Gifts in a Jar: 16 Homemade Christmas Mixes Grandma Layered Into Mason Jars, From Cookies to Cocoa

Gifts in a jar are the Christmas present grandma never stopped making, and this year they are everywhere again. You layer the dry ingredients for cookies, brownies, cocoa, pancakes or soup into a clear mason jar, tie a square of fabric over the lid and write the finishing steps on a tag. One new 2026 video of five homemade jar gifts passed 118,000 views in about eight days, and an older cookies-in-a-jar video has been watched more than 718,000 times. They cost a few dollars each, look beautiful on a shelf and keep for weeks, which makes them perfect for neighbors, teachers, coworkers and the mail carrier. If you love swapping treats, our cheap cookie exchange recipes pair nicely with these. Here are 16 classic jar mixes, what goes in each one and what to write on the tag..

Layered Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, the Queen of Gifts in a Jar

Every list of gifts in a jar starts here, and for good reason. Flour, both sugars, oats and chocolate chips stack into stripes that look like a little sweater, and the person who gets it only needs butter, an egg and vanilla. Press each layer down firmly with the back of a spoon so nothing shifts in the car. If you want flavor ideas for the tag, our chocolate chip cookie twists gallery has plenty..

You will need: 1 quart wide-mouth mason jar, 1 3/4 cups flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates.

How to make it: 1. Spoon the flour mix into the jar and tap it level. 2. Add white sugar, then brown sugar, pressing each layer firmly. 3. Add oats, chocolate chips and candies to the top. 4. Tag: add 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla; bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes.

Candy Cane Chocolate Cookie Mix

Of all the cookie gifts in a jar, this one smells the most like Christmas the second the lid comes off. Cocoa powder makes a dark chocolate base, and a top layer of crushed peppermint candy turns into crackly pink pockets in the oven. Bag the peppermint separately in a small zip bag on top so it stays crunchy and does not bleed color into the flour. Anyone who loves candy cane treats will bake these the same night they open the jar.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 1/4 cups flour with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy in a small bag.

How to make it: 1. Layer flour mix, cocoa, sugar and brown sugar, pressing each one. 2. Add white chocolate chips. 3. Set the bag of crushed peppermint on top and close the lid. 4. Tag: beat in 1/2 cup butter and 1 egg, fold in the peppermint, bake at 350F for 10 minutes.

White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookie Mix

Red cranberries, green pistachios and creamy white chips make this the most festive-looking jar on the list. It reads like a fancy bakery cookie, yet the mix costs about the same as a box of crackers. Use shelled, unsalted pistachios so the cookies are not too salty, and chop the cranberries a little if they are large. For more tart holiday ideas, browse our cranberry desserts for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 3/4 cups flour with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup white sugar, 2/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 3/4 cup white chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Layer flour mix, brown sugar and white sugar, pressing firmly. 2. Add cranberries, then pistachios. 3. Fill the top with white chocolate chips. 4. Tag: add 1/2 cup soft butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla; bake at 350F for 11 minutes.

Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix

Grandma’s cookie jar was rarely without oatmeal raisin cookies, and they make one of the coziest gifts in a jar. The oats give the jar pretty pale layers, and a teaspoon of cinnamon mixed into the flour makes the kitchen smell wonderful while they bake. Use plump raisins and keep them in the middle so they do not dry out. Fans of chewy oat cookies may also love our monster cookie recipes for the next batch.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 cup flour with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 2 cups old-fashioned oats, 3/4 cup raisins.

How to make it: 1. Spoon in the flour mix and level it. 2. Layer brown sugar, then 1 cup oats. 3. Add raisins, then the remaining oats, pressing each layer. 4. Tag: add 1/2 cup butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla; bake at 350F for 12 minutes.

Fudgy Brownie Mix in a Jar

Homemade brownie mix beats the boxed kind, makes one of the most popular gifts in a jar, and it looks gorgeous in glass with dark cocoa between pale stripes of flour and sugar. The secret to fudgy results is plenty of cocoa and a little less flour than a cake recipe. Write the pan size on the tag so nobody has to guess. If the person you give it to likes to experiment, send them to our brownie mix hacks for add-ins.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 1/4 cups sugar, 2/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional).

