Mason Jar Sugar Cookies

There’s something truly special about the holiday season that brings out the joy of baking. Mason Jar Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they’re a fun way to share holiday cheer with friends and family. This whimsical treat combines the classic sugar cookie flavor with an adorable presentation that’s perfect for gifting or decorating your festive table. Imagine a charming mason jar filled with vibrant, sprinkle-covered cookies, each one a little work of art. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to spread smiles.

Top Reasons to Make Mason Jar Sugar Cookies

• Fun Presentation: The mason jar adds a delightful twist to your cookie gifting, making them visually appealing.
• Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients and an easy recipe, you can whip these up in no time!
• Customizable: You can add your favorite holiday sprinkles or use fun cookie cutters to create unique shapes.
• Great for Gifting: Mason jars filled with cookies make for thoughtful, homemade gifts that everyone loves.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 1 (17.5-ounce) package sugar cookie mix: I recommend using Betty Crocker for its consistent results.
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps to enhance the texture of the cookies.
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted for a rich and buttery flavor.
• 1 large egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together.
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a delightful aroma and flavor.
• Miniature ornaments: For decorating your mason jar and adding a festive touch.
• Holiday sprinkles: To bring color and fun to your cookies.
• Miniature holiday cookie cutters (optional): For shaping your cookies into festive designs.

Cook’s Kit

• Mason jars: Choose jars that are clean and dry for the best presentation.
• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will do just fine for mixing your ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cookie cutters: Optional, but they can make your cookies even more festive!
• Cooling rack: To let your cookies cool down properly after baking.

From Start to Finish: Mason Jar Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, all-purpose flour, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a dough. It should be soft but not overly sticky.

Step 3: Shape Your Cookies

If you’re using miniature holiday cookie cutters, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. If you prefer to keep it simple, you can also roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.

Step 4: Decorate

Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Before baking, sprinkle some holiday sprinkles on top of each cookie for an extra festive touch.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake!

Step 6: Cool Down

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Fill Your Mason Jar

Once the cookies are completely cool, arrange them in your mason jar. You can layer them for a beautiful presentation. Add miniature ornaments and a sprinkle of holiday sprinkles for that extra festive flair.

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

• Cinnamon: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nutmeg: A hint of nutmeg can bring a lovely depth to your cookies.
• Almond extract: Substitute half of the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delightful surprise in every bite.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as it can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
• Overbaking: Keep a close watch on your cookies, as baking times can vary with different ovens. Remove them when they are just set.
• Sticking: If your cookies are sticking to the baking sheet, ensure you use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Cooling: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them in the mason jar to prevent sogginess.

Save It for Later

If you’ve made a big batch of Mason Jar Sugar Cookies, they can be a delightful treat for days to come! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Quick Q&A

Can I use different brands of sugar cookie mix?

Absolutely! While I recommend Betty Crocker for its taste and consistency, you can use any brand you prefer. Just check the measurements if they vary from the package.

What if I don’t have a mason jar?

No worries! You can use any clear container or even a simple cookie tin to store and gift your cookies. The key is to keep them airtight.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Yes, royal icing works beautifully on sugar cookies! Just be sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Mason Jar Sugar Cookies, substitute the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your flour is certified gluten-free.

Let’s Eat

With the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy some homemade Mason Jar Sugar Cookies. These treats are a beautiful way to celebrate the season, and their delightful flavors will surely become a cherished holiday tradition. So grab a mason jar, fill it with these sweet delights, and share the joy of baking with those around you. Happy baking!