M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a heartwarming gesture wrapped in festive colors, making them the perfect homemade holiday gift. Complete with a free printable recipe, these charming jars offer both deliciousness and a touch of seasonal magic, ready to be shared with loved ones.

Looking for more delightful holiday ideas? Explore our other popular recipes like the Mason Jar Sugar Cookies, Peppermint Bark Brownie Cookies, and festive Christmas Brownies, all designed to bring joy to your holiday season.

M&M Mason Jar Christmas Cookies: A Thoughtful Holiday Gift

The holiday season is a time for giving, and there’s something truly special about a homemade gift. Growing up, my mom always embraced this tradition, crafting thoughtful presents for our neighbors and her co-workers. It’s a legacy of warmth and generosity that I’ve proudly carried forward, finding immense joy in sharing handmade tokens of affection.

For me, few gifts rival the comfort and convenience of a delicious homemade cookie mix. The holiday rush can be overwhelming, and giving someone a head start on their festive baking is a gift in itself. Imagine the delight of a friend or family member who can effortlessly whip up a batch of warm, gooey cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, or quickly bake fresh treats just before guests arrive. It’s a gift that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also eases the holiday hustle, making life a little simpler and much more delicious. This article will guide you through assembling an absolutely amazing M&M Mason Jar Cookie gift!

The Magic of Mason Jar Gifts: Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays

Mason jar gifts have become a beloved staple in the world of thoughtful giving, and for good reason. They embody simplicity, charm, and a personal touch that store-bought gifts often lack. A carefully layered mason jar, filled with the dry ingredients for a scrumptious treat, is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories in the kitchen. The transparent glass beautifully showcases the vibrant layers of flour, sugar, and colorful M&Ms, making it an aesthetically pleasing present even before it’s baked.

These gifts are particularly ideal during Christmas. They offer a solution for those who want to give something handmade but may not have the time for extensive baking. The recipient gets to enjoy the fresh-baked aroma and taste of homemade cookies without the hassle of measuring out multiple ingredients. It’s a win-win: the giver offers a personalized, charming present, and the receiver enjoys a delightful baking experience and scrumptious results. Plus, the mason jar itself can be repurposed, adding an eco-friendly element to your gift.

M&M Mason Jar Cookies: Supplies and Assembly

Creating these delightful cookie mixes in a jar is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Gathering your supplies is the first step, ensuring you have everything you need for beautiful and practical gifts. Remember, presentation is key when it comes to mason jar gifts, so selecting the right accessories can elevate your present from simple to truly stunning.

Essential Supplies for Your Mason Jar Cookie Mix:

• Mason Jars (Set of 12): We recommend 1-quart wide-mouth jars. Their larger opening makes layering the ingredients much easier and provides ample space for the cookie mix. A set of 12 is perfect for batch gifting!
• Wide Mouth Funnel: This might seem like an optional item, but it is an absolute game-changer. A wide-mouth funnel drastically simplifies the process of adding layers of dry ingredients without making a mess, ensuring clean and distinct layers in your jar.
• Red Holiday Ribbon: A festive ribbon is essential for adding that touch of Christmas cheer. While you can find many beautiful options, the exact one pictured was purchased from Hobby Lobby, offering a classic holiday look.
• Miniature Clothespins: These tiny clips are perfect for attaching your printable recipe card to the ribbon, adding a rustic and charming detail to your gift presentation.
• Mini Wire Kitchen Whisks (Set of 12): A miniature whisk tied to the jar is a delightful embellishment that hints at the culinary adventure awaiting the recipient. It’s a charming extra that really enhances the gifting experience.
• FREE Printable Recipe Attachment: This is crucial! Our specially designed printable provides clear instructions for baking the cookies, making it incredibly easy for the recipient.

Crafting Your M&M Cookie Mix in a Jar: Layering for Success

While I’ve shared M&M cookie recipes before, this specific version has been adjusted for a half-batch to fit perfectly into a 1-quart mason jar. This ensures optimal ingredient layering and prevents overcrowding. For the full, larger recipe, you can refer to our original M&M Cookies recipe.

The key to a visually appealing mason jar gift is careful layering. Each ingredient should be distinctly visible, creating an attractive display that tantalizes the eyes before the taste buds. Take your time with each layer, gently tapping the jar after adding each one to settle the ingredients and create a flat surface for the next. This also helps ensure all ingredients fit snugly.

