Ultimate Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Mix in a Jar: Your Perfect DIY Holiday Gift
Imagine the warmth of homemade cookies, the rich aroma of chocolate mingling with refreshing peppermint, all without the fuss of measuring every ingredient from scratch. This Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Jar Mix is a truly delightful and convenient blend, meticulously layered with premium cocoa, two types of decadent chocolate chunks, festive M&Ms, and invigorating peppermint pieces. It’s designed to transform into moist, chewy cookies that are simply irresistible.

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There’s something truly special about giving or receiving a thoughtful, homemade gift – and when that gift promises a delicious experience to be enjoyed later, it’s even better! I’ve always been a huge advocate for food mixes in jars. Whether it’s a hearty soup mix, a fluffy muffin mix, a rustic beer bread mix, a breakfast favorite like pancake mix, or a delightful cookie mix, these charming jars offer both a fun activity and a tasty reward. They represent an opportunity to share a bit of culinary joy, allowing the recipient to savor a freshly made treat at their leisure.
One of the many reasons I adore jar mixes as gifts is their inherent practicality and charm. They are generally quite inexpensive to assemble, making them a budget-friendly option for showing appreciation to everyone on your list – from teachers and postal workers to hostesses and neighbors. Unlike physical objects that might add clutter, a jar mix provides a consumable experience, a delightful moment of baking and enjoyment that doesn’t take up permanent space. It’s a thoughtful gesture that lets people know you care, without contributing to the endless “stuff” that often accumulates, especially around the holidays.
Furthermore, jar mixes offer unparalleled convenience for the recipient. During busy times like the holiday season, when sweet treats and gifts are often abundant, a perishable food item might go to waste. A cookie mix in a jar, however, allows the lucky recipient to bake at their own pace and on their own schedule. Imagine a cold, gloomy February day, long after the festive lights have been put away, when the craving for a warm, homemade treat strikes. That’s when your thoughtful gift truly shines! All the dry ingredients are neatly packaged, just waiting to be combined with a few simple pantry staples like butter and eggs.
And speaking of bringing joy to dreary days, this particular jar of Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies is an absolute game-changer. These aren’t just any cookies; they are a perfect antidote to the post-holiday slump or the chill of deep winter. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures: moist and chewy, generously packed with luscious chunks of two distinct chocolates (the cocoa powder provides the third layer of rich chocolate flavor!), vibrant M&Ms, and refreshing crushed peppermint pieces. They offer a comforting embrace, a burst of festive flavor, and a delightful pick-me-up when it’s needed most.

This heartwarming recipe is proudly featured as part of The Sweetest Season, an inspiring annual virtual cookie swap. Co-hosted by Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West, this event brings together talented food bloggers from across the globe. Each year, we unite to share innovative and delicious holiday cookie recipes, perfect for baking and gifting to loved ones.
More importantly, this year’s Sweetest Season event is dedicated to a profoundly meaningful cause: raising vital funds for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer. This remarkable 501(c)3 non-profit organization is on a mission to combat childhood cancer by funding groundbreaking research. Their focus is on developing new, innovative, and less-toxic treatments, offering hope and healing to countless children and their families.
Please join us in making a difference for this crucial cause! You can easily donate through our dedicated fundraising page. Your contribution, no matter the size, helps bring us closer to a cure.
Adding to the excitement, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is currently in a special matching window thanks to their generous friends at OXO. This means that OXO will match every single dollar raised through the end of 2024, up to an incredible $100,000! Every contribution made through our fundraising page will automatically be doubled, maximizing the impact of your generosity and helping us provide even greater support for childhood cancer research.
Essential Ingredients for Your DIY Cookie Mix Jars
Crafting these beautiful and delicious cookie mix jars is an enjoyable process, and getting the ingredients just right ensures a perfect outcome for your homemade gifts. While detailed quantities and step-by-step instructions are provided in the comprehensive recipe box below, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for ingredient selection and preparing your printable tags.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components for your irresistible chocolate peppermint cookie mix, along with some suggested variations and important notes on each ingredient:
- Quart Size Jar with Lid: To comfortably accommodate all the layers of deliciousness, wide mouth jars are highly recommended. Their wider opening makes layering the ingredients much easier and prevents spills.
