christmas cookies in a jar with christmas ribbon and recipe tags

Healthier Christmas Cookies in a Jar & Free Printable

Want a Christmas gift that’s thoughtful, cute, and just a little healthier? These Christmas cookies in a jar are just the thing! Made with no food dyes or refined sugar, they offer a cleaner twist on classic holiday treats. Layer them up, add some festive ribbon, and gift them to neighbors, friends, and family for a treat they’ll love to bake and enjoy.

healthier christmas cookies in a jar pinterest pin

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I have two cookies in a jar recipes for you today: Christmas M&M Cookies and White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. The recipes are very similar but you get two unique and delicious cookies. You can make one or both for everyone on your gift list.

christmas cookies on a christmas tree plate with ribbon, m&ms and candy cane

Why Cleaner Ingredients Matter

When it comes to Christmas cookies, it’s easy to reach for the classic white sugar and conventional candies. But with just a few simple swaps, you can make your holiday treats much more nourishing. Using cleaner ingredients also shows extra thoughtfulness and care for those receiving the gift.

Coconut Sugar Instead of White Sugar

Coconut sugar is a natural, unrefined sweetener that retains more nutrients than refined white sugar. It is also lower on the glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar as quickly. Plus, it contains trace minerals like potassium and zinc.

The best part? It’s a 1:1 replacement for white or brown sugar in most cookie recipes. If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar, use 1/2 cup of coconut sugar instead. It’s that simple and the cookies are just as delicious!

Ditch Artificial Food Dyes for Natural Alternatives

So many holiday candies, like red and green M&Ms or brightly colored sprinkles, are loaded with synthetic food dyes. While they look festive, they bring along some health concerns. Studies have linked certain artificial dyes (like Red 40 and Yellow 5) to hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive adults. Thankfully, natural alternatives are easier than ever to find.

tops of christmas cookies in a jar showing candy

In these cookies, I use the brands Unreal and YumEarth which offer dye-free chocolates and candies made with natural colorings from fruits and vegetables.

By choosing healthier ingredients, you’re showing the recipient that you care about their health and well-being. Cleaner ingredients like coconut sugar and dye-free candies aren’t just trendy, they’re better for our bodies.

peppermint cookies in a jar

Ingredients for Cookies in a Jar

I like to get many of these ingredients from Azure Standard because they have lots of healthy options. Read here about how I source a lot of my food from Azure Standard and save lots of money by doing so.

All-Purpose Flour

Coconut Sugar

Baking Soda

Baking Powder

Salt – I prefer sea salt.

Mini Chocolate Chips I prefer to use these stevia sweetened chocolate chips to keep this recipe refined sugar free.

White Chocolate Chips I like these stevia sweetened peppermint flavored chocolate chips.

Yum-Earth Candy Canes

Unreal Milk Chocolate Gems

christmas cookies in a jar with baked cookies on counter

Tools You May Need

32 Ounce (1 Quart) Mason Jars

Festive Ribbon

Recipe Cards

christmas cookie ingredients in bowl getting ready to be mixed

How to Make Cookies in a Jar

Choose the cookie recipe you want to use and start with the dry ingredients. You will find both cookie recipes at the end of this post.

If you’re making the white chocolate peppermint cookies, you will need to crush the peppermint candy canes. I use a food processor to do this. Just crush up a few candy canes until you have 1/3 cup.

Add the flour first. Use a spoon or funnel to avoid spills. Next add the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gently tap the jar to level the ingredients out.

Pour in the coconut sugar next. I’ve found it helps to use the back of a spoon to press each layer down around the edge of the jar.

Add either mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips, depending on which recipe you’re using.

The last thing is adding either the crushed up peppermint candies or the M&Ms.

Top with the lid and decorate with festive ribbons and even a candy cane.

christmas peppermint cookie recipe tag

Free Printable Recipe Tags

Make sure you include instructions for actually baking the cookies! You can print these cute recipe cards I made and tie them around your jar with some ribbon. I recommend printing these on thick white paper, like card stock. Just sign up with your email below and I’ll send them straight to your inbox!

christmas cookies in a jar with christmas ribbon and recipe tags

Healthier Christmas Cookies in a Jar & Free Printable

These DIY healthier Christmas cookies in a jar make the perfect festive gift! They are beautiful, delicious, and made with no refined sugar or artificial dyes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 jar

Ingredients
  

Christmas Peppermint Cookies in a Jar

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • cup crushed peppermint candies crush up a few candy canes until you have 1/3 cup
  • gift recipient will add: 1/2 cup butter, 1 egg, and 1.5 tsp vanilla

Christmas M&M Cookies in a Jar

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • cup M&Ms
  • gift recipient will add: 1/2 cup butter, 1 egg, and 1.5 tsp vanilla

Instructions
 

To Make the Jars:

  • Choose the cookie recipe you want to use and start with the dry ingredients.
  • If you're making the white chocolate peppermint cookies, you will need to crush the peppermint candy canes. I use a food processor to do this. Just crush up a few candy canes until you have 1/3 cup.
  • Add the flour first. Use a spoon or funnel to avoid spills. Next add the baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gently tap the jar to level the ingredients out.
  • Pour in the coconut sugar next. I've found it helps to use the back of a spoon to press each layer down around the edge of the jar.
  • Add either the mini chocolate chips or the white chocolate chips, depending on which recipe you're using.
  • The last thing is adding either the crushed up peppermint candies or the M&Ms.
  • Top with the lid and decorate with festive ribbons and even a candy cane.

To Bake the Cookies:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 1 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the egg and butter until well combined. Stir in vanilla.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and mix well.
  • Drop rounded scoops onto parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350° F for 10-12 minutes.

If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @devotedtolittles with your delicious creation.

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