If you're looking for a heartfelt, show-stopping homemade gift idea that's as adorable as it is delicious, then you're going to love this version of Cookies in a Jar. It's perfect for Christmas, birthdays, teachers, neighbours… pretty much anyone you want to say "you're special" to.
And if you're in the gift-making spirit, why not check out our other favourites like our 3 Ingredient Shortbread or Cranberry, Chocolate and Almond Bark for more fun homemade treats?
Just made your Cookies in a Jar recipe - so yummy!
I am making more of these as Christmas gifts for work colleagues next weekend....
- Julie
When you assemble a layered mix of dry ingredients into a jar, tie on a tag with baking instructions, you instantly transform a basic cookie mix into a gorgeous, thoughtful gift. This one shows effort, care and creativity - and that presentation (hello glass jar, neat layers!) makes it not only look pretty, but it also gives the recipient a fun baking experience!
This version uses oats, dried cranberries and white-choc blocks to elevate the flavour beyond the standard choc-chip version. And if you're keen for more DIY Christmas gift ideas, then check out our Christmas Fudge and Mini Christmas Puddings too.
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Looks amazing, feels special - the layered jar is a visual delight and makes the gift look premium without breaking the budget.
- Super simple to assemble - you can put it together with dry ingredients in under 10 minutes (hello last-minute teacher's gift!).
- Customisable - swap mix-ins and make it gluten-free (see Variations below) to suit any dietary need.
- Makes the recipient feel part of the fun - they get to finish the baking; it's interactive and memorable.
- Perfect for all occasions - not just Christmas: birthdays, thank-you gifts, housewarmings, teacher appreciation… you name it.
Jump to:
Cookies In A Jar Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients you need - all other standard ingredients (plain flour, bicarb soda, baking powder, salt, brown sugar and caster sugar) are included in the recipe card below.
- Rolled Oats - use old-fashioned/large-flaked oats, not instant or quick-cook, so you get texture in the final cookie.
- Dried Cranberries - make sure they're soft-chew type, so they bake well and don't dry out in the jar.
- White Chocolate Chips - you can also use white chocolate chunks (cut small) for a more artisan feel, if you prefer.
- Glass Jar - 1 litre, with a well fitting lid.
Variations
- Dark Choc & Macadamia - swap white choc chips for dark chocolate chips, and cranberries for chopped macadamias for a rich Aussie twist.
- Festive Peppermint Crunch - drop in crushed peppermint candies and use peppermint white-chocolate chips (or mint-flavoured white choc) instead of plain white chips - perfect for Christmas!
- Gluten-Free Version - use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of plain flour (and check your oats are certified GF).
- Vegan Gift Jar - use vegan white chocolate chips, swap in a flax-egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoon water) for the recipient to add, and make sure your flour blend is vegan.
Need To Substitute An Ingredient?
Ask ChatGPT for suggestions on how to substitute the particular ingredient:
How To Make Cookies In A Jar
- Step 1: In a small bowl whisk together plain flour, bi-carbonate soda, baking powder and salt.
Spoon the flour mixture into the bottom of the jar. Tap gently or tilt to level it.
- Step 2: Add the brown sugar (firmly packed) as the next layer and gently flatten.
Then layer the caster sugar.
- Step 3: Next, layer the rolled oats, making sure they sit evenly.
Add the dried cranberries.
Top with the white chocolate chips - if there's space in the jar, you can add a few extra chocolate chips so the layer reaches the rim nicely.
- Step 4: Seal the jar with a lid.
Attach a printed gift tag (or hand-written) with the baking instructions (see "Notes / Baking Instructions" below).
Add ribbon or fabric if you like for that handcrafted look.
Recipe Tips
- Purchase jars - Kmart and most discount stores sell 1 litre glass jars with lids.
- Check ingredient freshness - especially baking powder/baking soda; old raising ingredients mean flat/poor-textured cookies.