- Flour: This recipe is thoughtfully developed for use with whole wheat pastry flour, which imparts a wonderful tenderness to the cookies and adds a subtle wholesome flavor. However, if you prefer, regular unbleached all-purpose flour can be used as a straightforward substitute, yielding a classic cookie texture.
- Salt and Baking Powder: These essential leavening agents and flavor enhancers are crucial for the cookies’ rise and overall taste. When layering, consider mixing the salt and baking powder together and carefully spooning them around the edges of the jar to maintain distinct layers, if desired.
- Cocoa Powder: This is the foundation of our triple chocolate experience. You can use standard unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic chocolate flavor. For an even richer, deeper color and a slightly milder taste, a blend of regular and Dutch-process cocoa powder can be used.
- Brown Sugar: We specifically call for brown sugar in this recipe, as it contributes a fantastic depth of flavor and moisture that is exceptional in chocolate cookies. While regular granulated sugar could technically be used, brown sugar significantly enhances the chewiness and rich, molasses-like notes, making for a superior cookie.
- White Chocolate: For optimal flavor and melt, opt for quality white chocolate. Whether you choose finely chopped pieces from a bar or convenient chips, ensure that a good quality white chocolate lists cocoa butter as one of its primary ingredients. This ensures a creamy texture and authentic flavor.
- M&M Candies: These add a delightful pop of color and extra chocolatey sweetness, especially fitting for holiday gifting. While optional, they truly elevate the festive appeal. If you decide to omit them, simply increase the amount of white chocolate or chocolate chips to ensure the jar is adequately filled and maintains the desired ingredient balance.
- Chocolate Chips: You can use either semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips based on your preference for sweetness and chocolate intensity. Both varieties will contribute beautifully to the rich, multi-chocolate profile of these cookies.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: The refreshing kick of peppermint is key to this recipe. I find it easiest to buy a bag of pre-crushed peppermint candy each season. Alternatively, you can easily crush candy canes yourself by placing them in a sturdy plastic bag and using a rolling pin.
- Large Funnel: A canning funnel is incredibly useful here, not just for canning but for easily transferring dry ingredients into narrow-necked jars. It helps keep your workspace clean and makes layering a breeze.
- Ribbon or Twine and Scissors: These are essential for attaching your beautiful printable tags and adding a charming, personal touch to your gift jars.
- Printed Instruction Tags: Don’t forget the printable tags provided below! They contain all the necessary baking instructions for the recipient.
Simple Steps for Assembling Your Cookie Mix Jar
Assembling these beautiful cookie mix jars is a quick and satisfying project that yields impressive results. The key to their aesthetic appeal lies in careful layering, which creates a visually appealing presentation of all the delicious ingredients. Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your perfect gift jars:
Begin by layering all the dry ingredients into a clean quart-sized Mason jar. It is crucial to follow the order specified in the recipe card below. This sequence is designed not only for visual appeal but also to ensure proper mixing when the cookies are eventually baked.
EXPERT TIP FOR NEAT LAYERS: To achieve distinct, compressed layers and ensure all ingredients fit snugly, gently tamp the jar down on a sturdy counter or a wooden cutting board (especially if your countertop is a hard material like quartz) after adding each individual layer. This action helps settle and compact the ingredients, creating a beautiful, clear delineation between each component.
Once all the ingredients are carefully layered, securely attach the lid to seal the mix within the jar, preserving its freshness. The final touch is to personalize your gift with the custom-designed printable tags. Download and print these tags (available below), then attach one securely to the jar using a festive ribbon or rustic twine. This not only adds a charming visual element but also provides clear baking instructions for the lucky recipient.

Complimentary Printable Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Tags
To make your cookie mix jars truly gift-ready, I’ve created these convenient and attractive printable tags for you. These tags not only beautifully label your gift but also provide all the necessary baking instructions, making it incredibly easy for the recipient to whip up a batch of delicious cookies. No need to handwrite anything! Simply click on the image of the tags below, and it will open in a new window, allowing you to easily download the PDF to your computer. (Alternatively, you can click here to directly open the PDF.)
