Share the love with friends, family, and neighbors near and far with a jar of muffin mix!
So even though I am a self-proclaimed Grinch around the holidays there is one undeniable thing about me that all my friends and family know. I love giving gifts. I used to love buying gifts but then my wallet didn’t love that so much so I started making gifts.
Generally, I knit something because 1) knitting is relaxing for me and 2) hand knitted gifts are awesome. But even when you can sit down and make a custom, one of a kind gift for someone you still have those people who leave you scratching your head.
My sister for instance. She is THE hardest person to shop for because she’s so picky! I’ve knitted her a few scarves in the past that go largely unworn 🙁 It’s always a little disappointing because I want to give gifts that are equal parts thoughtful, beautiful, and useful.
So those difficult people end up getting baked goodies!
Since I won’t actually get to see my sister for Christmas this year (which is SO WEIRD and makes me tear up each time I think about it) and mail can be slow around the holidays I decided the best way to gift her with a homemade treat was to add all the ingredients for my favorite chocolate chocolate chip muffins to a large quart sized mason jar and mail it.
I slipped in a little note that includes the list of wet ingredients to add to the muffin mix and the baking instructions. That way when she bakes and eats these muffins she’ll think of me <3. And also when I FaceTime her later while eating a muffin of my own.
You can layer pretty much any of your favorite recipes inside a jar as long as you include the directions for the wet ingredients and baking instructions. I know that cookies are a really popular jarred mix to gift.
If you are mailing this to far away friends and family I suggest investing in a plastic mason jar or two just to keep it safe from shattering. I’ve sent plenty of glass jars through the mail to soldiers serving overseas and never had an issue but it’s not a bad idea to be better safe than sorry.
Gifts like this are also a great way to share recipes. I LOVED the jar of brownie mix my step mom gave me a couple years ago. I even got permission from my brother to make his jar and add some different flavors. Cause that’s how I roll.
Like when I didn’t have regular chocolate chips in the house so I subbed a peanut butter chocolate chip combo for this muffin mix and they were soooooo good. To the person who invented the peanut butter/chocolate combo thing. You are a genius.
Do you prefer to give homemade or store bought gifts?

Muffin Mix in a Jar
Share the love with friends, family, and neighbors near and far with a jar of muffin mix!
Ingredients
For the Jar
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips, any flavor
- 1 quart sized mason jar
For the Gift Tag
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Add dry ingredients to a quart sized mason jar in the order listed, packing down well as needed to make sure all the ingredients fit inside the jar.
- Top jar with lid, rim, and a decorative fabric square if desired.
- Attach gift tag with ingredients and directions with a ribbon.
For the Gift Tag
- Mix together eggs, milk, vanilla, and oil until well blended.
- Add dry ingredients and stir until completely combined.
- Fill lined muffin tins 3/4 full and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins.
Jennifer
Wednesday 21st of December 2022
Do the dry ingredients in the jar need to be refrigerated? How long do they stay safe in the jar? I just want to make sure it doesn't mold before they make the muffins.
Meaghan
Friday 23rd of December 2022
The dry ingredients don't need to be refrigerated and they should last about a month or two if stored in a cool, dry place with an airtight seal.
Stephanie
Wednesday 11th of September 2019
Hi! I Want to make these regular chocolate chip muffins. If i take out the cocoa powder do i have to substitute for something else?
Ashleigh
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
@Meaghan, just the answer I was looking for too! Thank you :) xx
Meaghan
Monday 16th of September 2019
You'd need to make several substitutions if you decided to remove the cocoa powder from this recipe. Most muffin recipes use baking powder as their leavening agent, but in this recipe, the cocoa powder reacts with baking soda to make the muffins rise. If you want to make just regular chocolate chip muffins I highly suggest you try this delicious recipe from Marsha at Marsha's Baking Addiction: https://marshasbakingaddiction.com/chocolate-chip-muffins/
Katherine
Friday 4th of March 2016
Hello, thanks for the delicious recipe. I am wondering though - no baking powder. I haven't ever made muffins without baking powder.
Meaghan
Wednesday 9th of March 2016
No baking powder required for this one :) The baking soda reacts with the brown sugar and the chocolate to made beautifully risen muffins every time!
~Meaghan
Hillary Reeves
Thursday 24th of December 2015
If everyone gave me muffins for Christmas I would be a seriously happy camper tho...
Meaghan
Sunday 27th of December 2015
Haha! I got so many socks for Christmas and I just thought....my friends know me so well. But muffins are good too ;)
~Meaghan
Paige
Tuesday 22nd of December 2015
I love giving gifts in a jar, and I've never even thought to gift muffin mix like this! These are beautiful!
Meaghan
Wednesday 23rd of December 2015
Thank you! Gifts in a jar are my last minute go to and they never disappoint!
~Meaghan