Double Chocolate Brownie Mason Jar Mix: Delightful homemade gifts perfect for the holiday season – complete with a free printable recipe attachment!

The holiday season is a time for sharing joy, and what better way to do that than with thoughtful, homemade gifts? This week, we’re diving into a series of enchanting Christmas Mason Jar desserts. If you’re looking for more festive inspiration, don’t miss our guides on Peppermint Bark Cookies, Classic Sugar Cookies, and Festive M&M Christmas Cookies, all designed as charming mason jar gifts.

Double Chocolate Brownie Mason Jar Mix: The Ultimate Homemade Christmas Gift

Growing up, my mother’s kitchen was always filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods, especially around the holidays. Her tradition of crafting homemade gifts for neighbors, friends, and co-workers is one I’ve proudly carried forward. There’s a special warmth that comes with receiving something made with love, and in our busy modern lives, a homemade gift mix offers both sentiment and convenience.

As a huge fan of rich, fudgy brownies, I can confidently say there’s nothing quite like indulging in a delectable treat that requires minimal effort during the hectic holiday season. This Double Chocolate Brownie Mason Jar Mix is the quintessential answer. It’s a gift that says “I care” without adding extra stress to the recipient’s already packed schedule. They can simply whip up these amazing brownies in minutes for a last-minute treat, a cozy family dessert, or to contribute to a holiday gathering.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a foolproof guide on how to assemble these truly amazing and delightfully easy brownie gift jars. Prepare to spread an abundance of Christmas cheer with every beautifully layered jar!

Why Mason Jar Brownie Mixes Are the Perfect Holiday Gift

Mason jar dessert mixes have soared in popularity, and for good reason. They are not just presents; they are experiences waiting to happen. Here’s why these brownie jars stand out as the ultimate holiday offering:

• Thoughtful & Personal: A homemade gift carries a personal touch that store-bought items often lack. It shows you invested time and care, making the gesture even more meaningful.
• Easy to Assemble: For the giver, these jars are incredibly simple to put together. With a few common ingredients and a bit of layering, you can create stunning gifts in a short amount of time, perfect for batch gifting.
• Convenient for Recipients: In the midst of holiday rush, recipients often appreciate gifts that simplify their lives. A pre-measured brownie mix means less shopping and measuring for them, making it easy to enjoy a delicious treat without stress.
• Delicious & Customizable: This double chocolate brownie recipe is inherently delicious – rich, fudgy, and packed with chocolate flavor. Plus, the basic mix can be easily customized with various add-ins, making it suitable for different tastes.
• Visually Appealing: When layered correctly, the ingredients create a beautiful, appealing display within the jar, transforming it into an attractive piece of holiday decor until it’s ready to be baked.

Essential Supplies for Crafting Your Brownie Jars

Before you begin layering your ingredients, gathering the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these charming brownie mix jars:

• Mason Jars (Set of 12): Wide-mouth, quart-sized (32 oz) jars are ideal for fitting all the ingredients and making layering easy.
• Wide Mouth Funnel: This is a game-changer! It significantly simplifies the process of adding ingredients neatly into the jars without spills, ensuring clean layers.
• Food Scale: While not strictly mandatory for this recipe, a food scale can be incredibly helpful for precise measurements, especially for cocoa powder and flour, ensuring consistent results across multiple jars.
• Red Holiday Ribbon: To add a festive touch! I often find beautiful, high-quality ribbons at craft stores like Hobby Lobby, but Amazon offers great options too.
• Miniature Clothespins: Perfect for attaching the printable recipe card and any other small tags to your ribbons.
• Mini Wire Kitchen Whisks (Set of 12): These tiny whisks are an adorable and practical addition, enhancing the gift’s charm and providing a useful tool for the recipient.
• FREE Printable Recipe Attachment: This crucial component provides the recipient with clear instructions on how to prepare the brownies.

Premium Ingredients for Irresistible Brownies

The secret to phenomenal brownies lies in the quality and balance of ingredients. For this mason jar mix, we’re focusing on a double-chocolate delight that promises fudgy perfection.

Dry Ingredients (for the Mason Jar Mix):

• Granulated Sugar: This provides the essential sweetness and contributes significantly to the brownies’ soft, moist, and fudgy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The backbone of our chocolate flavor! Sifting it beforehand is crucial to prevent lumps in the final baked product and ensure even distribution.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component. For accurate measurement and to avoid overly dense brownies, always spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
• Baking Powder: Our leavening agent. It gives the brownies a slight lift, preventing them from being too flat. Always check the expiration date; old baking powder will lose its potency and won’t work effectively.
• Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of salt in baking! It balances the sweetness, enhances the rich chocolate flavor, and brings out the best in all the other ingredients.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: These melt into luscious pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies, creating the “double chocolate” experience. Feel free to experiment with dark or white chocolate chips for a unique twist!

Wet Ingredients (to be Added by the Recipient):

• Unsalted Butter: This provides richness and moisture. Instruct the recipient to melt it and then let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, adding structure and moisture. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more consistent batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is recommended for its deep, aromatic flavor that complements and enhances the chocolate beautifully.
• Water: Warm water blends more seamlessly into the batter than cold water, ensuring a uniform consistency.

