10 Christmas Jar Gifts Ideas (that actually end up awesome)

Hey foodie friend 👋 — ready to dazzle your holiday gift-game with something easy, tasty, and totally gift-worthy? I mean, who doesn’t love receiving a sweet treat in a cute little jar, right? Especially at Christmastime when anything edible = major win. So set aside five minutes, grab some mason jars (or whatever glass jar you have lying around), and let’s jump into 10 Christmas treats to gift in a jar. These are fun, friendly, and absolutely doable — even if your kitchen is somewhat chaotic (mine definitely is).

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1. Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Because you literally gift someone “instant cozy” — add hot milk or water, and boom: warm fuzzies. DIY beats store-bought, IMO.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• ½ cup powdered milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon salt (or just a tsp if you’re keeping it gentle)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (dry form if you’ve got it)
• Optional: mini marshmallows, crushed peppermint, or chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk together cocoa, powdered milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract (if dry) until everything’s even.
3. Funnel the mix into a clean jar. Seal it. Add a tag: “Scoop 2-3 tbsps into a mug, add hot milk, stir & enjoy.”
4. If you like, layer marshmallows or crushed peppermint on top for effect.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s quick, it’s charming, and the jar looks adorable. Plus: you end up giving something people will actually use (not just re-gifting). I once added extra chocolate chips for myself and… well, I drank dessert. No regrets. 😉

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2. Peppermint Brownie Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. Add peppermint and you slide right into Christmas-mode.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces
• pinch of salt
• Label: “Add 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, mix, bake 30 min at 175°C (350°F).”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer jar with flour, then sugar, then cocoa, salt, chocolate chips, and finally crushed peppermint.
2. Seal the jar and attach the label with the “add eggs & butter” step.
3. Tell the recipient: “Bake 30 mins, cut into squares, try hard not to eat them all in one go.”

Why You’ll Love It

It looks pretty — layers = Instagram friendly. And bonus: it sets you up for the chocolate/peppermint vibe of the season. I once swapped mint for orange zest (thinking I was clever) — not fooled again: mint just works.

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3. Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate-Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Cookies + oats + cranberries + chocolate = festive, hearty, and fun.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix oats, flour, baking soda, salt, brown & white sugar together.
2. Fold in chocolate chips + dried cranberries.
3. Pour into jar, create a label: “Add ½ cup melted butter + 1 egg + 1 tsp vanilla. Scoop by tablespoons, bake 10 mins at 175°C.”
4. Seal, decorate.

Why You’ll Love It

You’re giving something that feels cozy and homey. I personally find the chewy oats + tart cranberry combo perfect for the post-holiday sugar crash (you know it). Bonus: it’s more elevated than plain chocolate chip cookies.

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4. Salted Caramel Sauce in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Not everything has to be a mix. Sometimes sauce = super luxe. It’s like giving liquid gold that someone can drizzle over ice cream, pancakes, or their own responsibility (jk).

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter, add brown sugar and stir until smooth.
2. Carefully pour in heavy cream (it might bubble). Stir until well blended.
3. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt + vanilla. Let cool slightly.
4. Funnel into a sterilised jar. Seal. Add tag: “Refrigerate after opening. Use within 2-3 weeks.”
5. Option: attach a mini spoon or a small dish so it’s “ready to serve”.

Why You’ll Love It

This one wins big when you’re gifting to someone who already has a sweet tooth. It’s decadent without being extra complicated. I once ate spoonfuls straight from the jar at midnight — full confession. 😅

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5. Spiced Holiday Nuts in a Jar

Why it rocks:
They’re crunchy, savory-sweet, great for snacking during all your holiday gatherings (or all your gatherings, if you keep them).

Ingredients

• 3 cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, cashews)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to ~175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet.
2. Melt butter + honey + brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in cinnamon, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.
3. Toss the nuts in that mixture until all coated. Spread on baking sheet.
4. Bake for ~15-20 mins, stirring halfway through, until nuts become fragrant and lightly toasted.
5. Let cool completely, then pack into a jar. Seal and add a note: “Store in cool place, eat within 2 weeks (if they last that long).”

Why You’ll Love It

They’re not overly sweet, so even the “I don’t like sweets” person at your gifting list will appreciate them. I found that adding a tiny bit of cayenne (just a touch!) gives the nuts a kick of grown-up flavor. Try it.

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6. Cinnamon Honey Butter in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Because butter + honey + cinnamon = breakfast champion. Someone can spread this on toast, biscuits, or just eat it with a spoon—no judgment.

