Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix In A Jar

Craft delightful homemade gluten-free M&M chocolate chip cookies in a jar! These simple, delicious mixes make for perfect edible gifts, ready in minutes. Don’t forget our free printable tags to make gifting even easier!

Hello! I’m Emily, and my greatest joy is sharing delectable treats with those I care about. This passion for baking and gifting runs deep in my family. My mom is a holiday baking powerhouse, always laden with plates and bags of goodies for friends and neighbors. My grandmothers each have their legendary specialties, from homemade caramels and rich fudges to an incredible holiday Chex Mix that’s talked about all year. Even my husband Michael’s mom is a confectionery queen, crafting homemade toffee and chocolates that rival any artisan shop.

While I love experimenting with different holiday treats each year, the heart of my gifting tradition lies in homemade goodness. This year, as we conclude our Holiday Cookie Week, I couldn’t think of a more perfect offering than these gorgeous gluten-free (yes, you read that right!) holiday cookies in a jar.

There are countless cookie-in-a-jar recipes available, but genuinely delicious and reliable gluten-free options are surprisingly scarce. I’ve taken all the guesswork out of it for you, meticulously testing and perfecting this recipe so you can confidently create and gift these beautiful, safe, and utterly scrumptious gluten-free cookie mixes this festive season. No more worrying about substitutions or grainy textures – just pure, homemade joy!

I absolutely adore cookies in a jar as an edible holiday gift because they offer so many advantages. They take mere minutes to assemble, look stunningly beautiful with their colorful layers, and taste absolutely amazing once baked. Plus, they store wonderfully for weeks, which is ideal if your recipient is already inundated with holiday treats. To top it all off, we’re providing free printable gift tags that include all the baking instructions, making the entire gifting process a complete breeze. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these thoughtful and delicious gifts!

Start With Simple, High-Quality Ingredients

The beauty of these cookie mixes lies in their simplicity, using common pantry staples that come together to create an impressive gift. Choosing the right ingredients is key to ensuring both delicious flavor and a stunning visual presentation.

• Gluten-Free Flour. For the best results, I highly recommend King Arthur Measure-For-Measure gluten-free flour blend. It consistently yields cookies with excellent texture and flavor, without any grittiness. My second top choice is Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour blend. Both of these blends already contain xanthan gum, which is essential for providing structure and chewiness in gluten-free baking. It’s crucial not to substitute coconut flour, almond flour, or other alternative single-ingredient flours, as they behave very differently and will not work in this specific recipe.
• Baking Soda & Salt. These humble ingredients play vital roles. Baking soda ensures your cookies spread beautifully and achieve that classic chewy texture, while salt perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making the cookies truly pop.
• Brown Sugar & White Sugar. Using a combination of both brown and white granulated sugar not only provides a perfectly balanced sweetness but also contributes to the visual appeal of your jar. The contrasting colors create distinct, attractive layers that make your gift look extra special. Brown sugar also adds moisture and a rich, molasses-like depth of flavor, while white sugar ensures crisp edges.
• Chocolate Chips. For a classic cookie, you can’t go wrong with chocolate chips! I personally favor semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for these cookies, as their richer flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of the M&Ms. You can use standard-sized chips or mini chips for a different texture.
• M&Ms, Chocolate Candies, or Chopped Nuts. This is where you can truly personalize your cookie mix! M&Ms add a delightful crunch, vibrant color, and extra chocolatey goodness. Traditional milk chocolate M&Ms are always a hit, but don’t hesitate to explore dark chocolate, peanut butter, or even festive mint M&M’s. Keep an eye out for holiday-themed bags with red and green candies for an extra festive touch! If M&M’s aren’t your preference, feel free to substitute with other small chocolate candies or finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

How To Assemble Your Gluten-Free M&M Cookies In a Jar, Step By Step

For precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.

Creating these beautiful layered cookie mixes is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure your jars look picture-perfect and are ready to delight your recipients:

