If you’re looking for a delightful and festive gift idea or a fun activity to prep ahead for the holidays, this Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s a charming way to bundle all the crunchy, sweet, and spicy elements of classic snickerdoodle treats into a beautiful, layered jar that looks almost too good to open. Each jar is brimming with mix-ins like cinnamon-sugar and colorful red and green M&Ms, making it a party on every spoonful. Whether you want to gift it, keep it for a rainy holiday day, or simply enjoy an easy, no-fuss baking moment, this recipe has got you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet every component plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and holiday cheer. The cozy warmth of cinnamon blends with the chewy oats, while the M&Ms add fun pops of color and sweetness that make these cookies truly special.
- 17.9 oz bag Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix: This is the star base that brings that classic cinnamon sugar flavor; dividing it ensures even layers in each jar.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Adds a hearty texture and wholesome taste that complements the softness of the cookies perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons cinnamon-sugar: Sprinkled between layers, it gives that signature spicy-sweet kick that snickerdoodles are loved for.
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms: Brings festive pops of vibrant color and a chocolatey crunch that screams holiday fun.
- Ribbon and tag: Optional but highly recommended for gifting—adds that charming, personal touch to your jar presentations.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Begin with clean, wide-mouth jars that can hold all your ingredients comfortably. Start by carefully spooning ¾ cups of snickerdoodle cookie mix at the bottom, leveling it gently to create a neat base. Next, sprinkle ¼ cup of rolled oats followed by 1 tablespoon of cinnamon-sugar. Repeat the layers, finishing with ¼ cup of colorful M&Ms. Take your time to ensure each layer stays separate and visually appealing. This layering not only looks incredible but keeps the ingredients fresh and ready for baking.
Step 2: Seal and Decorate
Once your jars are filled, seal them tightly with a lid to preserve freshness. Now, add your festive touch—a bright ribbon tied around the jar’s neck and a personalized tag with the recipe instructions or a holiday message. This simple decoration transforms your jar into a heartwarming gift that anyone would be thrilled to receive on Christmas morning.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
Though the jar mix itself is designed primarily for baking, when you finally whip up these cookies, consider sprinkling a bit of extra cinnamon sugar on top just before popping them into the oven. Freshly baked, you can garnish the cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for an extra festive flourish that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with classic holiday beverages. Serve alongside a mug of rich hot cocoa, spiced apple cider, or even a creamy eggnog for a cozy, indulgent snack that fills the room with holiday spirit. The sweetness of the cookies complements these drinks, making for a perfect festive treat time.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond gifting jars, you can break out the mix for a cookie-decorating party, allowing friends or family to add their choice of nuts, white chocolate chips, or festive sprinkles. Another idea is assembling several jars on a holiday dessert table with mini scoops and baking instructions, inviting guests to take home their own slice of holiday joy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookie mix jars, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the freshness of the ingredients for up to three months. Once baked, keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and delicious cinnamon aroma for up to a week.
Freezing
The cookie mix itself doesn’t require freezing and is best kept at room temperature to maintain the integrity of the mix-ins. However, once you’ve baked the cookies, feel free to freeze leftovers by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months and ready for a quick thaw when you need a holiday treat fix.
Reheating
To bring the magic back to your cookies, warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This simple step revives their soft texture and enhances the cinnamon aroma, making them taste freshly baked every single time.
FAQs
Can I substitute the snickerdoodle cookie mix with another mix?
Absolutely! While the snickerdoodle mix is the base for the cinnamon-sugar flavor, you can experiment with sugar cookie or buttery shortbread mixes. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will shift, so adjust your cinnamon-sugar accordingly to keep that festive punch.
Is it necessary to add the oats to the Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe?
Oats add wonderful texture and a slight chewiness that balances the softness of the cookie. They’re also visually pleasing layered in the jar. Leaving them out will alter both the texture and look, but it’s fine if you or your giftees have oat allergies.
How long will the Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe stay fresh?
Stored airtight in a cool spot, the jarred mix will stay fresh for about three months. Past this, the baking powder or soda in the mix may lose effectiveness, potentially affecting the cookie rise and texture.
Can I prepare these jars in advance for holiday gifts?
Definitely! These jars make perfect handmade gifts and can be assembled weeks before Christmas. Just make sure to include clear baking instructions on your tag so your recipients can enjoy the cookies fresh-baked at their convenience.
What is the best way to personalize my Christmas Cookie Mix jars?
Adding a handwritten note or a custom-designed printable tag with fun serving ideas and baking tips adds a personal touch. Pairing the jar with a small wooden spoon or a festive kitchen towel also makes your gift stand out beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about gifting or baking from a Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe. It combines the joy of homemade treats with the ease of a ready-to-bake mix, wrapped up in a jar that looks like it belongs in a holiday fairy tale. Give it a try this season—you’ll find it’s not just a recipe, but a cherished memory in the making.
Print
Christmas Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (mix only, no bake required until gift recipient bakes cookies)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 jars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Create festive and delicious Christmas Cookie Mixes in jars, perfect for gifting or enjoying during the holiday season. This recipe layers classic snickerdoodle cookie mix with rolled oats, cinnamon-sugar, and colorful red and green M&Ms, making four beautifully presented jars ready to bake into flavorful cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 17.9 oz bag Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix, divided (3/4 cup per jar)
- 1 cup rolled oats, divided (1/4 cup per jar)
- 4 Tablespoons cinnamon-sugar
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms, divided (1/4 cup per jar)
Decorations
- Ribbon
- Tag (See Free Printable Link in Notes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Jars: Clean and dry four 1-pint jars thoroughly. Ensure the jars are free from moisture to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent clumping.
- Layer the Ingredients: Divide the snickerdoodle cookie mix evenly and spoon 3/4 cup into each jar as the first layer. Next, add 1/4 cup of rolled oats on top of the cookie mix in each jar, followed by 1 tablespoon of cinnamon-sugar to sprinkle over the oats. Finally, add 1/4 cup of red and green M&Ms as the top layer in each jar.
- Seal and Decorate: Screw the lids tightly onto each jar. Tie a festive ribbon around the neck of each jar and attach a tag with baking instructions or a holiday message. These jars are now ready to give as thoughtful homemade gifts or store until ready to bake.
- Baking Instructions (To Include on Tag): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Empty the contents of one jar into a bowl. Add 1/4 cup softened butter, one large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use quart-sized pint jars for proper layering and gifting.
- Ribbon and printable tag templates can be found in the free printable link provided with this recipe.
- Customize your cookie mix jars by substituting M&Ms for other types of festive candies or nuts if desired.
- Ensure the jars are airtight to preserve freshness for up to three months.
- Perfect for holiday gift exchanges, teacher gifts, or holiday party favors.