- Pack the layers gently but firmly - using the back of a spoon helps avoid air gaps and keeps the jar looking tidy and "gift-worthy".
- Have a clean, dry cloth or paper towel ready to wipe down any excess of the dry ingredients from the inside of the glass as you go.
- Keep ingredients dry - moisture ruins the layers (and the oats!), so store assembled jars in a cool, dry place until you gift them.
- Label with 'best-by' date - because these are dry mixes, note on the tag something like "Use within 3-4 months".
- Make multiple jars easily - set up an "assembly line": pre-measure dry mixes, use a funnel or rolled paper plate to add each layer quickly.
Free Printable Gift Tag for 'Cookies in a Jar'
Click here to download your free printable gift tags, including instructions (alternatively, you can handwrite your own tag).
Cookies In A Jar FAQs
If stored in a cool, dry place with a sealed lid, the mix should be fine for about 3-4 months. Note on the tag a 'Best Before' date, and if it contains nuts, aim for sooner.
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats, and clearly label the jar "Gluten-Free" so they know it's safe.
Yes! Swap cranberries for dried cherries or dried blueberries, white choc for dark choc, add nuts, toffee pieces, peppermint bits - whatever fits the recipient! Just make sure the mix-ins are dry and shelf-stable.
Instructions to bake the cookies are in the recipe card below, and also on the printable label - Click here to download your free printable gift tags
More Foodie Gift Ideas
If you love thoughtful, edible gifts that feel homemade and heartfelt, here are a few more foodie ideas that are guaranteed to impress.
WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Cookies in a Jar
Ingredients
- ¾ cup plain flour
- ¼ teaspoon bi-carbonate soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ⅓ cup caster sugar
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 100 g dried cranberries
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- To make 'cookies in a jar' you'll need a 1 litre glass jar.
- In a small bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, bi-carb soda and salt together.
- Carefully spoon the flour mixture into the bottom of the glass jar. Gently move the flour around so that you have an even layer.
- Gently spoon the brown sugar in an even layer over the flour.
- Continue creating layers in the following order: caster sugar, rolled oats, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips.
- Close the lid of the glass jar (if you have any extra space at the top of the jar, simply top up with extra chocolate chips).
- Print out our free recipe gift tag and attach to the jar with a ribbon (see notes).
Notes
- Purchase jars - KMart and most discount stores sell 1 litre glass jars with lids.
- Check ingredient freshness - especially baking powder/baking soda; old raising ingredients means flat/poor texture cookies.
- Pack the layers gently but firmly - using the back of a spoon helps avoid air gaps and keeps the jar looking tidy and "gift-worthy".
- Have a clean dry cloth or paper towel ready to wipe down any excess of the dry ingredients from the inside of glass as you go.
- Keep ingredients dry - moisture ruins the layers (and the oats!), so store assembled jars in a cool, dry place until you gift them.
- Label with 'best-by' date - because these are dry mixes, note on the tag something like "Use within 3-4 months".
- Make multiple jars easily - set up an "assembly line": pre-measure dry mixes, use a funnel or rolled paper plate to add each layer quickly.
poppy henderson says
this was the best thing i have ever done. and i got married last week
Julie says
Hi- just cooked these 15 minutes was way too long. I did the second batch
For 10mins and they were perfect. Could I use less sugar a tad too sweet
Lucy Mathieson says
Absolutely if that's what you'd prefer! It really depends on your oven - so best to play around with the length of time! xx
JULIE says
Just made your Brownie in a Jar recipe - yummy. Also the Baileys last night.
I am making your gifts for work colleagues next weekend for Xmas....
Julie
Lucy Mathieson says
Yay!!! That's so awesome to hear! Thank you!!! xx
Kylee says
Just wondering what the wet ingredients are please. Doesn't say in the recipe. Cheers
Lucy Mathieson says
Hi Kylee, they're in the recipe notes section of the recipe card (at the bottom). xx