How to make it: 1. Layer sugar, then cocoa, wiping the glass clean with a paper towel. 2. Add brown sugar and the flour mix, pressing firmly. 3. Top with chocolate chips and nuts. 4. Tag: mix with 2/3 cup melted butter, 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla; bake in an 8×8 pan at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Classic Hot Cocoa Mix, the Easiest of the Gifts in a Jar

If you only have ten minutes and a few jars, make hot cocoa mix. Cocoa, powdered sugar and dry milk powder shake together into a rich drink mix that only needs hot water or milk. A pinch of salt makes it taste less sweet and more chocolatey. Add a bag of mini marshmallows on top and a wooden spoon tied to the twine. Pair it with something from our hot chocolate desserts gallery for a bigger gift basket.

You will need: 1 pint or quart jar, 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup chocolate chips or mini chocolate pieces, 1/4 teaspoon salt, mini marshmallows in a small bag.

How to make it: 1. Whisk milk powder, powdered sugar, cocoa and salt together. 2. Spoon into the jar and add the chocolate pieces. 3. Set the bag of marshmallows on top and close tightly. 4. Tag: stir 1/3 cup mix into 1 cup hot milk or water.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Layered Jar

This is the jar that gets photographed before it gets opened. Stripes of dark cocoa, white sugar and crushed red and white peppermint sit under a fluffy cap of marshmallows, and a candy cane tied to the lid works as a stir stick. Because the layers are separate, tell the person to shake the jar well before scooping. For more minty ideas, our peppermint treats gallery is full of December favorites.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup dry milk powder, 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy, 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 candy cane for the lid.

How to make it: 1. Layer cocoa, sugar and milk powder, tapping the jar gently between layers. 2. Add the crushed peppermint. 3. Fill the top with marshmallows and close the lid. 4. Tag: shake well; stir 1/4 cup mix into 1 cup hot milk.

Gingerbread Pancake Mix, Gifts in a Jar for Christmas Morning

A jar of gingerbread pancake mix is a gift for the morning after the party. Ginger, cinnamon and a little nutmeg go into the flour, and dark brown sugar gives the pancakes that cookie flavor. Tuck a cinnamon stick down the side of the glass so it shows. The recipient adds milk, an egg, oil and a spoon of molasses. More make-ahead ideas are in our homemade baking mix recipes gallery.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cinnamon stick.

How to make it: 1. Mix flour with baking powder, soda and salt. 2. Layer half the flour, the brown sugar, the spices, then the rest of the flour. 3. Slide the cinnamon stick down the side. 4. Tag: whisk with 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons molasses; cook on a hot griddle.

Cinnamon Spiced Friendship Tea Mix

Friendship tea shows up in almost every old church cookbook. It is an orange and spice drink mix made with instant tea, powdered drink mix, sugar, cinnamon and cloves, and it was a Christmas bazaar bestseller for decades. Today many cooks use unsweetened instant tea and a powdered orange drink mix without any brand. It tastes like warm spiced cider and tea in one cup. If you enjoy blending spices, see our homemade spice mixes as well.

You will need: 1 pint jar, 1 cup powdered orange drink mix, 1/2 cup unsweetened instant tea, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup powdered lemonade mix, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.

How to make it: 1. Whisk all ingredients together until even. 2. Spoon into the jar and press lightly. 3. Close and tie a cinnamon stick to the lid. 4. Tag: stir 2 to 3 teaspoons into 1 cup hot water.

Christmas Mocha Cappuccino Mix

Coffee lovers get a cafe drink they can make in their pajamas. Instant coffee, cocoa, powdered creamer and sugar layer into brown and cream bands, and a few chocolate shavings on top make it look special. Use instant espresso powder for a stronger cup. Of all the drink gifts in a jar, this is the one to give coworkers who live on coffee. They might also like our homemade coffee creamers once the jar runs out.

You will need: 1 pint jar, 1/2 cup instant coffee or espresso powder, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup powdered coffee creamer, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings.

How to make it: 1. Layer coffee, sugar, cocoa and creamer. 2. Sprinkle cinnamon and chocolate shavings on top. 3. Close tightly and tie with string. 4. Tag: shake well; stir 3 tablespoons into 1 cup hot water or milk.

Friendship Soup in a Jar With Beans, Lentils and Pasta

Not all gifts in a jar are sweet. Friendship soup layers split peas, lentils, beans and small pasta into a rainbow, with a seasoning packet on top, and it turns into a big pot of hearty soup. It is a thoughtful gift for a new parent, an older neighbor or anyone who needs an easy dinner. It is close in spirit to Italian bean soups like the ones in our pasta e fagioli recipes.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1/3 cup green split peas, 1/3 cup red lentils, 1/3 cup yellow split peas, 1/3 cup navy beans, 1/3 cup kidney beans, 1/2 cup small pasta shells in a bag, seasoning bag with 2 tablespoons dried onion, 2 teaspoons bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs.

