The Ultimate Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix: A Festive Make-Ahead Gift and Treat
A jar of layered pantry staples delivers festive cheer and easy, crowd-pleasing treats.
Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix: The Perfect Festive Gift and Bake
The holiday season calls for vibrant treats, thoughtful presents, and easy ways to bring joy to every kitchen. Enter Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix: a jar layered with colorful ingredients that quickly transforms into delightfully chewy, chocolatey cookies. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute homemade gift, a fun family baking project, or a way to spread holiday cheer, this clever, customizable cookie mix is a perennial favorite.
Table of Contents
- Why This Cookie Mix Is a Holiday Game Changer
- What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
- Step-by-Step: Assembling the Jar
- From Jar to Oven: Baking the Cookies
- Tips, Tricks, and Festive Variations
- Packaging and Gifting Inspiration
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why This Cookie Mix Is a Holiday Game Changer
Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix isn’t just a pretty jar for the countertop. It’s:
- Festively layered: With pops of red and green from sprinkles and candy, every jar is a feast for the eyes.
- Customizable: Swap candies and add-ins for nearly endless flavor combinations.
- Simple to assemble: Little hands can help measure and pour—the layering is practically foolproof.
- Long shelf life: Dry ingredients stay fresh for weeks, making these jars perfect for prepping ahead or mailing to loved ones.
- Foolproof results: With clear instructions, recipients easily whip up a batch of chewy, celebratory cookies with minimal mess.
If you crave a homemade present that feels thoughtful and tastes amazing, a jar of loaded cookie mix is a surefire success.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
For the Mix (Layer in the Jar)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup red and green sprinkles
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&M’s)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup crisp rice cereal (for crunch!)
What You’ll Need to Bake (Add Later):
- 1 stick salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step: Assembling the Jar
This recipe is designed for a standard 1-quart (32-oz) glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Assembly takes just 10–15 minutes and yields a beautiful, distinctive gift.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and kosher salt. Stir well so the leavening is evenly distributed.
- Begin Layering:
Layer about one-third of the flour mixture into the bottom of the jar and use a spoon to tap it flat. The order of add-ins creates the colorful stacked appearance. Layer as follows:
- First: Add a layer of flour mixture.
- Follow with: A layer of festive sprinkles.
- Then: Layer packed light brown sugar firmly, then a bit more flour mixture.
- Continue: Add chocolate candies, then chocolate chips, then another layer of flour mixture.
- Top with: Crisp rice cereal.
- Press Between Layers.
After each addition, gently tap and pack the jar to reduce air pockets and maintain clean, distinct layers.
- Seal and Label.
Seal tightly with a lid. Attach a label or tag with baking instructions (see below). Add a ribbon for extra flair.
From Jar to Oven: Baking the Cookies
Ready to turn that jar of ingredients into dreamy holiday cookies? Here’s how:
Prep & Bake (Yield: About 18 Cookies)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 1–2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, beat 1 stick of softened salted butter with a mixer until light, about 1 minute.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Mix in the Jar Contents: Pour the entire jar of dry mix into the wet ingredients. Stir or mix on low until a thick dough forms and all dry bits are incorporated.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to make 18 mounds of dough (~1 heaping tablespoon each). Space evenly on prepared pans.
- Chill: For chewiest results and best shape, chill the dough balls in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake 12–14 minutes or until golden at the edges and just set in the center. Don’t overbake for the softest cookies!
- Cool: Let cookies rest for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Baking Table: Quick Reference
| Step | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 mins | Cream butter, beat in egg/vanilla. |
| Mixing | 5 mins | Add and combine jar mix. |
| Chilling | 15 mins | For best texture. |
| Baking | 12–14 mins | Until golden brown. |
| Total | ~40 mins | Enjoy warm or cool! |
Tips, Tricks, and Festive Variations
- Jar Size: Be sure to use a true 1-quart jar. Pack down each layer as needed to fit.
- Add-Ins Swap:
- Change the candy colors for other holidays or themes (e.g., pastel for spring, gold and silver for New Year’s).
- Try peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a flavor twist.
- Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows for extra texture.
- Dietary Adjustments: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate dietary needs.
- Double the Fun: Scale up the ingredients to fill larger jars or bake double batches for parties.
- Make-Ahead: Assembled jars keep well at room temperature for up to 1 month. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
What others are reading
Chef’s Tips for Best Results
Measure precisely: Overfilling or shorting any layer can cause the mix to become dry or overly sweet. Use level measuring cups and pack brown sugar firmly.
Chill that dough: Even a brief chill in the fridge helps cookies keep their chew and distinct shape.
Don’t overbake: These cookies are best with a soft, gooey center and crisp edges; pull from the oven as soon as the edges are set.
Beautiful Packaging & Giving: Ideas That Wow
Once you’ve filled your jar, it’s time for a finishing touch! Here are ideas to ensure your gift is as charming as it is delicious:
- Personalized tags: Handwrite (or print) a label with cheerful graphics, the recipient’s name, and simple baking instructions.
- Ribbons and twine: Tie a festive ribbon, twine, or baker’s string around the lid; jingle bells or small cookie cutters make the ultimate embellishment.
- Holiday stickers or labels: Add snowflakes, trees, or stars for instant seasonal spirit.
- Include a cookie scoop: Attach with a ribbon so your recipient has everything needed to bake immediately.
- Shipping tips: If mailing, add an extra layer of plastic wrap to keep layers tidy and cushion the jar with crinkle paper or bubble wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does the assembled holiday cookie mix jar keep?
A: Store the sealed jar in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month. For longer storage, keep the jar in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness of the dry ingredients.
Q: Can I use unsalted butter when baking the cookies?
A: Yes. If using unsalted butter, add an extra pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of kosher salt to the wet ingredients when mixing.
Q: Can I make this cookie mix allergy-friendly?
A: Absolutely! For nut allergies, skip any nut-based add-ins. For gluten-free needs, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. To avoid dairy, swap in dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
Q: My mix looks a little short of the jar’s top. What should I do?
A: Gently pack each layer down with a spoon to eliminate gaps. If you still have space, top with extra chocolate chips, cereal, or sprinkles for added color and flavor.
Q: What are good alternatives for the candy and chips?
A: Substitute holiday butterscotch chips, mint chips, dried cranberries, chopped toffee, or any favorite mix-ins for the candy and chocolate chips.
Holiday Baking Inspiration: Enjoy and Share
Loaded Holiday Cookie Mix jars are more than just a treat—they’re a joyful tradition in a jar. The vibrant layers invoke the spirit of the season, and the freshly baked cookies—gooey, crunchy, and cheerful—delight everyone, from children to adults. Give them as hostess gifts, teacher thank-yous, stocking stuffers, or bake them up for a cozy night in.
This season, let your gifting (and baking) be a little brighter, sweeter, and easier than ever. Happy holidays and happy baking!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34372781/loaded-holiday-cookie-mix/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdXgEcCjm6c
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34577319/holiday-slice-and-bake-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g34127696/christmas-cookie-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g38192305/best-pioneer-woman-cookie-recipes/
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