M&M Christmas Cookies in a Jar with Printable Gift Tag
When it comes to making homemade Christmas presents, it’ doesn’t get much better than mason jar gifts! A jar is the perfect container for treats and homemade goodies during the holiday season. With these Christmas cookies in a jar, your friends and family members can make some Christmas memories and prepare a sweet treat at the same time. Grab your free printable gift tag, then follow the instructions to layer your cookie ingredients in a mason jar to create a beautiful gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase something from my link (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for your support!

In addition to being delicious, these M&M cookies in a jar also look amazing when you follow my simple instructions! Layering the ingredients in the jar is a great way to add some visual interest to your mason jar Christmas gift.
This simple cookies in a jar gift is a great way to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. After you make the gift, give it to anyone on your list so they can create their own Christmas memories at home!
Christmas Cookie Ingredients in a Jar
To make this easy cookie mix in a jar gift, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. And since most of the cookie ingrients are already in the jar, your friend will only need two fresh ingredients to prepare the cookies!

What I love about these cookies in a jar is how easy this gift is to make. And since they’re using a classic M&M cookie recipe, you probably already have everything you need to build the Christmas cookie ingredients in a jar.
To make these easy Christmas gift, you’ll need:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cornstarch
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mini chocolate chips
- Red and green M&Ms
Note: I’ve made this recipe with both all-purpose flour and gluten free baking flour, so you can easily make this into gluten free Christmas cookies in a jar! Simply substitute the traditional flour with gluten free flour in a 1-for-1 ratio. I suggest using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free baking flour for best resuts.
How to Layer Cookies in a Jar
While you could just dump all the cookie mix ingredients into your jar, the gift wouldn’t look very nice! That’s why I like to layer the ingredients in the jar to make it look pretty.
But before you can start adding the ingredients to your mason jar, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. In addition to the cook ingredients, you’ll also need a:
- Quart size canning jar. To build the cookies in your jar, you’ll need a large, quart-sized mason jar. I found this cute jar with a Christmas tree on the front at Dollar General.
- Canning funnel. Pouring the ingredients into your jar can get pretty messy, so I recommend using a canning funnel to add each ingredient. A canning funnel has a wider mouth than a traditional funnel, making it perfect for pouring in the dry ingredients.
- Printable gift tag. Keep reading to see how to download my free printable gift tag. The tag includes instructions for making the M&M cookies using the jarred cookie mix.
- Ribbon. Attach the tag to your jar with a piece of ribbon or twine to add one final decoration to your easy DIY gift.

The first layer of your cookies in a jar is flour. Start by placing the canning funnel on top of the jar and carefully pour the flour into the jar. After that, add the baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to the top of the flour.
After adding your ingredients, you’ll notice that the flour is probably uneven and fluffy. Help flatten the flour layer by lightly tapping the jar on the table. This will help the flour settle, making the top layer of the dry ingredients more even.

Next, pour the brown sugar into the jar on top of the flour. After adding the brown sugar, you’ll probably think there’s no more room for the rest of the ingredients! Luckily, brown sugar can be packed.

To pack the brown sugar, remove the funnel from the top of the jar. Use a spoon to pack the brown sugar down, creating an even layer. It might be difficult to get the spoon fully dowin into the jar. I suggest sliding the tip of the spoon down the side of the jar, then pressing down on the sugar with the end of the spoon.
Rotate the jar slightly, then press down again, keeping the end of the spoon touching the side of the jar. Continue rotating the jar until all the sugar has been firmly packed.

Place the canning funnel back on the top of the jar, then pour the white sugar over the top of the brown sugar. Lightly tap the jar on the table or lightly shake the jar to even the white sugar out.

Pour the vanilla extract in the center of the sugar. Make sure not to get any exract on the edge of the sugar or it may show through the side of the jar!

The next layer in your Christmas cookie jar is the mini chocolate chips. While you could use full-sized chocolate chips, I have found that the mini chips fit better in the jar. Since you’ll be working your way up to the top of the jar at this point, there may not be enough room for your M&Ms if you use regular chocolate chips.