Ingredients

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of powdered sugar (optional, for texture)
• Decorative jar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter + honey until smooth.
2. Stir in cinnamon (and powdered sugar if using).
3. Transfer to a jar, seal. Add a note: “Refrigerate. Bring to room temp before spreading.”
4. Add a mini little wooden butter knife or decorative spoon if you want to go full gift mode.

Why You’ll Love It

This is one of those simple-but-special gifts that feels handmade. I served it at brunch once and my guests asked if I’d ordered a fancy bakery item. Nope, just butter + honey + cinnamon (I know, I’m basically a chef now).

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7. Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
For that classic holiday flavor mashup. It hits chocolate, hits mint, hits nostalgia. Perfect gift for a neighbor, teacher, coworker — you know the drill.

Ingredients

• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (or chunks)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy cane bits
• Pinch salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt. Layer into jar.
2. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar. Then chocolate chips, then crushed peppermint. Seal jar.
3. Attach instructions: “Add ½ cup melted butter + 1 egg + 1 tsp vanilla. Scoop dough, bake 10-12 mins at 175°C.”
4. Decoration optional: tie a red/white ribbon around the jar for extra festive effect.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s so festive that even your “I’m not into holiday sweets” friend might secretly ask for seconds. Mint balances the chocolate nicely — my personal fave buddy combo.

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8. Cookie Dough Bites Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Because raw cookie dough exists (no judgement here) and you can let someone bake it later or eat it as dough if you trust them (that’s between you and your conscience).

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour (heat treated if eating raw)
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch salt
• Optional: ¼ cup mini M&Ms or chopped nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If you plan to eat raw: heat-treat the flour (spread on baking sheet, bake ~5 mins at 175°C). Let cool.
2. Mix flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt. Fold in chocolate chips (and M&Ms/nuts if using).
3. Pack into jar. Label: “Add 2 Tbsp melted butter + 2–3 Tbsp milk. Scoop and chill or bake 350°F for 8–10 mins for cookies.”
4. Decorate jar however you like — kids, roommates, friends will love this.

Why You’ll Love It

It feels playful, a little rebel (because yes, cookie dough), and totally charming. I once skipped the “bake” step and chilled the dough — zero regrets, huge smile.

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9. Toffee Blondie Mix in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Blondies are like brownies’ lighter, sunnier cousin. Add toffee bits and you’re in rich, buttery territory. Gift it, bake it, eat it. Done.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch salt
• 1 cup toffee bits
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• Label: “Add 2 eggs + ½ cup melted butter. Bake in 8×8-inch pan 20–25 mins at 175°C.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer flour, baking powder, salt. Then brown sugar + white sugar. Then toffee bits + chocolate chips. Seal jar.
2. Attach the “add eggs + butter” label. Suggest: “Line pan with parchment for easiest removal.”
3. Wrap jar with twine and tag it “Toffee Blondie Fun”.

Why You’ll Love It

This feels fancy without actually being hard. Toffee bits = buttery-crunch perfection. My personal take: skip extra nuts (too much texture) and go pure toffee + chocolate.

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10. Christmas Mint Chocolate Bark in a Jar

Why it rocks:
Not a mix — this is a finished treat you present in a jar. Layers of chocolate + minty goodness. Elegantly simple.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 1 cup white chocolate (chopped or chips)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint or candy cane pieces
• Sprinkles, optional (Christmas colors)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Melt dark chocolate gently (double boiler or microwave in 30 sec bursts). Spread half the dark chocolate thickly on parchment.
2. Melt white chocolate and swirl it over the dark layer. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint (and sprinkles if using).
3. Chill until firm (in fridge for ~30-45 mins). Break into large pieces.
4. Pack pieces into a jar (layering if you want visual effect). Seal. Add a tag: “Keep cool. Enjoy within 2 weeks (if you can wait that long!).”

Why You’ll Love It

Because it looks like high-end gift, and it is high-end in flavor, yet you made it in your kitchen. The jar gives you those gorgeous layered colors — trust me, people will ooh and ahh. I might have eaten the last piece before gifting… but you didn’t hear that from me.

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🎁 Final Thoughts

There you go — 10 Christmas treats to gift in a jar that are fun, straightforward, and full of flavor. Whether you’re gifting neighbours, friends, co-workers, or your “secret Santa” person, these will hit the mark. No fancy equipment needed, just jars, good ingredients, and your creative twist.

What I love most: they let you name yourself chef plus gift-giver. And let’s face it: the holidays are way more fun when you hand something homemade and someone says “Wow, did you really make this?” (Answer: yes. Proudly.)

So go ahead, pick one (or several), get those jars ready, decorate a little, and get gifting. Because nothing says “I thought about you” like a tasty jar full of homemade goodness. And yes, you better save one for yourself too. You’ve earned it.

Happy jar-treating & happy holidays 😊