Here at Robert Kline Art, we believe in the magic of handmade gifts. There’s something truly special about giving something you’ve poured your heart and creativity into. This holiday season, skip the generic store-bought presents and surprise your loved ones with a charming and delicious gift – a homemade cookie mix in a jar!

This thoughtful present is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine the delight on your friends’ and family’s faces when they receive a beautifully layered jar filled with the promise of freshly baked cookies.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Cookie Mix

Let’s be honest, the holidays can get hectic. Between decorating, shopping, and planning gatherings, who has time to bake from scratch? That’s where this easy cookie mix in a jar comes to the rescue!

Time-Saver: Prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and you’ll have a quick and easy go-to gift or dessert ready in minutes.
Personalized Touch: Customize the jar with ribbons, labels, and your favorite cookie recipe for a truly unique present.
Thoughtful Gesture: It shows you care enough to put in the effort, making it more meaningful than a store-bought gift.

Gathering Your Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch with different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles.

For the Cookie Mix:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for best results, use all-purpose flour for shelf stability)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup holiday M&Ms (or chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts)
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

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Tools of the Trade:

1-quart mason jar with lid
Funnel (for easy layering and less mess)
Measuring spoons and cups
Labels and decorative elements

Cookie in a jar ingredients in bowls on a counter.

Creating the Perfect Layers

The beauty of this gift lies in its visual appeal. Follow these steps to achieve those picture-perfect layers:

Flour Power: Using a funnel, pour the flour into the jar. Gently tap the jar on the counter to help it settle.
Leavening Love: Add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a little shake to even out the layer.
Mix-in Magic: Pour in your chosen mix-ins. Remember not to exceed 1 cup to ensure the cookies bake properly.
Sweet Symphony: Layer in the brown sugar, followed by the granulated sugar, giving the jar a gentle shake after each addition.
Final Flourish: Top it off with a sprinkle of your chosen mix-ins for a pop of color.

DIY cookie mix in mason jars sitting on a kitchen counter.

Packaging with Pizzazz

Let your creative juices flow with these finishing touches:

Label It: Create a personalized label with the recipe instructions and a festive message. “Handmade with Love” always adds a heartfelt touch!
Dress It Up: Tie a ribbon, twine, or a festive fabric scrap around the lid for an extra dose of charm.
Get Crafty: Decorate the jar with paint, markers, or stickers to match the recipient’s personality.

Decorated jar of DIY cookie mix.

Baking Instructions for Your Gift Recipient

Include these simple baking instructions with your cookie mix jar:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 large egg

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Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cookie mix from the jar with the melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and egg. Mix until well combined.
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks from Robert Kline Art

Storage: The cookie mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6-9 months.
Experiment!: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the mix-ins. Try different types of chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles.
Gift Giving: This cookie mix in a jar makes a wonderful gift for any occasion, such as birthdays, holidays, or housewarmings.
Personalize: Consider adding a personal touch by including a cookie cutter or a handwritten note with the gift.

Cookie dough being mixed with a hand mixer in a large bowl.

The Joy of Handmade Gifts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of giving and receiving handmade gifts. This cookie mix in a jar is a testament to the fact that the most meaningful presents come from the heart. It’s a gift that’s sure to be appreciated by anyone who receives it. So gather your supplies, unleash your inner artist, and spread some homemade happiness this holiday season!

Looking for more handmade gift ideas? Visit Robert Kline Art and discover a world of unique and creative craft projects, perfect for every occasion!

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Children's hands adding M&Ms to the tops of cookie dough balls.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your cookie mix in a jar masterpiece with us on social media. Happy crafting!

Three young girls eating cookies.

P.S. For those who prefer a richer, fudgier treat, check out our recipe for DIY Brownie Mix in a Jar! You can even add festive M&Ms to that mix as well.

DIY Brownie mixes in glass mason jars.