Holiday baking doesn’t always start in the kitchen, sometimes it begins with a jar, a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, and a bit of the holiday spirit. This cookie mix in a jar brings together cocoa, sugars, nuts, and chocolate chips in a visually striking gift that feels personal and polished. The layered cocoa, sugars, nuts, and chocolate chips create a visual story long before the cookies ever reach the oven. It’s a present that invites the recipient to slow down, bake something special, and enjoy a small ritual of the season.
What Is Cookie Mix in a Jar?
Cookie mix in a jar is a pre-measured dry mix layered inside a glass jar, designed to be gifted and later turned into fresh cookies with just a few wet ingredients. The idea became popular during the holidays as a way to combine homemade charm with convenience. Each layer serves a purpose, from structure and sweetness to texture and flavor. Beyond baking, it’s also meant to be decorative, making it as much a keepsake as a recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Cookie Mix in a Jar
- Use a clear glass jar with a wide opening so the layers stay neat and are easy to pour out later.
- Press each layer gently with a spoon before adding the next to keep the colors distinct and prevent shifting.
- Chop the hazelnuts evenly, so they distribute well in the dough and don’t weigh down one section of the jar.
- Always include baking instructions on a tag so the recipient doesn’t have to guess what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this cookie mix ahead of Christmas?
Yes, this cookie mix can be prepared several weeks in advance, making it ideal for holiday planning. As long as the jar is tightly sealed and kept in a cool, dry place, the ingredients will remain fresh.
Can I replace hazelnuts with another nut or omit them entirely?
Hazelnuts can easily be swapped for almonds, walnuts, or pecans without changing the structure of the cookies. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave them out and add a little extra chocolate chips instead. The cookies will still bake properly and hold their shape.
What size jar works best for this recipe?
A 1-liter (quart-sized) glass jar works best for holding all the ingredients and provides enough height to create visible layers without overcrowding the contents. Smaller jars may compress the ingredients too much and ruin the layered effect. Also, a wide-mouth jar makes emptying and mixing easier.
Can the cookies be made without milk?
Milk helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a softer texture, but it can be replaced if needed. Plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat or soy milk, work well in the same quantity. Even water can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less rich.
How to Store Cookie Mix and Baked Cookies
The dry cookie mix should be stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Once baked, the cookies can be kept in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.
Ingredients
How to Make Cookie Mix in a Jar
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In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
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Pour half of the flour mixture into a clean, dry glass jar to form the first layer. Add the cocoa powder, remaining flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped hazelnuts, and finish with chocolate chips on top.
Pour half of the flour mixture into a clean, dry glass jar to form the first layer. Add the cocoa powder, remaining flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped hazelnuts, and finish with chocolate chips on top.
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Seal the jar tightly and decorate it with a ribbon.
Seal the jar tightly and decorate it with a ribbon.
How to Bake the Cookies From The Mix
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To bake the cookies, empty the contents of the jar into a large mixing bowl. Add the milk and vegetable oil, stirring until a dough begins to form.
To bake the cookies, empty the contents of the jar into a large mixing bowl. Add the milk and vegetable oil, stirring until a dough begins to form.
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Use your hands to gently knead the mixture into a compact, workable dough.
Use your hands to gently knead the mixture into a compact, workable dough.
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Roll the dough out on baking paper and cut out festive shapes using cookie cutters.
Roll the dough out on baking paper and cut out festive shapes using cookie cutters.
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Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking tray.
Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking tray.
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Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.
Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 20 minutes.
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Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy the holiday magic in cookie form.
Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy the holiday magic in cookie form.
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