Assembling Your Brownie Mix Jar: Layers of Love

Creating these mason jar brownie mixes is not just about the ingredients; it’s an art of presentation. The visual appeal of distinct layers makes these gifts extra special. Here’s how to assemble them with precision:

• Prepare Your Jars: Ensure your mason jars are sparkling clean and completely dry.
• Start with Sugar: Carefully pour the granulated sugar into the bottom of the mason jar. Use a spoon or the back of a measuring cup to gently press it down and create an even, flat layer. Tap the jar firmly on your counter a few times to settle the sugar and eliminate air pockets.
• Add Cocoa Powder: Next, add the sifted unsweetened cocoa powder. Again, press it down gently and tap the jar. Cocoa powder tends to cling to the sides, so you might use a narrow spatula or a rolled-up paper towel to carefully wipe down the inner glass for a cleaner layer separation.
• Layer the Flour Mix: Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl before adding them to the jar. This ensures these leavening and seasoning agents are evenly distributed within that layer. Pour this mixture on top of the cocoa, press, and tap to create another distinct layer.
• Finish with Chocolate Chips: The final dry ingredient layer will be the milk chocolate chips. Pour them gently on top. They don’t need to be compacted as much as the powders, but ensure they form a neat, attractive layer.
• Seal and Decorate: Securely seal the mason jar with its lid. Now comes the fun part: decoration! Tie a festive red holiday ribbon around the neck of the jar. Attach the miniature whisk and the free printable recipe card using a small clothespin. You can also add a personalized gift tag for an extra special touch.

The Free Printable Recipe Card: An Essential Touch

A beautiful mason jar filled with brownie mix is a wonderful gift, but it’s only complete with clear instructions for the lucky recipient. Our free printable recipe attachment ensures that your loved ones can easily transform the dry mix into delicious, warm brownies. This card provides all the necessary wet ingredients and baking steps, making the process effortless for them.

Click HERE to Download Your Free Christmas Brownies Printable.

Please remember that all recipes and printables shared are for non-commercial use only. Enjoy creating these gifts for your personal circle!

Baking Instructions for Your Lucky Recipient

Once your loved ones receive their beautiful brownie mix jar, they’ll be eager to bake! Here are the simple, clear instructions they’ll follow to bring these double chocolate delights to life:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Instruct them to preheat their oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, generously grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with butter or baking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Mix: Empty the entire contents of the mason jar brownie mix into a large mixing bowl. Using a whisk or a spoon, stir the dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures all the sugar, cocoa, flour, baking powder, salt, and chocolate chips are well combined before wet ingredients are added.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, melt 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Add the slightly cooled melted butter, 2 large room-temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to the dry mix.
4. Mix Well: Stir all ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tougher brownies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain, but stop as soon as it’s homogenous.
5. Spread & Bake: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake for 18–25 minutes. The key to fudgy brownies is not to overbake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out slightly sticky with moist crumbs, not entirely clean.
6. Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Brownies continue to set as they cool, and cutting them warm can result in a crumbly texture. Patience is key for perfect slices!

Tips for Perfect Brownies Every Time

While the mason jar mix simplifies baking, a few extra tips can elevate your brownies from good to absolutely unforgettable:

• Ingredient Quality Matters: Always use fresh baking powder and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can dull the taste and affect the texture.
• Temperature is Key: Ensure eggs are at room temperature and melted butter is slightly cooled. This allows ingredients to emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent brownie.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, cake-like brownies rather than the desired fudgy texture.
• Don’t Overbake: This is arguably the most crucial tip for fudgy brownies. Always err on the side of underbaking. A slightly sticky toothpick indicates perfection, as the brownies will continue to cook slightly from residual heat as they cool.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: For perfectly neat squares, allow the brownies to cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.

Creative Variations and Personalization Ideas

One of the joys of homemade gifts is the ability to personalize them. Here are some ideas to make your Double Chocolate Brownie Mason Jar Mixes even more special:

• Chocolate Chip Swaps:
  • Dark Chocolate: For a more intense, sophisticated flavor.
  • White Chocolate: Adds a sweet contrast and delightful creaminess.
  • Peppermint Chips: A fantastic festive twist for mint chocolate lovers.
• Exciting Add-ins:
  • Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor. (Add a small, separate baggie of nuts to the jar, or note it on the recipe card).
  • Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries or cherries can add a chewy texture and tart sweetness.
  • Holiday Sprinkles: Include a tiny baggie of festive red and green sprinkles for the recipient to add on top before baking.
• Enhanced Presentation:
  • Themed Ribbons: Beyond red, consider green, gold, or plaid ribbons.
  • Unique Tags: Instead of just the recipe, add a handwritten note or a small ornament.
  • Cozy Pairings: Attach a small packet of gourmet hot chocolate mix or a candy cane to the jar.

Storage Guidelines for Your Brownie Mix and Baked Goodies

To ensure your thoughtful gift remains fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential for both the dry mix and any baked brownies.

• Storing Leftover Brownie Mix (Dry): Keep the dry mix securely sealed in an airtight container or the original mason jar at room temperature. Stored this way, it will remain fresh for up to 6 months, retaining its quality and flavor.
• Storing Baked Brownies:
  • Room Temperature: Once the brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft, fudgy texture.
  • Refrigerator: For extended freshness, store baked brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Chilling can make them even fudgier!
  • Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

More Festive Holiday Treat Ideas

If you’re looking for even more delightful recipes to brighten your holiday season, explore these other fantastic creations:

• Christmas Donuts: Adorable reindeer-themed donuts perfect for a festive breakfast or treat.
• Crockpot Candy: An incredibly simple and irresistibly delicious candy that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker.
• Santa Cookies: Charming and delicious cookies, absolutely perfect for leaving out for Santa on Christmas Eve.
• Christmas Snack Mix: A delightful blend of sweet and salty, all covered in festive chocolate.
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Kits: Another fantastic mason jar gift idea, perfect for neighbors and friends who love to decorate.