M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful gesture of holiday cheer. Packaged beautifully with a free printable recipe attachment, they transform into the cutest, most convenient holiday gift imaginable. Imagine the joy of receiving a homemade cookie mix that takes minutes to prepare during the busy festive season!
If you’re looking for more delicious and gift-worthy holiday recipes, don’t miss our Mason Jar Sugar Cookies, scrumptious Peppermint Bark Brownie Cookies, and rich Christmas Brownies, all designed to make your holiday gifting a breeze.
M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies: The Perfect Homemade Holiday Gift
There’s something truly special about a homemade gift, especially during the holiday season. It speaks volumes about the effort, care, and love put into its creation. Growing up, my mom always embraced this tradition, crafting thoughtful gifts for neighbors and co-workers, and it’s a heartwarming practice I’ve always strived to continue. While I adore cookies in all their forms, a gift that’s not only delicious but also simplifies life during the bustling holidays is, in my opinion, unparalleled.
Imagine giving someone a beautifully packaged cookie mix they can whip up in mere minutes – perfect for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve, or for quickly baking up a fresh batch when unexpected guests arrive. This concept inspired the creation of these M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies. It’s a truly amazing gift that combines deliciousness with ultimate convenience. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you the absolute best way to assemble this delightful and practical present!
Why Mason Jar Cookies Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
In a world often filled with generic store-bought items, a homemade gift stands out. Mason jar cookie mixes offer a unique blend of personal touch and practicality. Here’s why they are an ideal choice for your holiday gifting:
- Thoughtful & Personal: Each jar is a testament to your care, showing you’ve taken the time to create something special.
- Convenient for the Recipient: During the busy holiday season, who has time for elaborate baking? This mix provides all the dry ingredients, ready to be combined with a few wet staples, offering a quick path to freshly baked goodness.
- Visually Appealing: The layers of colorful ingredients within a clear glass jar are incredibly charming and festive, making for a stunning presentation even before it’s baked.
- Delicious & Versatile: M&M cookies are a universal favorite, appealing to both kids and adults. They’re perfect for holiday parties, cozy family nights, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
- Budget-Friendly: Making several jars can be more economical than buying multiple individual gifts, without sacrificing quality or sentiment.
- Eco-Friendly: Reusable mason jars make this a sustainable gifting option, reducing waste and offering the recipient a practical container once the cookies are baked.
Essential Supplies for Crafting Your M&M Mason Jar Cookie Mix
Assembling these delightful cookie jars is almost as much fun as baking the cookies themselves! To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are the essential supplies you’ll need. Each item plays a key role in making your gift both beautiful and functional:
- Mason Jars (1-quart, set of 12 recommended): These are the stars of the show! A 1-quart (32 oz) jar is the perfect size to hold all the dry ingredients for a generous batch of cookies. Opting for a set of 12 allows you to prepare multiple gifts efficiently.
- Wide Mouth Funnel: This might seem like a small detail, but a wide-mouth funnel is a game-changer! It makes the assembly process incredibly easy, helping you layer the ingredients neatly without any spills or mess. This ensures your jars look pristine and professional.
- Red Holiday Ribbon: A festive ribbon adds a beautiful touch of holiday color and elegance. While any ribbon works, a classic red or green holiday ribbon instantly elevates the gift’s appearance. (The exact one pictured was purchased from Hobby Lobby, but many beautiful options are available online).
- Miniature Clothespins: These tiny clothespins are perfect for attaching the recipe card or any personalized notes to the ribbon on your mason jar. They add a charming, rustic detail to the presentation.
- Mini Wire Kitchen Whisks (Set of 12): Attaching a mini whisk to each jar is an adorable and practical addition. It serves as a cute embellishment and also gives the recipient a useful tool for mixing their cookie dough. A set of 12 ensures you have enough for all your gifts.
- FREE Printable Recipe Attachment: This is crucial! A clear, easy-to-read recipe card with baking instructions for the wet ingredients is essential for the recipient. Our free printable is designed to be festive and convenient, guiding them through the baking process effortlessly.
I’ve shared M&M cookies before, and they’ve always been a huge hit! Since the full recipe didn’t quite fit into a single mason jar while maintaining the beautiful layered aesthetic, I’ve adjusted it specifically for this half-batch mason jar gift size. For those who want to bake the full, larger recipe at home, you can find it here.
Download Your Free Printable Recipe Card
Make your M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies even more special with our complementary recipe attachment. This printable card provides clear instructions for your recipient on how to transform the dry mix into delectable, fresh-baked cookies. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your thoughtful homemade gift.
Click HERE to download the FREE Printable Recipe Attachment.
Please note that all recipes and this printable design are copyrighted and intended for non-commercial, personal use only. We encourage you to share the joy, not the commercial rights!
Storage Tips for Your M&M Cookie Mix & Baked Treats
Proper storage ensures that both your mason jar cookie mix and the resulting baked cookies remain fresh and delicious. Here are some guidelines:
- Dry Cookie Mix (in jar): The dry cookie mix, when properly sealed in the mason jar, will stay fresh and ready for baking for up to 2 months. Ensure the lid is airtight to prevent moisture from entering.
- Baked M&M Mason Jar Cookies: Once baked, these delightful cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer enjoyment, you can freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply let the frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
More Irresistible Holiday Treats to Share and Enjoy
The holiday season is synonymous with delicious treats, and there’s no limit to the festive flavors you can create. If you loved making and gifting these M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies, you’ll surely enjoy exploring some of our other popular holiday recipes:
- Christmas Oreos: Dive into the delightful simplicity of Oreos dipped in festive chocolate and decorated for the holidays – a super easy and impressive treat!
- Christmas Cupcakes: Create enchanting cupcakes designed to look like beautiful, edible snow globes, complete with sugary landscapes and winter wonderland charm.
- Santa Cookies: Bake up a batch of classic Santa-themed cookies, absolutely perfect for leaving out on Christmas Eve for the big man himself.
- Christmas Donuts: Transform ordinary donuts into adorable reindeer with simple decorations – a fun activity for kids and a whimsical breakfast treat.
- Peppermint Popcorn: Indulge in the refreshing crunch of popcorn coated in decadent chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint, a truly addictive snack.
Mason Jar Christmas Cookies (Free Printables)
By Chelsea Lords
Crispy exteriors and soft + chewy interiors with M&Ms and Chocolate Chips — these are the ultimate holiday cookie!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Mason Jar Layers:
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup holiday M&M’s
- 3/4 cups milk chocolate chips
Add in Later (Recipient will add these):
- 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Assembling the Mason Jar Mix: In a 1-quart mason jar, carefully combine the flour, baking soda, and salt at the bottom. Tap the jar several times firmly on a countertop to settle the mixture into a compact, even layer. Press it down as much as possible. Next, add the light brown sugar, packing it down firmly. Follow with the granulated sugar, pressing it down well. Finally, add the holiday M&M’s and milk chocolate chips on top. Press down firmly to create distinct layers. Seal the mason jar with its lid. To finish, tie a festive ribbon around the neck of the jar, attach a miniature whisk (if desired), and secure the free printable recipe attachment (or a handwritten card with the following baking directions) using a mini clothespin.
- Baking Instructions (for the recipient): To bake the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, large egg, and vanilla extract until well blended and creamy. Carefully empty the entire contents of the mason jar mix into the wet ingredients. Mix well until a cohesive cookie dough forms. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
Storage for Baked Cookies: Store any leftover baked M&M chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to thaw before eating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 11371mg | Potassium: 2mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2097IU | Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoyed this recipe and found these tips helpful? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and share your experience making these festive M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies. Your feedback means a lot!