Homemade Healthy Chocolate Mint Cookies in a Jar: The Perfect Maple-Sweetened Gift

Discover the joy of giving and receiving with this thoughtfully crafted mason jar gift: maple-sweetened chocolate mint cookies. This easy-to-assemble cookie mix not only provides a delightful baking experience but also offers a healthier alternative to the usual super-sweet holiday treats. Each jar comes with a free printable tag for a personal touch, making it a perfect present for anyone who appreciates wholesome, homemade goodness. Enjoy these lightly sweet and wonderfully refreshing cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of more helpful content like this.

I find immense satisfaction in both giving and receiving homemade gifts. There’s a unique charm in a present made with personal effort and thought. While my website offers a plethora of DIY ideas, food gifts undeniably hold a special place in my heart. They bridge the gap between practical utility and heartfelt sentiment, making them exceptionally appealing for any occasion, especially during the holidays.

Why Choose Homemade Food Gifts?

Let’s explore why food gifts, particularly those packaged in a charming mason jar, are such a fantastic option:

• Quick to Make: Unlike elaborate crafts, assembling a cookie mix in a jar is a surprisingly fast process. Most of the time is spent layering ingredients, which can even be a meditative activity. This makes them ideal for last-minute gifting or for preparing multiple gifts efficiently.
• Inexpensive: Often, the ingredients for a cookie mix are pantry staples, making the cost per gift quite low compared to store-bought alternatives. Mason jars are also very affordable and reusable, adding to the value.
• Easily Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to dietary preferences or flavor profiles. For instance, these chocolate mint cookies can be made gluten-free with oat flour (after testing), or you can adjust the sweetness level. This personal touch makes the gift even more special.
• Less Waste: When packaged in a reusable glass jar, food gifts significantly reduce waste associated with typical gift wrapping and packaging. The recipient can repurpose the jar for storage, crafting, or future food gifts.
• Useful and Appreciated: Everyone needs to eat! A delicious cookie mix is a practical gift that will surely be used and enjoyed. It provides an experience (the joy of baking) as well as a tasty treat.
• Fun to Try Something New: Food gifts encourage culinary exploration. Your recipient might discover a new favorite cookie recipe or enjoy the novelty of baking something they wouldn’t normally make themselves.
• Visually Appealing: Let’s be honest, beautifully layered ingredients in a clear glass jar are inherently cute and aesthetically pleasing. Add a pretty ribbon and a custom tag, and you have a gift that looks as good as it tastes.

These compelling reasons are precisely why I’m thrilled to share another fantastic food gift idea with you: healthy chocolate mint cookies in a jar! This isn’t just any cookie mix; it’s a mindful choice for those who appreciate wholesome ingredients and balanced flavors.

While the holidays are a time for indulgence, it’s also perfectly acceptable—and often welcomed—to offer healthier options. I personally strive for the 80/20 guideline in my diet throughout the year, meaning 80% wholesome foods and 20% treats, and I apply a similar philosophy to holiday gifting. These cookies offer a delightful way to enjoy a festive treat without the overpowering sweetness often found in traditional holiday fare.

A Healthier Twist on a Holiday Classic

The market is saturated with “cookies in a jar” gift ideas, ranging from classic sugar cookies to decadent chocolate chip variations. However, truly healthier options are often few and far between. Recognizing this gap, I wanted to provide a jar cookie option that incorporates whole grains and naturally less sugar, catering to those on our gift lists who prioritize well-being without sacrificing flavor.

These maple-sweetened chocolate mint cookies offer a refreshing change. They are designed for a palate that appreciates subtle sweetness and robust natural flavors, rather than an overwhelming sugar rush. While they might not be the right fit for everyone who craves intensely sweet desserts, they are a thoughtful gesture for those who value mindful eating and a more balanced treat.

What Makes These Mason Jar Cookies a Healthier Choice?

The health-conscious aspects of these cookies lie in their core ingredients:

• Whole Wheat Flour: By using whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour, these cookies gain a significant boost in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This contributes to better digestion and a more sustained energy release, avoiding the sugar crash associated with many baked goods.
• Maple Syrup Sweetening: Pure maple syrup is the primary sweetener. Unlike highly processed sugars, maple syrup contains antioxidants and essential minerals like manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also boasts a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, providing a gentler rise in blood sugar.

While the crushed peppermint candies do contribute a small amount of sugar, and the optional chocolate chips add another layer of sweetness, it’s important to clarify: these cookies are genuinely not very sweet at all. This is a deliberate choice. If you or the intended recipient prefer intensely sweet chocolate cookies, you might consider adjusting the recipe or exploring a different one. However, for those who savor nuanced flavors and a gentle sweetness, these cookies are pure perfection, especially when enjoyed with a warm cup of herbal tea or a robust coffee. The subtle hint of mint provides a wonderfully refreshing finish.

Ingredients for Your Healthier Chocolate Mint Cookies Gift In A Jar

This thoughtful gift utilizes simple pantry staples, making it accessible to most home bakers. For an even more complete present, consider making it a cookie gift in two jars by including the maple syrup!

