Are you looking for a creative and delicious gift idea that’s perfect for the holidays or a special occasion? This M&M Cookie Jar is a fun, customisable, and thoughtful gift that anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate. Not only does it make for a beautiful presentation, but it’s also a treat that keeps on giving—who doesn’t love homemade cookies? Plus, it’s super easy to assemble, and the best part is that the recipient just has to add a few simple ingredients to bake up a batch of cookies in no time.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to assemble the M&M Cookie Jar, layer by layer, and include the recipe to bake the perfect cookies once the jar is opened. Let's get started!
Ingredients for Assembling the Cookie Jar
You'll need the following ingredients to layer your M&M Cookie Jar. These quantities are for one jar, but you can always make several and give them as gifts!
Dry Ingredients:
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour (spooned into the measuring cup and levelled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cookie Add-ins:
- 1⅓ cups M&M’s and/or chocolate chips (You can mix both or stick to one depending on your preference)
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Additional:
- 1-quart Mason jar (perfect size for this recipe)
Assembling the M&M Cookie Jar
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is your dry base. -
Layer the Ingredients:
Pour the dry ingredients into the bottom of your 1-quart Mason jar. If you want a smooth pour, you can roll up a paper plate to use as a funnel—this helps keep things neat!After the flour mixture, layer the granulated sugar next. Then, add about 1 cup of the M&M’s and/or chocolate chips. Follow this with the brown sugar and top with the remaining ⅓ cup of M&M’s and/or chocolate chips. Be sure to spoon each ingredient gently to keep the layers distinct. This layered look is what makes the cookie jar such a beautiful gift!
-
Seal and Decorate:
Once everything is layered, tightly seal the jar with its lid. You can add a little personal touch by decorating the jar with a ribbon, fabric, or a cute label. For a truly festive feel, you can even add a holiday sticker or tag with the recipe and baking instructions.
Recipe for Baking the Cookies
To make the jar even more special, print out the recipe and attach it to the jar so the recipient knows exactly what to do next. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients (for baking):
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Add the Jar Contents:
Open the Mason jar and pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir everything together gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until it’s well combined. The dough will be slightly thick. -
Chill the Dough:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and results in thicker, chewier cookies. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2-tablespoon portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centres are just slightly underdone. This gives the cookies that perfect chewy centre!
-
Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.Pro tip: For perfectly round cookies, use the back of a spoon to gently shape the edges while they’re still warm from the oven.
Why M&M Cookie Jars Make a Great Gift
Not only is this M&M Cookie Jar visually appealing, but it’s also an incredibly thoughtful and personal gift. Here’s why it’s the perfect present:
-
Customisable: You can mix and match the type of M&M’s or chocolate chips, adding variety to suit the recipient's taste.
-
Convenient: All the dry ingredients are pre-measured, so the recipient doesn’t need to shop for any extras—just butter, eggs, and vanilla.
-
Fun: Assembling the jar is a fun activity that can be done with kids or friends. It’s an enjoyable way to spread some holiday cheer.
-
Homemade: There’s something extra special about receiving homemade cookies, especially when the baking is so easy!
-
Sustainable: Mason jars are reusable, making this gift not only tasty but also eco-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re giving this M&M Cookie Jar as a gift or keeping it for yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. The process is simple, the result is delicious, and the presentation is adorable. Plus, you get to enjoy fresh, warm cookies without much effort! It's a perfect gift for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, or anyone who loves a sweet treat.
So next time you’re in need of a thoughtful gift, give this M&M Cookie Jar a try. It's guaranteed to be a hit! Happy baking!