
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!
Today, I am about to solve some of your Christmas gift dilemmas with two recipes for easy Christmas gifts in a jar! These are such thoughtful gifts that people will love and can actually use (instead of sitting in the back room and collecting dust!). I came up with a savory soup recipe and a sweet cookie recipe that will appeal to almost anyone. Below you will find an outline of exactly what you need to make both the soup mix and cookies in a jar. Plus, I even included some free printable tags to make this extra simple! So, let’s get started!

How to Make Easy Christmas Gifts in a Jar
For these gifts, you will be providing your recipient with the dry ingredients. They will then simply need to buy a few wet and/or fresh ingredients to make either the soup mix or cookie mix! All of the dry ingredients will be layered into 32 oz. jars. I like to keep the layers neat and tidy so I always use a funnel to put each ingredient in the jar! You can make one out of paper or use one of these!
Once you are finished, decorate the jars with ribbons, bows, ornaments… go as simple or complex as you’d like!

Free Printable Tags
For these easy Christmas gifts in a jar, I have created a set of tags and stickers that you can download and print to use on your gifts! There is a set for each recipe. On the tags, I have included a list of the ingredients in the jar, what the recipient will need, and cooking directions. See? Super simple!
Get your tags for your easy Christmas gifts in a jar here!

For the instruction tags, I would recommend printing on thick, white card stock so that they hold up nicely. The stickers are just an added bonus to put on the front of the jars if you wish! My free downloadable template fits these stickers perfectly. Just simply download my templates here and print!
Supplies for Easy Christmas Gifts in a Jar
For your reference, here is a list of what I used to make the soup mix and cookie mix gifts!
- 32 oz. jars
- Funnel
- Measuring cups
- White card stock
- Avery 22817 2″ round sticker labels
- For the cookies – I used Russell Stover Peppermint Bark because we have a factory here in Montrose. I personally think it is much better than Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark, but feel free to use what is easiest!
- Burlap Ribbon | Red Ribbon | Fabric for tops of jars
- Gift tags and stickers

I would love to know if you give any of these thoughtful gifts in a jar this Christmas! Hope you enjoy making these for your loved ones.
Easy Christmas Soup Mix in a Jar
Ingredients
For the Jars
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1/2 cup dried split peas
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup dry lentils
- 2 tbsp dried, minced onions
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp lemon pepper
- 4 cubes beef bouillon
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (I used macaroni)
The Recipient Will Need
- 2 32 oz. boxes of vegetable or beef stock
- 32 oz. water
- 2 stalks chopped celery
- 2 sliced carrots
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced, cooked ham (optional)
Instructions
Instructions for the Soup Mix Jars
- In a 32 oz. jar, layer the barley, peas, rice, and lentils (I like to layer dark, light, dark, light, etc.). Next, layer the jar with the onion, parsley, salt and lemon pepper. Finally, fill the remainder of the jar with the dried pasta.
- Seal each jar and decorate with ribbon. Attach an instruction tag and sticker if you wish!
Instructions for the Recipient
- Add contents of jar to a large soup pot along with 2 boxes of 32 oz. vegetable or beef stock, 32 oz. water, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 2 sliced carrots, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of diced, cooked ham if desired.
- Over medium low heat, cover and simmer all ingredients for about 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Dry soup mix can be made weeks or a few months in advance.
- This recipe makes one, 32 oz. jar of soup mix.
- Your recipient can add ham to their soup mix if they wish!
- Recipe adapted from Glorious Soup Recipes.
Easy Peppermint Christmas Cookies in a Jar
Ingredients
For the Jars
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peppermint bark
The Recipient Will Need
- 10 tbsp softened, unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Jars
- First, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In a 32 oz. jar, layer the flour mixture, brown sugar, granulated sugar, Dutch processed cocoa powder, peppermint bark, and mini chocolate chips. I like to alternate dark and light layers using a funnel.
- Seal the lids, decorate with fabric and ribbon. Attach a free printable tag and sticker if you wish!
For the Recipient
- Preaheat oven to 350°F
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, egg, and vanilla extract together on high speed until combined.
- Pour jar ingredients into bowl and mix until combined. Dough will be crumbly.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake cookies for 10 -15 minutes, or until edges are set. Makes about 24 cookies.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Jars can be made a few weeks or months in advance, but keep in mind that the ingredients will begin to settle which makes the layers look less defined.
- This makes one, 32 oz. jar of cookie mix.
- Cookies will keep for 1 week sealed in an airtight container, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- I like to use Russell Stover Peppermint Bark for these cookies!
- I use Rodelle Dutch Processed Baking Cocoa.
- Recipe adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction.