Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar – Easy Homemade Gift Idea

Posted on November 27, 2025

Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar - featured image

Introduction

The sweet, cinnamony aroma of fresh-baked snickerdoodles drifting through the kitchen is one of those scents that just feels like home. You know the one—warm, buttery, with that perfect balance of sugar and spice that makes you want to grab a glass of milk and settle in by the window. The first time I made this Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar, I remember twisting the lid closed and thinking, “This is it—the perfect little gift of comfort.” There’s something so nostalgic about snickerdoodles, the kind of cookie that reminds you of childhood, snow days, and cozy afternoons spent with family.

When I was younger, my grandma always had a batch ready on her counter. She never measured with precision, just a scoop of this and a dash of that, but somehow, they turned out perfect every single time. I tried to capture that same magic in this jar mix—simple ingredients layered beautifully, ready to be gifted and baked into memories. The first time I handed one to a friend, she baked them the same night and texted me, “These taste like Christmas in a cookie.” That’s when I knew this mix was something special.

Honestly, this Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar has become a staple gift in my house during the holidays (and maybe a few birthdays too). It’s a pretty little jar of joy that’s dangerously easy to make, and even easier to love. I’ve tested it again and again—strictly in the name of research, of course—and it never fails to make people smile. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, homemade gift that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar is more than just a pretty gift—it’s a deliciously practical one. It combines the ease of a store-bought mix with the homemade comfort of grandma’s cookies. After testing this recipe dozens of times, I can promise you it’s foolproof and utterly delightful.

Quick & Easy: In under 10 minutes, you’ll have several jars ready to gift. Perfect for those last-minute “oh no, I forgot the teacher’s present” moments!
Simple Ingredients: Everything in this mix comes straight from your pantry—flour, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of love (no fancy shopping list required).
Perfect for Gifting: Whether it’s for holiday baskets, hostess gifts, or neighbor surprises, this jar looks as lovely as it tastes.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, grandparents, coworkers—everyone loves a classic snickerdoodle. It’s the cookie that unites generations.
Unbelievably Delicious: Soft, chewy centers with crisp, cinnamon-sugar edges—every bite is pure comfort.

What makes this mix stand out from others is the balance of ingredients. I’ve fine-tuned the ratio of cream of tartar to baking soda to achieve that signature tangy flavor and soft texture snickerdoodles are known for. Plus, I add a touch of brown sugar to deepen the flavor (a little secret I learned after many test batches). This isn’t just another cookie mix—it’s my best version, the one I proudly gift to everyone I love. And truthfully, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and think, “Yep, this is what homemade should taste like.”

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar uses classic pantry staples—simple, wholesome, and easy to find. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make several jars at once, making it a fantastic option for batch gifting.

All-purpose flour – 2 ¾ cups (345g). Provides the perfect structure for soft cookies that hold their shape.
Cream of tartar – 2 teaspoons (8g). The secret ingredient that gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor.
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon (5g). Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, pillowy texture.
Salt – ¼ teaspoon (1g). Balances the sweetness and brings out the cinnamon flavor.
Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups (300g). For that sweet, classic cookie base.
Brown sugar – ¼ cup (50g, packed). Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon (8g). The heart and soul of every snickerdoodle—warm, fragrant, and cozy.
Extra cinnamon-sugar mix – 2 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping, to include in a small bag inside the jar).

When layering your jar, I recommend starting with the flour mixture at the bottom, followed by the sugars. The contrast between white and golden brown looks beautiful through the glass. Use a 1-quart (1-liter) mason jar to hold everything perfectly. If you want to make it look extra festive, tie the cinnamon-sugar mixture in a mini bag and tuck it on top before sealing the lid.

For substitutions: swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed (I like using Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 blend). You can also use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a refined-sugar-free twist. The mix stays fresh for up to six months if sealed tightly—though, honestly, it rarely lasts that long around here!

Equipment Needed

1-quart (1-liter) mason jars: Wide-mouth jars work best for layering ingredients neatly.
Funnel or measuring cup: Helps when pouring flour and sugar without making a mess (been there, done that).
Mixing bowl & whisk: For combining the dry ingredients before layering.
Measuring spoons & cups: Accuracy matters—especially with baking ingredients.
Small food-safe bag or pouch: For the cinnamon-sugar topping mix.
Decorative ribbon & tag: To finish the jar—presentation is part of the charm!

If you don’t have mason jars, any airtight glass or plastic container will work. I’ve even used recycled pasta sauce jars (just remove the label and add a cute tag). A small funnel makes a big difference in keeping those layers crisp and clean. And if you’re making multiple jars, line them up assembly-line style to make the process faster.

