Healthy Chocolate Mint Cookies In A Jar (+ Free Printable)

Give the gift of healthier cookies with this mason jar gift of maple sweetened chocolate mint cookies. Easy to make and includes a free printable for tags to download and attach to your jar! Lightly sweet and perfect with coffee or tea, this is a nice change from all the super sweet holiday cookies.

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I love giving (and receiving!) all kinds of homemade gifts, and food gifts are probably my most favorite (you can go here to see all my published food in jar gifts).

Why food gifts? Let me count a few of the reasons:

• They are quick to make.
• They are inexpensive.
• They can be customized easily.
• They create less waste than typical gifts, especially when packaged in a reusable glass jar.
• Everyone needs to eat, so you know it’s a useful gift.
• It’s fun to try a new food item.
• Plus, packages of food are just cute!

All of which is why I’m happy to bring you another food gift idea, and not just any food gift, but healthy chocolate mint cookies in a jar!

Yep, it’s okay to eat decadent things at the holidays, AND it’s okay to try healthier options, too. I aim for the 80%-20% guideline, just like I do the rest of the year.

There are plenty of cookies-in-a-jar gift ideas out there from everything from sugar cookies to chocolate chip. But healthier options are few and far between. While they might not be for everyone, I thought offering a jar cookie option with whole grains and less sugar would be nice for those on our lists who would appreciate it.

What makes this mason jar cookie healthy?

The cookies are made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with maple syrup. The mint pieces do add a bit more sugar, but even with the optional chocolate chips I want to be clear that these cookies really aren’t very sweet at all.

Like, really. So if you, or the person you want to give these to, wouldn’t appreciate a barely sweet chocolate cookie, you might want to try a different recipe.

However, I think they are perfection with a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon and the touch of mint is refreshing!

Healthier Chocolate Mint Cookies Gift In A Jar

Ingredients

This gift uses SIMPLE pantry ingredients and is actually a cookie in two jars (if you choose to give the maple syrup, too).

For the quart jar:

• Whole wheat flour, either regular and pastry– spelt flour would also work, and I’m sure oat flour would, too, but I haven’t tried that version yet, so I’d test it first if you wanted to give a gluten free version.
• Cocoa powder– I love this organic brand, but any cocoa powder is good.
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Crushed peppermint candy.
• Optional: Dark chocolate chips/chunks.

For the half-pint jar:

• Pure maple syrup – you don’t have to provide the maple syrup, but since it’s not always something in everyone’s pantry (and is more expensive if it’s a pure syrup), it’s nice to provide this.

The recipients will need to provide the other wet ingredients: milk (or milk substitute), eggs, and oil or melted butter. I’ve also included an optional teaspoon of mint extract on the recipe tag if they have it, as it really amps up the flavor nicely, though it’s not necessary.

Supplies

• 1 quart jar (32 ounces) for each gift
• 1 half-pint jar (8 ounces) for each gift (if giving the maple syrup)
• Lids for jars – I love the look of zinc lids, if you don’t have vintage lids to give, these reproduction zinc lids are a great option.
• Ribbon or twine
• Paper cutter and/or scissors
• Free Printable tags (click here or below)

Directions

1. Add the flour to the quart jar. A large canning funnel makes this a lot easier. The flour will almost fill the jar initially – tamp the jar down onto the counter a number of time to settle the flour to about 3/4 of the jar.
2. Add the baking powder and salt.
3. Add the cocoa powder and tamp the jar to settle it.
4. Add the crushed peppermint. If you’d like to add chocolate chips, add them to the top (they will probably fill almost to the rim).

Secure a lid on the jar and tie with a ribbon bow or jute twine.

For Optional Maple Syrup:

Pour the syrup into a half-pint jar. Any mason jar will work – for the photos here I used a cute Weck tulip jelly jar. Just make sure the lid is leakproof or very secure.

Print The Recipe Tags

Download the free ‘Merry & Bright’ recipe tags here to attach to the quart jar.

Print them double sided on a color printer. You can use regular paper, but they will be more durable printed on a lightweight cardstock.

Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut the printable into four recipe card tags.

Fold the card tags and then punch a hole in the corner. Run the ribbon or twine through the hole before tying into a bow on your quart jar.

Packaging Tips

• Find baskets at thrift stores to hold both the jars. Fill with tissue or basket filler and add jars. Give as is, or set basket in a clear cellophane bag.
• Use reusable fabric bags to hold the jars. (Or make your own with this pattern.)
• Use a brown paper box with shredded paper to nest the jars in. With this option, you’ll want to make sure you have leakproof lids for the syrup.
• Pack the jars in 8.5 x 6.5 paper bags from the dollar store with tissue.

Wondering what the cookies look like after baking?

They hold their shape, so I pressed down a bit before baking.

And like I mentioned, they are just barely sweet even with the dark chocolate chunks on the tops (which you know I’d add, right?).

With all the over-the-top treats during the holidays, though, I find these a nice change, very much like a tea cookie.

Looking for more easy and inexpensive gift mixes recipes? You can click here to see all the published gifts in jars, from savory to sweet!

More Gift In A Jar Recipes Ideas

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