Your Free Printable Recipe Card

Don’t forget to grab your essential recipe card! This printable ensures your recipients have all the instructions they need to transform the jar’s contents into delicious M&M Christmas Cookies. It’s designed to be clear, concise, and easy to follow, making the baking process a joy for anyone who receives this thoughtful gift.

Download Your FREE Printable Recipe Here!

Please note: All recipes and printable attachments are copyright protected and intended for non-commercial, personal use only. We appreciate your understanding in respecting these guidelines as you spread holiday cheer with your homemade gifts.

More Festive Holiday Treats to Inspire Your Baking

The holidays are a perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen! If you loved making these M&M Mason Jar Cookies, you might enjoy exploring some of our other festive creations. These recipes are designed to add a unique touch to your holiday dessert table or make excellent gifts themselves:

• Christmas Oreos: Indulge in classic Oreo cookies transformed into festive delights, dipped in luscious chocolate and adorned with holiday sprinkles. Perfect for a quick, no-bake treat!
• Christmas Cupcakes: These aren’t just any cupcakes; they’re magical snow globe-inspired creations that will enchant guests of all ages. A true centerpiece for your holiday spread.
• Santa Cookies: Craft adorable Santa-shaped cookies that are almost too cute to eat! Ideal for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve or for charming holiday parties.
• Christmas Donuts: Turn breakfast or dessert into a whimsical affair with these delightful donuts, cleverly decorated to resemble reindeer. Fun for kids and adults alike!
• Peppermint Popcorn: A delightful blend of salty and sweet, this popcorn is coated in chocolate and sprinkled with crushed peppermint, offering a refreshing twist on a classic snack.

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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

Video Tutorial

For a visual guide on assembling your M&M Mason Jar Cookies and ensuring perfect layers, you can often find helpful video tutorials. While we’ve removed direct JavaScript embeds to keep the HTML clean, searching for “Mason Jar Christmas Treats” or “M&M Cookie Mix in a Jar video” on popular video platforms can provide excellent visual instructions.

Ingredients

(For the Mason Jar Mix)

• 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

Additional Wet Ingredients (Add When Baking)

• 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter softened
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For Assembling the Mason Jar:

1. Begin by carefully combining the flour, baking soda, and salt at the bottom of a clean 1-quart mason jar. Using a spoon or the back of a measuring cup, gently tap the jar several times on your counter to help settle the flour mixture into a compact, even layer. Press it down as much as possible to create a firm base.
2. Next, add the light brown sugar, creating a distinct layer above the flour mixture. Again, pack this down firmly. The packed brown sugar will form a beautiful, rich layer.
3. Follow with the granulated sugar, ensuring it forms another neat, separate layer. Pack this down gently but firmly as well.
4. Finally, layer in the holiday M&M’s and milk chocolate chips. These colorful additions will create a visually stunning top layer. Press them down firmly to ensure all ingredients fit snugly within the jar.
5. Seal the mason jar tightly with its lid. To complete your gift, adorn the jar with a festive red holiday ribbon and, if desired, attach a miniature whisk using a mini clothespin. Don’t forget to attach the free printable recipe attachment (or a handwritten copy of the baking directions provided below) for the recipient!

For Baking the Cookies (Instructions for Recipient):

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
7. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract until they are well blended and creamy.
8. Carefully empty the entire contents of the mason jar mix into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated, and a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
9. Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading.
10. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. This will ensure a wonderfully chewy cookie.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade M&M Christmas Cookies!

Recipe Notes & Tips for Perfect Cookies

Ingredient Quality: Always use fresh ingredients for the best results. Good quality butter and vanilla extract can make a significant difference in the flavor of your cookies.

Packing the Jar: When layering the ingredients in the mason jar, make sure to pack each layer firmly, especially the sugars. This prevents the ingredients from shifting too much and also helps ensure everything fits into the jar.

Don’t Overmix: When the recipient mixes the dough, advise them not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Mix just until combined.

Baking Consistency: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. For that perfect crispy edge and soft center, pull them out when they are just set and lightly golden.

Storage for Baked Cookies: Store leftover baked M&M Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and chewiness. For longer enjoyment, freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to restore their delightful texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 170 kcal | 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 be used as an approximation.