Preparation Method

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¾ cups (345g) flour, 2 teaspoons (8g) cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Prepare the jar: Make sure your jar is completely clean and dry. Moisture will cause clumping and shorten shelf life.
Layer the ingredients: Using a funnel, pour half of the flour mixture into the jar. Gently tap the jar on a towel-covered surface to level the layer.
Add the sugars: Spoon in 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar, followed by ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar. Press gently with the back of a spoon to compact slightly and create even layers.
Add the remaining flour mixture: Pour in the rest of the flour blend. Tap lightly again to settle the contents.
Top it off: Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a mini bag for the topping. Place it on top of the dry mix inside the jar.
Seal and decorate: Secure the lid tightly, then tie a ribbon around the rim. Attach a tag with baking instructions (see below).
Write the baking directions: On your tag, write the following:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup (170g) softened butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add the jar mix and stir until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls, coat in cinnamon-sugar mix, and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
- Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a rack.
Storage note: Store the completed jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Once baked, cookies keep well for 5 days in an airtight container.

Tip: If you’re making multiple jars, layering all the flour first, then the sugars in each jar makes it easier to maintain consistency. Plus, it’s pretty satisfying to see them lined up all neat on your counter!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar is simple, but a few little tricks can make it even better. First, always use fresh cream of tartar—it’s what gives the cookies that signature tang. Old cream of tartar can lose its potency, resulting in flat cookies.

When layering the jar, pack each ingredient firmly but not too tight. Overpacking can make it hard for the recipient to pour the mix out later. I learned that the hard way after one jar became a solid block of sugar (still delicious, though!).

For baking, remind your gift recipient not to overbake. Snickerdoodles should look slightly underdone when they come out of the oven—they’ll continue to set as they cool. If they wait until the edges are too brown, they’ll lose that soft, chewy texture we all love.

If you’re gifting these during warm months, store the jars in a cool area to prevent condensation. And here’s my favorite finishing touch: tuck a cinnamon stick under the ribbon for a festive touch and a hint of extra fragrance. Little details like that make the gift feel truly special.

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about this Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend. I’ve tested this version, and the cookies turn out beautifully soft.
Vegan: Leave the mix as-is, but include a note for the recipient to use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water).
Brown Butter Twist: Suggest adding browned butter instead of regular butter when baking. It adds a nutty depth that’s irresistible.
Holiday Spice: Mix ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon-sugar topping for a festive flair.
Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Layer in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for an indulgent surprise.

I personally love adding a touch of nutmeg in winter—it gives the cookies a warm, cozy flavor reminiscent of eggnog. The mix also works great as a base for other cookie flavors; just swap cinnamon for cocoa powder and you’ve got a whole new treat!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Bake these cookies until they’re just barely golden, then let them cool for five minutes on the pan before moving to a rack. They’re best enjoyed slightly warm when the centers are soft and tender. Pair them with hot cocoa, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk (classic move, right?).

If you’re gifting the jar, include a cute tag suggesting serving ideas—it adds a personal touch. For storage, baked cookies stay fresh for up to five days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to three months; just thaw at room temp before serving.

For make-ahead gifting, prepare the jars a few weeks before the holidays. They keep beautifully in a cool pantry. And honestly, they look so lovely displayed on a shelf that you might just keep one for yourself.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each cookie (based on a batch of 24) has approximately 120 calories, 6g of fat, 16g of carbs, and 1g of protein. While not exactly “health food,” they’re the kind of treat that feeds the soul as much as the body. The cinnamon provides a natural antioxidant boost, and using a mix of white and brown sugar gives balanced sweetness without overwhelming richness.

If you use whole wheat pastry flour or coconut sugar, you can bump the fiber content slightly. And if you’re sensitive to dairy, vegan butter works perfectly here without compromising flavor. Like most homemade sweets, these are best enjoyed in moderation—but with plenty of joy!

Conclusion

This Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar isn’t just a recipe—it’s a little jar of happiness. It’s the kind of gift that says, “I made this for you because you deserve something sweet and cozy.” Easy to assemble, beautiful to look at, and guaranteed to bring smiles—it’s a project worth making again and again.

I love how it combines creativity, nostalgia, and delicious flavor in one simple jar. Whether you’re gifting it to friends, coworkers, or keeping a stash for yourself, it’s a reminder that homemade gifts really do come from the heart. So grab your jars, your ribbon, and that trusty whisk—and go spread a little cinnamon-sugar joy today!

FAQs

How long does Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix in a Jar last?

Stored in a cool, dry place, the mix stays fresh for up to six months.

Can I make this mix gluten-free?

Yes! Just replace the flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend—it works beautifully.

What size jar should I use?

A standard 1-quart (1-liter) mason jar fits the ingredients perfectly with room for the cinnamon-sugar packet on top.

How should I decorate the jar for gifting?

Use ribbon, twine, or a festive tag. You can even tie on a cinnamon stick or small cookie cutter for extra charm.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales easily, so you can make multiple jars in one go—perfect for holiday gifting!

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