Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Mix in a Jar

This simple Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies-in-a-Jar idea makes a lovely handmade gift. It’s affordable, attractive when packaged, and yields a batch of cookies that family and friends will enjoy.

For convenience, include printed baking instructions with the jar so the recipient can finish the cookie dough at home.

A mason jar instantly makes a homemade gift feel special. This white chocolate and cranberry oatmeal cookie mix is easy to assemble and looks festive for the holidays.

Oatmeal cookies are a timeless treat—crispy at the edges and soft in the center—and these with dried cranberries and white chocolate chips are especially festive. The jar mix is an economical way to give a homemade gift without a lot of fuss.

Ingredient Notes

• Brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar both work; pack the brown sugar into the measuring cup when measuring.
• Old-fashioned oats – give the best texture in these cookies. Quick oats may be used in a pinch, but the cookies will be slightly softer.
• Dried cranberries – sometimes labeled as craisins; any dried cranberry variety is fine.
• White chocolate chips – choose a good-quality chip for best flavor; dark chocolate chips can be substituted if preferred.

These dry ingredients fit neatly into a regular-mouth quart-size (32-ounce) mason jar.

How to Assemble Cookies in a Jar

Layer the non-perishable ingredients into a clean 1-quart jar in the following order to create an attractive mix:

Layer 1: 1/3 cup white sugar

Layer 2: 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (press down gently after adding)

Layer 3: 3/4 cup flour combined with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg (mix these together before adding)

Layer 4: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Layer 5: 1 cup dried cranberries

Layer 6: 1 cup white chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chips)

Recipe note: To bake the cookies you will also need 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

Tips & Tricks

• Spoon and level the flour: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level with a knife rather than scooping with the cup. Scooping can compact the flour and add extra, altering the outcome.
• Use a funnel: A funnel or rolled paper makes it easier to layer ingredients neatly, as long as the jar opening is large enough.
• Make several jars at once: If you’re preparing multiple gifts, work in batches. The recipe fills one quart jar, so plan accordingly if making more than one.
• Storage: The sealed jar mix keeps well for up to a month. Once baked, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

These cookies bake to crisp edges with a soft center — a delightful balance of texture and flavor.

Pro tip: If you don’t have dried cranberries, try raisins, dried currants, or dried cherries as a substitute.

Supplies Needed

To package your cookie mix attractively, consider labeling and tying a baking instruction tag to the jar. Optional decorative items include twine, small ornaments, or a sprig of pine.

• Quart-size (32-ounce) mason jar
• Gift tags or printable labels
• Bakers twine or ribbon
• Decorative sprigs or small ornaments (optional)

Printable Tags and Attaching Instructions

Be sure to attach clear baking instructions so the recipient can finish the cookies at home. Two simple options:

1. Print the baking instructions on small round labels to stick on the jar lid, or
2. Print the instructions on cardstock tags, punch a hole, and tie them to the jar with twine.

Cookie Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the entire jar of dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
5. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together; it may take a little elbow grease.
6. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing scoops about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes & Nutrition

• Spooning and leveling flour prevents a dry, dense cookie by ensuring accurate measurement.
• Plan ahead: these jar mixes can be prepared up to a month before gifting.

Approximate nutrition per cookie: Calories 126; Carbohydrates 24 g; Protein 2 g; Fat 3 g; Sugar 16 g. These values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands and cookie size.

We refreshed these instructions and photos to make the recipe easier to use on 10/16/2019.