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These Christmas Cookies in a Jar make the perfect homemade holiday gift festive, easy to assemble, and irresistibly delicious once baked! Layered with colorful M&M’s, chocolate chips, and brown sugar, this thoughtful present looks beautiful and bakes into chewy, soft cookies everyone will love.

Ingredients

For Each Jar

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ tsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup red and green M&M’s®

Ingredients the Gift Recipient Will Add

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Assemble the Jars

Use a wide-mouth 1-quart (32 oz.) mason jar for each gift.
Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the bottom of the jar. Use a funnel or a folded paper plate to help pour the ingredients in neatly. Tap the jar gently on the counter to level the layers.
Spoon in the brown sugar, then the granulated sugar, followed by the chocolate chips, and finally the M&M’s® on top.
Seal the jar tightly with a lid. Decorate with a ribbon, festive fabric, and a tag with baking instructions.

To Make the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix for 2–3 minutes; it may look uneven at this stage, which is fine.
Add the contents of the jar to the bowl and mix on low speed until a dough forms. Be gentle to avoid breaking the M&M’s® (you can stir them in by hand at the end if preferred).
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked — they’ll firm up as they cool.
(Optional) Right out of the oven, use a round cup or cookie cutter to swirl around each cookie for a perfectly round shape. Press extra M&M’s® or chocolate chips on top while still warm.
Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for gifting: Cute, homemade, and affordable.
Fun to make: Kids and adults alike enjoy layering the ingredients.
Delicious results: Soft, chewy cookies with festive colors.
Customizable: Easy to personalize with different mix-ins or decorations.

Tips

Use wide-mouth jars — they’re easier to fill and empty.
Press each layer down gently for clean, defined stripes.
When baking, avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
To make assembly easier, prep ingredients in bulk and line up your jars in an assembly line.
Include a gift tag with the added ingredients and baking instructions for a thoughtful touch.

Variations and Substitutions

Different colors: Swap red and green M&M’s® for pink and white (Valentine’s Day) or pastel (Easter).
Add-ins: Try chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, or crushed candy canes.
Sugar-free version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and sweeteners.
Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips?
Yes, but mini chips distribute more evenly in the dough and jar.

Do I need to pack the brown sugar tightly?
Yes — packing helps maintain clean layers and prevents air gaps.

How long can the jars be stored before baking?
Up to 3 months in a cool, dry place. Be sure to attach a “best by” note.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make multiple jars at once.

Serving

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, with melty chocolate and crisp edges. Serve with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Suggestions

Include the jar in a holiday gift basket with a whisk or spatula.
Add a handwritten note or printable recipe card with baking directions.
For a festive touch, tie a red and green ribbon or small ornament around the jar lid.
Perfect for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers as an easy yet personal Christmas gift.