1. Gather All Your Supplies and Print Tags. Begin by laying out all your measured ingredients and necessary utensils. If you haven’t already, make sure to print out your free printable gift tags. Having everything ready before you start makes the assembly process seamless.
2. Layer the Flour, Baking Soda & Salt. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are evenly distributed. Then, carefully pour this flour mixture into a clean quart-sized jar. A kitchen funnel can be incredibly helpful here to prevent spills and ensure a neat transfer. Gently shake the jar from side to side to create an even, level flour layer. This careful layering is crucial for the distinct visual appeal.
3. Delicately Add the Brown Sugar. Next, gently spoon the brown sugar on top of the flour mixture. Using the back of a small measuring cup or a small juice glass, carefully pack the brown sugar down. This not only creates a more defined layer but also helps prevent it from sifting down into the flour.
4. Introduce the Granulated Sugar Layer. Now, add the white granulated sugar on top of the packed brown sugar. Again, gently shake the jar or use a measuring cup to level this layer, ensuring it looks crisp and distinct. The contrast between the light and dark sugars is quite appealing.
5. Carefully Pour in the Chocolate Chips. It’s time for the chocolate! Gently pour the chocolate chips on top of the sugar layer. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible to maintain a beautiful, visible layer. Avoid dumping them in, which could disturb the layers below.
6. Finish with a Flourish of M&Ms. Finally, add the colorful M&Ms as the top layer. Their vibrant hues will create an inviting and festive finish to your cookie mix. Ensure they are spread evenly across the top.
7. Secure the Lid & Attach Your Tags. Once all the ingredients are layered, screw the lid onto the jar tightly to ensure freshness. Now, it’s time for the finishing touches! Add any optional gift labels or a decorative bow to the top of the lid if you wish. Then, attach your printable instruction tag using a ribbon or twine, tying it securely around the neck of the jar.
8. Store at Room Temperature. Your beautiful gluten-free cookie in a jar mixes are now complete! Assuming you’ve used fresh ingredients and the jar is sealed well, these mixes can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 months. However, for optimal freshness and flavor, it’s best to use them within 3-4 months.

Expert Tips & Tricks for The Best Gluten-Free Cookies In a Jar

Always Opt for Wide Mouth Jars. This might seem like a small detail, but using wide-mouth jars with their larger opening makes a world of difference. They are considerably easier to pack with ingredients, allowing you to create those distinct, beautiful layers without struggle. Furthermore, your recipient will greatly appreciate the ease of getting all the ingredients out of the jar when it’s time to bake, preventing frustration and potential waste.

Precision Matters: Weigh Your Flour If You Can! In gluten-free baking, accuracy with flour measurements is particularly important. Since these are a quick cookie mix, where the recipient won’t be adding ingredients one at a time with extensive mixing, having the precise amount of flour can significantly impact the taste and texture of the final cookie. An inexpensive kitchen scale is a fantastic investment that will truly elevate all your baking, guaranteeing consistent results. If a scale isn’t an option, be sure to use the “Scoop & Level Method” for measuring your gluten-free flour: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife) without packing it down. This prevents adding too much flour, which can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.

Layering is Key: Add The Ingredients In The Directed Order. The sequence in which you add the ingredients to the jar is not just for aesthetics; it’s crucial for maintaining those neat, visible layers that make these gifts so charming. The ingredients are listed in a specific order designed to prevent lighter, finer ingredients (like flour) from sifting down through larger, heavier ones (like chocolate chips). For instance, if you were to start with chocolate chips, the flour mixture would easily fall into the gaps, ruining the crisp, layered look. Stick to the recipe’s order to ensure a beautifully distinct presentation.

Free Printable Gift Tags For Your Gluten-Free Cookie Jars

Gluten-free cookies in a jar are an exceptional homemade holiday gift for a wide array of recipients, including cherished friends, helpful neighbors, diligent co-workers, thoughtful teachers, and more. To ensure your thoughtful gift is complete and easy for anyone to enjoy, we’ve created a set of free printable gift tags specifically designed for these gluten-free cookie mixes. These tags not only add a professional and festive touch but also provide clear, concise baking instructions for the lucky recipient, making the entire experience effortless from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Cookies In A Jar

What’s the absolute best flour to use for gluten-free cookies in a jar? For consistently excellent results, we highly recommend King Arthur Flour Measure-For-Measure gluten-free flour. This blend is a superstar in gluten-free baking due to its fantastic texture, absence of grittiness, and versatility across various recipes like cookies, brownies, and cakes. It already contains xanthan gum, which is essential for structure. If King Arthur isn’t available, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour is a close second.

How long do cookies in a jar typically last? As long as you begin with fresh ingredients and ensure the jar is kept tightly sealed in a cool, dark place, your gluten-free cookie mix in a jar can maintain its quality for approximately 6 months. However, for the freshest and most vibrant flavors, it’s generally best to use the mix within 3-4 months. The sooner they are baked after assembly, the better the resulting cookies will taste!

Are M&M’s truly gluten-free? Many popular varieties of M&M’s are indeed gluten-free! At the time of this article’s publication, the regular (milk chocolate), dark chocolate, peanut M&Ms, and peanut butter M&Ms are generally considered safe for those avoiding gluten. However, it’s very important to note that Pretzel M&Ms, Crispy M&Ms, and some limited-edition or seasonal M&Ms are NOT gluten-free due to their ingredients. Always double-check the ingredient labels on any M&M’s package to confirm their gluten-free status, as formulations can occasionally change. For alternatives, brands like Little Secrets and Unreal offer delicious chocolate candies that are often gluten-free and come in fun colors.

What size jars are best for cookies in a jar mixes? The ideal size for a cookie in a jar mix, especially for a standard batch of cookies, is a wide-mouth quart size jar (32 oz. or 4 cups capacity). This size provides ample space for all the layered ingredients and makes both the packing and emptying process much easier compared to narrower-mouthed jars. It creates a generous and visually appealing gift.

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