Chocolate Chip Cookies In A Jar Recipe For Easy Gifts

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless treat, loved by kids and adults alike. But what if you could gift the joy of baking with a delightful and practical twist?

Enter the Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar recipe! This charming idea layers all the dry ingredients neatly inside a mason jar, making it not only a stunning gift but also a convenient way to have cookie ingredients ready whenever you crave a warm, freshly baked batch.

Whether you’re preparing a sweet present for friends, family, or just want to keep your pantry stocked with a quick dessert solution, this recipe delivers both beauty and flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, from holidays to last-minute treats.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie jar, including layering tips, ingredient lists, and baking instructions. So grab your jars, and let’s get started on crafting a gift that’s as delicious as it is thoughtful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it offers a fun and interactive way to share homemade cookie goodness without the mess or fuss of measuring ingredients.

The pre-measured dry ingredients stacked in the jar create a visually appealing gift that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or “just because” moments.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can tweak the recipe by adding nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that gourmet touch.

The recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and easy to make in bulk. Best of all, the cookies bake up soft, chewy, and perfectly golden every time.

Whether you’re gifting it or baking it yourself, this jar recipe is sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to any kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)
  • For baking (not in jar):
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 1 quart (32 oz) mason jar or any clear glass jar with a lid
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the jar layers: Start by adding the flour to the jar. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt evenly over the flour. Tap the jar lightly to settle the ingredients without mixing them.
  2. Add the sugars: Layer the brown sugar next, pressing down gently to compact it slightly. Follow with the granulated sugar, again pressing lightly for a neat layer.
  3. Layer the chocolate chips and nuts: Add the chocolate chips on top of the sugar layer. If you’re including nuts, sprinkle them over the chocolate chips. Finally, add the vanilla sugar or vanilla powder if using.
  4. Seal and label: Screw the lid on tightly. You can decorate the jar with a ribbon or tag that includes the baking instructions (see below).
  5. To bake the cookies: When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients from the jar (tip the jar contents into a large bowl) to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  7. Scoop and bake: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
  8. Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For the neatest layers, use a spoon or small funnel to add ingredients carefully. Press down lightly on each sugar layer with the back of a spoon to avoid mixing layers.

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

  • White chocolate and macadamia nuts: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips and add macadamia nuts for a classic twist.
  • Oatmeal chocolate chip: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
  • Peanut butter chocolate chip: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips along with the semi-sweet chips.
  • Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
  • Extra fudgy: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate lover’s dream.

For gifting, include a handwritten note with the baking instructions and some serving suggestions to make it extra special.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (approximate)
Calories 120
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 20mg
Sodium 90mg
Total Carbohydrates 16g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 10g
Protein 1.5g

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate chip cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them warm with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.

You can also try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

For a festive touch, sandwich two cookies together with peanut butter, Nutella, or marshmallow fluff for a delightful twist. These cookies also make a great addition to a dessert platter at parties or a sweet snack for afternoon coffee breaks.

Looking for more delicious treats? Check out our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats or try some Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy for a fruity alternative!

Conclusion

Making chocolate chip cookies in a jar is not only a creative and thoughtful way to gift homemade treats but also a fantastic way to keep your favorite cookie ingredients ready for whenever the craving strikes.

This recipe balances simplicity and charm with delicious results, ensuring soft, chewy cookies every time.

Whether you’re preparing a batch for a loved one or baking from your own jar, this method brings joy to the kitchen and beyond. Plus, with easy customization options and clear instructions, it’s a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels.

Don’t forget to explore more tasty recipes like Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals for wholesome meals and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep your snack game strong.

Happy baking and sharing!

📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar

Description: A fun and easy gift idea featuring all the dry ingredients for chocolate chip cookies layered in a jar. Just add wet ingredients and bake fresh cookies anytime.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)

Instructions

  1. Layer all dry ingredients neatly in a 1-quart jar.
  2. Seal jar tightly and attach label with wet ingredient instructions.
  3. To bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. In a bowl, mix jar contents with 1 cup softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool on wire racks before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 20g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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