On top of the chocolate chips will go the red and green M&Ms. You can pour the M&Ms all the way up to the top of the jar. Once you place the lid on the jar, the lid will help compress the ingredients more so that everything fits correctly.
Christmas Cookies in a Jar Gift Tag
Once you have your cookie ingredients layered, it’s time to start decorating your jar for Christmas gifts! The most important decorative element is definitely the gift tag because it tells your gift recipient how to make the cookies.

To make your own Christmas cookies in a jar gift, you’ll need to print out my free gift tags. To get your own, simply subscribe to my email list, print them out on cardstock, and tie them to your jar.

AFTER SUBSCRIBING, YOU’LL RECEIVE A WELCOME EMAIL WITH A PASSWORD EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY SUBSCRIBERS. IF YOU DON’T SEE THE MESSAGE SHORTLY AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION, BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR JUNK OR SPAM FOLDERS AND ADD MY EMAIL AS TO YOUR SAFE LIST! I’LL KEEP YOU UP-TO-DATE ON NEW FREEBIES AND OTHER POSTS once a week AFTER THAT.

After downloading your printable tags, print them out on cardstock and cut the tags out around the outer border. Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the corner of the tag. After that, just thread a piece of ribbon or twine through the hole and attach the tag to the top of your jar with a bow.
How to Make M&M Christmas Cookies
The printable Christmas cookies in a jar gift tag explains how to to use the cookie mix to prepare the M&M cookies. But if your loved one has questions about the recipe, I’m here to help!

Here’s how to make the M&M cookies using the jarred mix:
- Beat together the softened butter and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Add the contents of the jar and mix on low until combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out the dough and place it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.

How Long Will Cookies in a Jar Last?
This recipe for cookie mix in a jar will last up to 6 months, if it’s kept in a cool, dry place. If you’re preparing your jars ahead of time, make sure to keep the jars stored in a cabinet or pantry until you deliver your gift.
Once the cookies are prepared, they should be kept in an airtight container and will stay fresh for up to one week.
Christmas Cookies in a Jar Recipe
Your friends and family will love making their own cookies this holiday season with this fun Christmas cookies in a jar recipe.
Materials
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms
Tools
- Quart Jar with lid
- Canning funnel
- Printable gift tag
- Scissors
- Twine
Instructions
- Place a canning funnel on top of a quart size jar.
- Pour the flour in the bottom of the jar and tap the jar to level the top of the flour layer.
- Add the cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Tap the jar again to level the ingredients.
- Add the brown sugar. Use a spoon to press down the sugar and make it compact.
- Add the sugar and tap the jar on the table to level the layer.
- Pour the vanilla in the center of the sugar layer.
- Top the sugar with mini chocolate chips. Lightly shake the jar to level.
- Fill the remaining space in the top of the jar with the M&Ms.
- Place the lid on the jar.
- Print out the gift tag and cut it out around the outer border. Punch a hole in the corner of the tag and use the ribbon to attach it to the top of the jar.
To make the cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat together 1 cup softened butter and 1 egg until smooth.
- Add the contents of the jar and mix on low until the dough begins to come together.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop the dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
More Amazing Mason Jar Ideas:
42 Simple Mason Jar Decoration Ideas
Mason Jar Candy Gift with Printable Tag
If you like this post, you’ll probably like these:
Emily is a midwestern mom of two boys. She loves all things DIY — from home renovations to kids birthday party planning. Whether she’s making a new farmhouse craft for her home or helping her kids with a cool activity, you can bet she’s in the middle of some kind of DIY project (or three) right now!




Question, does the recipe call for 1 cup of butter or 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter? Both are mentioned
Sorry for the confusion, Joy! It should be 1 cup of butter. I corrected the recipe!
I am trying to get to your printable tag for the christmas cookie jar tag. How can i get this?
In the section under the header “Christmas Cookies in a Jar Gift Tag” you’ll see a button that says “download now.” Just click that button to enter your email to sign up!
for Christmas cookie section I did everything as directed and sill cant get tags!!!
LOVE this gift idea, Emily! We will be featuring you starting Wednesday at the Creative Crafts Linky Party! Pinned and shared
Creatively, Beth
Thanks so much for the feature, Beth!
It seems impossible to get the printable tag. I have followed all steps, checked my spam & junk folders…everything… Disappointing
I’m sorry about that, Karen! Sometimes the email just gets lost! I just emailed with you the instructions for downloading items from my free printable library.