DIY Mason Jar Gift Mixes

Baking is a quintessential part of the holiday season. But it’s not just all about scarfing down sweets. Baking is an experience that brings comfort and joy to a home, filling the area with aromas and sugared thoughts of childhood reminiscence. So, in this, the season of giving, instead of giving a premade treat, why not give the gift of baking?

     For years, bakers have been gifting friends and family with mixes of all sorts wrapped up in a mason jar and topped with a bow and set of instructions. And by doing so, recipients find themselves with two gifts wrapped into one: the treat and the experience. I’ve always been a fan of giving baked goods as gifts, and presenting batter ingredients in festively decorated jars can add the perfect touch to any holiday gift exchange.

     There are tons of recipes available for DIY mason jar gifts. But I have compiled some of the most impressive recipes I’ve found particularly splendid. Let’s start with one of my favorite comfort desserts: brownies.

     The creation of the original brownie is a topic that is up for debate. The earliest mention of this confectionery favorite dates back to 1893 when Bertha Palmer, the wife of Palmer Hotel owner, Potter Palmer, called upon the chefs of the establishment to create a dessert made specifically for boxed lunches so that she could provide a tasty treat to accompany lunch in the Women’s Pavilion for the Ladies Board of Managers Exposition. Sadly, there is no concrete evidence that the chocolate treat created that day was referred to as a brownie, but it’s a dessert that is still beloved by many and continues to be served at the hotel to this very day.

     SixFiguresUnder.com has since created a fudgy brownie recipe to give as a mason jar gift mix. This recipe not only incorporates one but TWO different forms of chocolate that make for a delicious and wonderfully textured brownie that will melt in your mouth.

     Speaking of chocolate, is there a more delicious and festive flavor combination than chocolate and mint? I think not! And one of my personal favorite candies that combine these two is the infamous Andes Crème de Menthe candy. This iconic three-layer candy was launched by Andes Candies back in 1950. In the year 2000 Andes Candies joined forces with Tootsie Roll Industries and the line was expanded in 2003 to include Andes Crème de Menthe baking chips.

     TheFrugalGirls.com have utilized this classic candy in a mason jar recipe for Andes Mint Dark Chocolate Cookie Mix.  This recipe utilizes the ideal amount of chocolate and mint for the perfect holiday cookie mix. It has a wonderful flavor, and because it incorporates cake mix, the texture is outstanding.

     And while we are on the topic of candies that are commonly found in cookie recipes, let’s talk about the unsung hero of the holidays: M&M’s. During this festive season, the red and green candies pop up in a variety of flavors. Dark chocolate, peanut, even pretzel M&Ms! But the origins of this chocolatey treat were created for soldiers during wartime.

M&M’s were originally manufactured in March of 1941. They were exclusively sold to military and were not available to the public until 1948. But it wasn’t until the 50s that the candy began to don the trademark “m” on each piece. First, in 1950, with a black “m” and later, in 1954, with the classic white “m” that the company has been synonymous for. The name M&M comes from the two men who created the candy: Mars & Murrie.

CelebratingSweets.com has created a magnificent Mason jar cookie recipe for M&M Cookie Mix in a Jar. The beauty of this recipe is that you can incorporate any M&M flavor that you like! Last year three new flavors were introduced to the M&M holiday list (hot chocolate, café mocha, and white peppermint) and any of these would make a fantastic addition to your cookie recipe. As a result, this recipe makes for a versatile cookie batter that contain all the same basic ingredients.

But what if you have someone on your list that isn’t into chocolate? Have no fear! Positivelysplendid.com has created a cinnamon spice muffin mix recipe to give as mason jar mix gifts. This recipe contains all the flavors associated with holiday baking. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg. It’s all there! And what a perfect treat this is to have on a cold winter morning.

And what about those people on your list that want something fruity. TheYummyLife.com has the solution for you: a fantastic recipe for a banana bread mix gift jar. This is another great comfort food recipe. And better still, the recipient has the choice to make either a loaf of bread or muffins!

Regardless of which batter you choose or what type of baked treat you decide to give as a gift, whether your mason jars are decorated ornately or straight from the box, sharing the gift of baking and baked goods is a wonderful way to show people you care during the holidays. And so I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a healthy and happy new year.