There always will be friends or family members whose stomach is the way to their heart. Whether their inclinations are toward the sweet or savory, cookies or coffee, the perfect edible present for your foodie is just an idea away. And rather than spending money on a fancy gift bag for homemade snack gifts, why not let the food itself be fancy? Start with a simple glass jar and layer your way through an unforgettable take on food gifts.
Cookies in a Jar
[ Makes 18–24 cookies ]Place these ingredients in a wide-mouthed quart jar. Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt first.
½ cup sugar
3 ounces (⅜ cup) cocoa powder
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
5 ounces mint M&Ms (or mint-chocolate baking chips),
Peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips
Add a gift tag with the following directions:
To bake your chocolate cookies, empty the jar into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 egg, 1 stick softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until completely combined. Drop by tablespoons onto a foil-lined, ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350ºF for 8–9 minutes. Cool slightly before moving to a cooling rack. Complete your food gifts with a festive ribbon and recipe tag.
Oatmeal Cookie Mix
[ Makes 2 dozen ]Place these ingredients in a wide-mouthed quart jar. Pack them down firmly after each new ingredient.
¼ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 ½ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon baking powder
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup plain M&Ms
Add a gift tag with the following directions:
To make your cookies, in a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 egg. Add the contents of the jar and stir until well blended. Form dough into small balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350ºF for 10–12 minutes.
If you’re including a recipe with your food gift jar, either tie it onto the front with ribbon or attach it to the glass itself. You could even label the lid!
More Ideas for Food Gifts
Trail Mix. Layer in equal parts Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, Cheez-It crackers and mixed nuts. Add a smaller layer of chocolate chips or M&Ms on top for a sweet surprise. Your recipient can dump the ingredients in a bowl for a ready-to-eat snack.
Popcorn. Prepare a batch of popcorn and add your own homemade flavor—mix in a handful (or two) of chocolate chips, a few drizzles of caramel sauce or even some hot sauce for a unique spicy flair.
Cupcakes. Make a batch of cupcakes, then layer them into a jar and separate each cupcake with a layer of frosting. Attach a spoon to the front of the jar, and your recipient can dig in. No plate required!
Bread Sticks. For an easy, no-bake jar gift, purchase a box of delicious cheese or bread sticks and stand them upright in the jar. Make sure the lid is airtight so the bread doesn’t become stale before your recipient can eat it.
Looking for more ideas for food gifts? Check out this post on DIY flavored salts, or this one for an amazing dry rub recipe.
Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!