Simple Guide to Printing & Cutting Your Tags
Achieving professional-looking tags for your cookie mix jars is straightforward with these easy steps:
- Your download will include two pages: one with the cookie name for the front of the tag and another with the baking directions for the back. For the best aesthetic, print these back-to-back on a color printer to achieve the charming green paper tag color as shown in the photos.
- For a durable and high-quality finish that withstands handling, I recommend using a heavyweight paper or a light cardstock. This will give your tags a substantial feel and prevent them from tearing easily.
- You might notice that the alignment of the front and back tags isn’t absolutely perfect on the printed sheet (it’s a common minor printing variation, don’t worry!). This is perfectly fine and won’t affect the final look. Simply cut along the lines on the front side first, then once cut out, trim any tiny bits of white border that might be visible on the back. It always works out beautifully!
- Finally, use a standard hole punch on the designated white circle. This circle is precisely placed to create the perfect hole for threading your ribbon or twine, ensuring a neat and polished presentation for your gift.

Just in case you’re wondering about the delicious outcome – these cookies are truly extraordinary! Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, delivering an abundance of chocolatey goodness perfectly balanced with the refreshing tingle of peppermint. They are moist, chewy, and utterly delightful, making them a festive and comforting treat for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cookie Mix in a Jar
Generally, cookie mixes containing a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda will remain fresh and effective for about 2-3 months when stored in a cool, dark place. For this particular Triple Chocolate Peppermint Mix, we recommend using it within two months to ensure the peppermint pieces retain their vibrant flavor and freshness for optimal taste.
Absolutely! One of the best aspects of homemade jar mixes is the freedom to personalize them. You can certainly make this mix uniquely your own by incorporating your favorite chopped candies or alternative chocolate varieties. Feel free to omit the peppermint pieces if they’re not to your taste, but do remember to create your own customized tag to accurately reflect any changes in ingredients for the recipient.
This specific cookie mix, with its generous inclusion of different chocolates and candies, might be slightly more expensive than simpler mixes. Depending on where you shop and what sales you find on ingredients, the cost typically ranges from $5 to $6 per jar. This still makes it a highly affordable and thoughtful gourmet gift, offering significant value compared to store-bought alternatives.
Thoughtful Ideas for Gifting Your Cookie Mix Jars
While the Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Mix in a jar is a fantastic standalone gift, pairing it with a few complementary items can elevate it into an even more impressive and memorable present. Here are some wonderful ideas to help you create a truly special gift package for any occasion or recipient:
- Baking Essentials: Enhance the baking experience by adding a beautiful wooden spoon and a festive tea towel. These practical yet charming additions make the gift feel more complete and ready for immediate use.
- Cozy Companions: Pair the cookie mix with a gourmet coffee blend, a selection of artisanal teas, or even a luxurious hot cocoa mix. This creates a complete “cozy night in” package, perfect for enjoying warm drinks alongside freshly baked cookies.
- A Taste Test Preview: For an extra special touch, bake a small batch of the cookies from the mix and include them alongside the jar. This allows the recipient to immediately sample the deliciousness that awaits them! Consider presenting them in an attractive glass and bamboo container, which is not only useful but also adds an elegant touch.
- Charming Presentation: Package the jar and any additional goodies in a festive basket, like these rustic kraft paper gift baskets. A well-chosen basket instantly elevates the perceived value and makes the gift feel more cohesive and abundant.
- Curated Gift Baskets: Create a themed basket by pairing this cookie mix with another delightful cookie mix in a jar, such as our Oat & Whole Wheat Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix or the Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Mix. Alternatively, assemble a “meal basket” by including a savory mix like the Easy Lentil Barley Soup Mix or the Red Beans And Rice Gift In A Jar, offering both a main course and a dessert.
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier twist on a jar cookie, be sure to explore this chocolate-mint cookie mix, which features wholesome whole wheat flour and is sweetened naturally with maple syrup for a delightful alternative.