For the Quart Jar (Dry Mix):

• Whole Wheat Flour: You can use either regular whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly lighter crumb. Spelt flour is another excellent alternative that works beautifully in this recipe. While oat flour could likely provide a gluten-free option, I recommend testing a small batch first to ensure the desired texture before gifting.
• Cocoa Powder: A good quality cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolate flavor. I personally love this organic brand, but any unsweetened cocoa powder you have on hand will work well. Sifting it before adding ensures a smooth, lump-free mix.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the cookies their light and airy texture. Ensure yours is fresh for the best results.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and deepening the chocolate notes.
• Crushed Peppermint Candy: This is where the “mint” in chocolate mint comes from! Crushing regular candy canes works perfectly, or you can find pre-crushed peppermint bits, especially around the holidays.
• Optional Dark Chocolate Chips/Chunks: For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and a touch more sweetness, dark chocolate chips or chunks are a wonderful addition. Opt for dark chocolate to keep the overall sweetness level in check.

For the Half-Pint Jar (Optional Maple Syrup):

• Pure Maple Syrup: Including a small jar of pure maple syrup is a truly thoughtful gesture. Since pure maple syrup isn’t always a pantry staple for everyone (and can be a bit pricier), providing it ensures the recipient has all the necessary ingredients to bake the cookies. It also reinforces the healthier, natural sweetener theme of the gift.

Note for Recipients: The individual receiving this gift will need to supply the remaining wet ingredients: milk (dairy or a plant-based substitute), eggs, and oil or melted butter. The recipe tag also suggests an optional teaspoon of mint extract for an intensified flavor, which they can add if they have it on hand.

Essential Supplies for Assembling Your Gift

Gathering these simple supplies will make the assembly process smooth and enjoyable:

• 1 Quart Jar (32 ounces) for each gift: This size is perfect for holding all the dry cookie mix ingredients. Ensure they are clean and dry before use.
• 1 Half-Pint Jar (8 ounces) for each gift (if giving the maple syrup): A smaller jar is ideal for the maple syrup. Any mason jar will do, but a cute decorative jar like a Weck tulip jelly jar can add an extra touch of charm.
• Lids for Jars: Regular canning lids work, but for a rustic and appealing look, consider zinc lids. If you don’t have vintage ones, these reproduction zinc lids are a great option. For the maple syrup jar, ensure the lid is leakproof and securely fastened.
• Ribbon or Twine: Choose a festive ribbon, natural jute twine, or baker’s twine to adorn your jars and attach the recipe tags.
• Paper Cutter and/or Scissors: For precise cutting of the printable recipe tags.
• Free Printable Tags: Click here to download the “Merry & Bright” recipe tags. These add crucial instructions for baking and a beautiful, personalized finish to your gift.

Step-by-Step Directions for Assembling Your Cookie Jar Gift

Layering the ingredients beautifully in the jar is key to making this gift visually appealing:

1. Start with the Flour: Carefully add the whole wheat flour to your quart jar. A large canning funnel is incredibly helpful for this step, preventing spills and keeping the jar clean. The flour will initially fill the jar quite a bit. To create space for subsequent layers, gently but firmly tamp the jar down onto your counter multiple times. This settles the flour, reducing its volume to about three-quarters of the jar.
2. Add Leavening and Salt: Next, carefully layer in the baking powder and salt. These finer ingredients can be spread evenly over the flour layer.
3. Introduce the Cocoa: Add the cocoa powder, gently tapping the jar again to settle it into a distinct layer above the baking powder and salt. This creates a striking contrast with the lighter flour layer below.
4. The Peppermint Layer: Finally, add the crushed peppermint candy. This vibrant layer adds a pop of color and promises the refreshing mint flavor to come. If you’re including the optional dark chocolate chips, add them right on top of the peppermint. They will likely fill the jar almost to the rim, creating a beautiful, full look.

Once all ingredients are layered, securely fasten a lid onto the jar. Tie it off with your chosen ribbon or jute twine for a rustic yet elegant touch.

For the Optional Maple Syrup Jar:

If you’ve opted to include the maple syrup, pour the pure maple syrup into the half-pint jar. As mentioned, a charming Weck tulip jelly jar or any small mason jar will work. Crucially, ensure the lid is leakproof and very secure to prevent any sticky accidents during transport.

Personalizing Your Gift: Print and Attach Recipe Tags

The recipe tags are more than just decorative; they provide essential instructions for the recipient to bake these delicious cookies. Make sure to download the free ‘Merry & Bright’ recipe tags here.

For the best presentation and durability, print these tags double-sided on a color printer. While regular paper is acceptable, printing on a lightweight cardstock will give them a more professional and robust feel, ensuring they withstand handling until the cookies are baked.

Use either a paper cutter for crisp, straight edges or a pair of sharp scissors to carefully cut the printable sheet into four individual recipe card tags. Fold each card tag neatly along the designated line, then punch a small hole in one corner. Thread your chosen ribbon or twine through this hole before tying it into a charming bow around the neck of your quart jar. This thoughtful detail not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also ensures the recipient has all the information they need to bring these cookies to life.

Creative Packaging Tips for Your Mason Jar Gifts

What to Expect: The Deliciousness After Baking

Once baked, these chocolate mint cookies maintain a lovely, uniform shape. I recommend pressing them down slightly before baking to achieve that perfect cookie disc. As I emphasized earlier, even with the optional dark chocolate chunks on top (which, if you know me, you know I’d always add!), these cookies are delightfully subtle in their sweetness. They offer a refined flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.

In a season often defined by overtly sweet treats and rich desserts, these healthy chocolate mint cookies provide a welcome and refreshing contrast. Their balanced flavor and wholesome ingredients make them feel more like an elegant tea cookie – a sophisticated indulgence that truly hits the spot without being overwhelming. They are satisfying, flavorful, and a perfect complement to a quiet afternoon or a cozy evening.

More Inspiring Gift In A Jar Recipe Ideas:

Disclosure: Affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read our full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.