How to make it: 1. Layer the peas, lentils and beans, tapping between layers. 2. Add the bag of pasta and the seasoning bag on top. 3. Close the lid and cover it with burlap. 4. Tag: simmer beans and seasoning in 8 cups water with a can of tomatoes for about 1 1/2 hours, add pasta for the last 10 minutes.

Creamy Potato Soup Mix, Cozy Gifts in a Jar for Busy Families

This pantry mix is pure comfort and very cheap. Instant potato flakes, dry milk powder, bouillon and dried onion turn into a thick, creamy soup in five minutes with nothing but boiling water. Add a little bag of dried chives on top for color. It is a wonderful gift for college students and busy families during the holidays. Anyone who wants a fuller meal can try our copycat restaurant soups next.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 3/4 cups instant potato flakes, 1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder, 2 tablespoons chicken or vegetable bouillon powder, 2 teaspoons dried minced onion, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 tablespoon dried chives.

How to make it: 1. Whisk all ingredients except the chives. 2. Spoon into the jar and press down. 3. Set a small bag of chives on top. 4. Tag: stir 1/2 cup mix into 1 cup boiling water and let stand 2 minutes.

Buttermilk Biscuit Mix Jar

Homemade biscuit mix uses buttermilk powder, so the person who gets it only adds cold butter and water. It makes about a dozen tall, flaky biscuits, and like all gifts in a jar it is a sweet way to share a family recipe. Keep the mix plain so it works for breakfast, soup night or strawberry shortcake. Include a small card with your favorite way to serve them, or point them to our biscuit dough hacks for more ideas.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 3 cups flour, 1/3 cup buttermilk powder, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt.

How to make it: 1. Whisk all ingredients together well. 2. Spoon into the jar and tap level. 3. Close and tie with twine. 4. Tag: cut in 1/2 cup cold butter, stir in 1 cup cold water, pat out, cut and bake at 425F for 12 to 14 minutes.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix With a Cinnamon Sugar Bag

Snickerdoodles are soft, tangy and rolled in cinnamon sugar, and the mix layers into a pretty jar of white and tan stripes. Cream of tartar is the secret ingredient, so make sure it goes into the flour. Put the cinnamon sugar in its own small bag on top for rolling. Kids love helping with this one. For flavor twists, visit our snickerdoodle holiday twists gallery.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 2 3/4 cups flour with 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups sugar, small bag with 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

How to make it: 1. Spoon half the flour mix into the jar. 2. Add the sugar, then the rest of the flour, pressing firmly. 3. Set the cinnamon sugar bag on top. 4. Tag: beat in 1 cup soft butter and 2 eggs, roll balls in cinnamon sugar, bake at 375F for 9 minutes.

Rocky Trail Mix, No-Bake Gifts in a Jar for Snack Lovers

Not everyone bakes, and that is where a trail mix jar comes in. It is ready to eat right away, it lasts for weeks and you can tailor it to the person: roasted nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, chocolate pieces and a few mini marshmallows for that rocky road feel. Layer the colors for a jar that looks like candy. If you want to toast your own nuts first, our spiced nuts recipes show how.

You will need: 1 quart jar, 1 cup roasted almonds, 1 cup cashews or peanuts, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup raisins, 1 cup small pretzels, 1/2 cup chocolate pieces, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Layer the nuts first so the heavy items sit at the bottom. 2. Add dried fruit, then pretzels. 3. Top with chocolate pieces and marshmallows. 4. Tag: shake and enjoy; keep the lid tight.

How to Layer, Seal and Label Gifts in a Jar

A few tricks make gifts in a jar look shop-bought. Use a wide funnel or rolled paper, add the finest ingredients like flour first and pack each layer firmly. Wipe the inside of the glass between layers. Keep everything dry, with no fresh dairy, eggs or butter inside. Add a bake-by date about three months out and list what to add. The mason jar has been around since 1858. For more ideas, see our holiday baking gifts.

You will need: Clean dry mason jars, a wide funnel, a spoon for packing, fabric squares, twine, kraft tags, small zip bags for candy or seasonings, a marker.

How to make it: 1. Fill with the finest ingredient first and press firmly. 2. Wipe the glass, then add the next layer. 3. Bag anything loose or crunchy and set it on top. 4. Cover the lid with fabric, tie a tag with the add-ins, oven temperature and a bake-by date.