More Creative & Inexpensive Jar Gift Ideas
If you’ve enjoyed creating this Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Mix, you’ll be thrilled to discover more versatile and budget-friendly gift mix recipes! Jar gifts are a fantastic way to spread joy without breaking the bank, offering personalized and thoughtful presents for any occasion. Here are a few more beloved favorites from my collection, perfect for inspiring your next DIY gift project (or you can explore all the published gifts in jars here for even more ideas):
- Whole Wheat Beer Bread Mix (With or Without Alcohol): A wonderfully rustic and comforting bread mix, offering flexibility with its alcohol-free option.
- Rosemary Focaccia Bread: Handmade Gift In A Jar: For those who appreciate savory baked goods, this aromatic focaccia mix is a true delight.
- Cranberry Nut Muffin Mix Jar Gift with Printable Tags: A vibrant and fruity muffin mix, complete with complementary printable tags for a polished finish.
- Peppermint Fudge Brownie Mix Jar Gift (+ Double Fudge Variation): For the ultimate chocolate lover, these brownies are rich, fudgy, and intensely satisfying, with a refreshing peppermint kick.
- Gifts in a Jar: 35+ Mason Jar Gifts for Everyone: A comprehensive collection of ideas to spark your creativity and help you find the perfect jar gift for anyone on your list.
I truly hope you adore making and sharing these delightful peppermint chocolate cookies in a jar! They are a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical and memorable. If you decide to make this recipe, please don’t hesitate to leave a recipe rating and comment. Your feedback helps me understand how much you enjoyed it and inspires future creations!

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Triple Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in a Jar
Equipment
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1 quart jar with a tight-fitting lid (wide-mouth jars are easiest for layering)
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Large funnel, highly recommended for easy, mess-free layering
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Standard measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For Jar (layer ingredients in the exact order given):
- 1¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour (or use regular unbleached all-purpose flour for a classic texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or a mix with Dutch-process for deeper color)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed, for rich flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup high-quality chopped white chocolate (or white chocolate chips with cocoa butter as a main ingredient)
- 1/3 cup Christmas M&Ms (optional, for festive color; if omitted, add more chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for best results)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (pre-crushed or crush candy canes yourself)
To Make Cookies with the Mix (Recipient will need these additional items):
- 1 jar (your prepared cookie mix)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
To create your beautiful jar gift:
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Carefully layer all the dry ingredients for the cookie mix into a clean, quart-sized Mason jar, following the specific order provided in the ingredients list above. After adding each layer, gently tamp the jar down on a firm surface (like your counter or a wooden cutting board) to compress the ingredients and create distinct, attractive layers. PRO TIP: For an even more striking layered effect, mix the salt and baking powder together and use a long-handled teaspoon to carefully sprinkle this combined layer around the edges of the jar, as seen in our photos.
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Once all ingredients are layered, securely attach the jar’s lid. Next, print and carefully cut out the instruction tags (available for free download above). Punch a neat hole in the designated white circle on each tag. Thread a festive ribbon or sturdy twine through the hole and tie it around the neck of the jar, just below the lid. For an extra festive touch, consider tying a small candy cane into the ribbon alongside the tag!
Instructions for baking the cookies (also detailed on the back of your printable tags):
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare a large cookie sheet by either lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, the large egg, and the vanilla extract until they are well combined and smooth.
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Carefully empty the entire contents of the cookie mix jar into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula, stir the mixture until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and a cohesive dough forms.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough, approximately by tablespoons, onto your prepared cookie sheet. Ensure there is adequate space between each cookie for even baking. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown and the centers are set.
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Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for approximately 10 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring. Afterward, carefully move the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade, triple chocolate peppermint treats!
Notes
- The sealed cookie mix, stored in its jar, will maintain its optimal freshness on a pantry shelf for 2-3 months. For the best flavor experience, especially due to the peppermint, we recommend using the mix within two months.
- Once baked, these delicious cookies will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer preservation, baked cookies can be frozen for 3-4 months.
Nutrition

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