Dessert

Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Jar Recipe

ByMaya Arden November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

Chocolate chip cookies in a jar make a delightful gift or a fun activity to enjoy at home. This layered mix stores all the dry ingredients neatly, ready for a quick and easy homemade treat whenever you’re craving classic cookies.

A clear glass jar filled with four distinct layers: the bottom layer is white sugar, above it is a layer of light brown sugar with a grainy texture, followed by another layer of white sugar, and the top layer is full of dark brown chocolate chips. The jar is tied near the top with red and white twisted string, holding a small wooden tag with writing. The background is blurred with green pine branches and red berries, and the jar is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts for an extra layer

Instructions

Step 1: In a 1-liter (32 oz) jar, layer the ingredients starting with the flour, baking soda, and salt. Next, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, packing each layer down gently to keep it neat. Top with chocolate chips, and add chopped nuts if using.
Step 2: Seal the jar tight and tie with a festive ribbon. Attach a tag with these baking instructions:

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together ½ cup melted butter (cooled), 1 large egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour the entire jar mix of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for 2 hours.
Step 5: Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let cool on the baking sheet.
Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit your preference.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to deepen the flavor.
Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

Storage

Store the assembled jar mix in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Once prepared into dough, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Baked cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of four chocolate chip cookies on crinkled white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. The cookies are round with a golden brown color, slightly cracked textures, and visible soft chocolate chips embedded on the top and throughout. The cookies have a soft and chewy appearance with some darker areas where the chocolate has melted. A twisted red and white string is loosely coiled near the bottom right corner of the paper, adding a pop of color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. Skipping this step may cause thinner cookies.