If you’re looking for a delightful gift or a charming festive treat you can prepare ahead, you’ll absolutely adore this Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe. It perfectly captures the joy of the holidays by layering all the essential dry ingredients together with colorful Christmas M&M’s into a pretty jar. Not only does it look irresistible, but it’s also incredibly simple to make and fun to share with loved ones. Let me walk you through this merry mix that combines convenience and tasty magic in one gorgeous package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays a key role in making your Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe truly shine. From the rich sweetness of brown sugar to the festive pop of M&M’s, every element adds depth to the final bite.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies providing structure and softness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds just the right lift for a tender chew.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for perfect rising.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that keeps cookies moist.
- ½ cup sugar: For that classic sweetness and crisp edges.
- 1 cup Christmas M&M’s: Festive bursts of color and chocolate for holiday cheer.
- 1 quart Wide Mouth Mason Jar: The perfect vessel to layer your mix beautifully and keep it fresh.
How to Make Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Begin by whisking together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. This dry mixture is the backbone of your cookies and ensures an even texture throughout.
Step 2: Layer the Flour Mixture
Using a funnel, carefully add the flour mixture to the bottom of the Mason jar. This step ensures a neat presentation and keeps the layers distinct, making it a joy to look at.
Step 3: Add the Christmas M&M’s
Gently spoon the Christmas M&M’s on top of the flour. Pressing lightly or using a spoon helps keep the M&M’s visible on top rather than sinking into the flour, giving you that festive pop of color you want.
Step 4: Layer the Sugars
Next, add the brown sugar in an even layer over the M&M’s, followed by the white sugar on top. These layers not only keep the sugars fresh but create a delicious gradient that looks stunning through the glass.
Step 5: Seal and Decorate
Finish your Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe by placing a piece of Christmas-themed fabric or any decorative material on top of the jar lid, then screw on the metal lid tightly. Add a festive ribbon or bow for the perfect holiday gift presentation.
How to Serve Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to bake the cookies, don’t be shy with garnishes. Sprinkle a few extra Christmas M&M’s on top of the cookie dough before baking for that extra festive touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate snowfall effect.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a creamy vanilla latte. The rich chocolate from the M&M’s and the buttery cookie base complement cozy drinks beautifully, making every bite feel like a warm holiday hug.
Creative Ways to Present
This Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe is already stunning, but you can take presentation further by pairing the jar with a small wooden spoon tied with twine, or gifting it with a personalized recipe card attached. Use themed tags or handmade ornaments to give your gift a truly personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra baked cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft yet slightly crisp around the edges, just like fresh-baked.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Christmas cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as the day they came out of the oven.
Reheating
For a warm, freshly baked feel, pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their softness and melts the M&M’s slightly for a gooey experience.
FAQs
Can I use different candy instead of Christmas M&M’s?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any small candies like chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even white chocolate chunks to suit your taste or holiday theme.
Do I need to add wet ingredients to the jar?
The jar is designed to hold only dry ingredients for gifting. When ready to bake, you’ll mix in wet ingredients separately as per the instructions usually included with the jar gift.
How long will the jar mix stay fresh?
Stored in a cool, dry place, the jar mix can last up to 3 months. Just be sure the lid remains tightly sealed to keep moisture out.
Can I prepare these jars in advance for holiday gifting?
Definitely! These jars are ideal make-ahead gifts. Prepare them weeks in advance and decorate right before gifting to keep everything fresh and festive.
What size jar should I use for this recipe?
A 1 quart wide mouth Mason jar is ideal since it fits all the ingredients neatly while showing off the beautiful layers clearly through the glass.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe is more than just a tasty cookie mix; it’s a joyful experience to make, gift, and enjoy. Whether you’re crafting heartfelt holiday presents or simply treating yourself, this sweet and simple idea brings warmth and color to the season. Give it a try and watch faces light up with delight as these festive cookies come to life!
