There’s just something about a handmade gift, right? It feels so much more special, like you poured a little extra love into it. I remember getting a cookie mix in a jar years ago, and honestly, it made my whole week! It was such a simple, sweet surprise. That’s why I absolutely adore this Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar (with Free Printable!) recipe. It’s a total win-win: you get to have fun layering all the goodies, and the recipient gets the joy of baking up some delicious cookies whenever they feel like it!
Why This Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar (with Free Printable!) is a Winner
Honestly, this cookie mix in a jar is just one of those ideas that ticks all the boxes. It’s brilliant for so many reasons!
- Super Easy to Assemble: Anyone, and I mean *anyone*, can layer these ingredients. It’s more about the fun of creation than anything complicated.
- Thoughtful & Personal: Even though it’s a DIY mix, it screams ‘I thought of you!’ because you made it yourself. Plus, adding a cute tag with the baking instructions makes it feel extra special!
- Delicious Results, Guaranteed: We’re talking classic chocolate chip cookies here, folks! Who doesn’t love those? This mix sets them up for success.
- The Perfect Last-Minute Lifesaver: Got a birthday, a thank you, or just want to brighten someone’s day? Whip up a few of these jars. They look impressive but take no time at all!
Seriously, a Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar (with Free Printable!) is a thoughtful gesture that brings pure joy, from the making to the baking to the last delicious bite. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cookie Mix in a Jar
Okay, so before we get to the fun layering part, let’s make sure you’ve got all your dry ingredients ready to go. Using good quality, fresh stuff really makes a difference in how your cookies turn out, so grab your best pantry staples! And remember, accurate measurements are key for baking; it’s not like cooking where you can just eyeball it sometimes. Trust me, getting these proportions right is half the battle for a perfect cookie!
Essential Dry Ingredients for Your Cookie Mix
For the basic magic of this cookie mix, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (make sure it’s nice and moist!)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet are my go-to!)
Optional Add-ins for Your Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar
Want to jazz it up a bit more? You totally can! My favorite is adding about ½ cup of chopped nuts – walnuts or pecans are fantastic here. But hey, don’t stop there! You could totally toss in some colorful M&Ms for a fun, festive look, or even some dried cranberries or cherries if you’re feeling a little fancy. These little extras really make your chocolate chip cookie mix unique and totally special.
Layering Your Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar: Step-by-Step
Alright, this is where the magic really happens and your cookie mix starts looking like a fabulous gift! You want to make sure your jar is super clean and totally dry before you start – no sneaky moisture allowed! Ready? Let’s get layering!
Preparing the Base for Your Cookie Mix
First things first, grab a bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure everything is distributed evenly, so you don’t end up with a weird bite of pure baking soda! Then, carefully pour this dry mixture into the bottom of your chosen jar. Try to get it as level as you can.
Building the Sweet Layers
Next up is the sugar! Gently spoon the granulated sugar over the flour mixture. Don’t just dump it! Then, add the brown sugar in a nice, even layer on top of that. I like to give the jar a gentle tap on the counter after each sugar layer; it helps settle everything down and keeps those lines looking sharp, you know?
Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Jar
Now for the best part – the chocolate chips! Sprinkle them evenly over the brown sugar. If you’re adding nuts or any other fun mix-ins, this is their moment to shine! Spoon them right on top of the chocolate chips. Once everything is in there, screw that lid on tight! You want to seal all that yummy goodness inside.
The Essential Baking Instructions for Your Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar
Okay, here’s the really important bit for your super-thoughtful gift! To make sure the lucky recipient can whip up some amazing cookies, you’ve gotta include clear instructions. Think of this as the magic spell that turns your layered jar into warm, gooey goodness. You can print this out on a cute little tag and tie it right onto the jar. It’s honestly part of the charm of this Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar (with Free Printable!)!
Here’s what they’ll need to do: Start by emptying all the contents from the jar into a nice big mixing bowl. Then, they’ll need to add one large egg, about half a cup of softened butter (make sure it’s not melted, just soft!), and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s *just* combined – you don’t want to overmix! Finally, they just scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until those edges look perfectly golden brown. Easy peasy! These are for easy chocolate chip cookies!
Tips for the Ultimate Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar Presentation
Okay, so we’ve got our delicious cookie mix all layered up and ready to go, but how do we make it look like a *proper* gift, you know? The presentation totally elevates this Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar (with Free Printable!) from just a jar of ingredients to something truly special. First off, the jar itself matters! I always go for a wide-mouth quart-sized jar. It’s easier to get those layers looking neat, and it holds just the right amount of mix. Trust me, a wide mouth is your best friend here!
When you seal it, make sure that lid is on TIGHT. A good seal keeps everything fresh until baking time. Then, comes the fun part – the tag! This is where your free printable instructions come in. I like to print mine on a nice quality cardstock, maybe in a pretty font. You can punch a hole in it and tie it with some baker’s twine or a festive ribbon right around the lid. Sometimes I even add a little sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick to the ribbon for an extra touch. It really shows you put in that extra effort, making your Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar a complete package! You can find tons more fun inspiration for DIY gift ideas over there too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Mix in a Jar Gifts
Got questions about making your own cookie mix in a jar? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the little details before you dive in.
How Long Does Cookie Mix in a Jar Last?
When stored properly in a cool, dry place with a good seal, your dry cookie mix should stay fresh for a good couple of months. It’s best to use it within 2-3 months to ensure peak flavor and texture when baked!
What Size Jar is Best for This Recipe?
For this particular recipe, I really recommend a wide-mouth quart-sized jar. It makes layering those ingredients so much easier, and it gives you plenty of room to get the wet ingredients in when it’s time to bake. Plus, it just looks so charming!
Can I Substitute Ingredients in the Mix?
You can make a few swaps! For instance, all-purpose flour is pretty standard, but you could try a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour if needed. Just be aware that changes might slightly affect the final cookie texture. Sticking to the sugars and chocolate chips as written really gives you the best classic cookie result!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, all these numbers are estimates, and they can change a little depending on the brands of ingredients you use and if you toss in any extra goodies! But for a single cookie made from this mix, you’re looking at :
- Calories: Around 150
- Fat: About 7g
- Protein: Roughly 2g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 22g
- Sugar: Around 20g
- Sodium: About 80mg
Share Your Creation!
I just LOVE seeing what you all make! If you give this Giftable: Cookie Mix in a Jar a whirl, please drop me a comment below and tell me how it turned out! Did you add any fun extras? I’m dying to know! And hey, if you snap a pic, be sure to share it on social media – tag me so I can see your beautiful creations!
Print
Cookie Mix in a Jar
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 1 jar (makes approx. 2 dozen cookies) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple cookie mix recipe layered in a jar, perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the flour mixture into the bottom of a clean jar.
- Layer the granulated sugar over the flour mixture.
- Add the brown sugar in an even layer.
- Top with chocolate chips.
- If using, add the chopped nuts.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Attach a tag with baking instructions: “Empty jar contents into a bowl. Add 1 egg, ½ cup softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Drop by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.”
Notes
- Use a wide-mouth quart-sized jar for easy layering.
- Consider adding other mix-ins like M&Ms or dried fruit.
- Print the baking instructions on a decorative tag for a complete gift.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cookie mix, jar gift, DIY gift, baking mix, chocolate chip cookies, easy gift, homemade gift