your bottom layer. Next, carefully spoon in the brown sugar layer and gently press it down so it’s flat and firm (a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup works great). Then, add the white sugar on top of that. Finish it off by pouring the chocolate chips on top of the jar. This will give you clean, defined layers that look lovely from the sides of the jar.
Seal the Jar
Once your ingredients are layered, seal the jar tightly with the lid. For a festive touch, place a square of seasonal or farmhouse-style fabric over the top of the jar before screwing on the ring. This small extra step really adds to the homemade charm.
Add a Decorative Bow or Ribbon
Tie a ribbon, twine, or strip of raffia around the neck of the jar to finish the look. You can match the colors to the holiday season or personalize them for events like baby showers, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day. This small detail makes the gift feel extra special.
Attach a Recipe Card
Be sure to include a recipe card or gift tag so your gift recipient knows how to turn the jar into delicious homemade cookies. I printed the instructions on kraft-colored card stock, punched a hole in one corner, and tied it to the ribbon. You can handwrite it for a personal touch or print it for a polished look.
Here’s what to write on the card:
To the dry ingredients in the jar, add:
1 stick melted butter (let it cool slightly)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp oil (such as canola, avocado, or coconut)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the jar contents into a large bowl and stir to combine.
Add melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix well until a dough forms.
Scoop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
Let rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Cool completely (about 30 minutes) before storing or enjoying.
Optional Finishing Touches
For the holiday season, consider attaching a small wooden spoon or mini gift card to the jar. You could even slip the jar into a cellophane bag and tie it off with another ribbon or tag that says “Happy Holidays” for an extra festive look.
Conclusion
Cookies in a jar are a fun and creative way to share something homemade and heartfelt. With their simple ingredients and beautiful layered presentation, they make a memorable gift for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating, saying thank you, or just spreading a little joy, this sweet gift is always appreciated.
DIY Cookies in a Jar
Equipment
- 1 quart-size wide-mouth mason jar
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or funnel for layering
- Ribbon or twine
- Square of fabric (optional)
- Cardstock for printed tag or recipe card
Ingredients
Ingredients (to layer in the jar):
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips swap for white or dark chocolate if desired
Instructions
Assembly Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the bottom of the jar and level it out.
- Add brown sugar as the second layer, packing it down firmly.
- Add white sugar as the third layer, smoothing it flat.
- Top with chocolate chips as the final layer.
- Seal the jar with the lid. Add a piece of fabric under the ring if desired.
- Print the baking instructions on a cardstock gift tag and tie it to the jar with ribbon or twine.
Baking Instructions for Gift Recipient:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour dry mixture into a large bowl.
- Add 1 stick melted butter (cooled), 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons oil.
- Stir until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then cool completely for 30 minutes.
