10 Mason Jar Pantry Mixes for Heartfelt Christmas Gifts

Christmas is coming, friends, and if you’re feeling the pinch of inflation this year, you are not alone.

But here’s the good news—these DIY pantry mixes make beautiful, practical gifts that won’t break the bank.

Let’s be honest, most store-bought mixes are full of ingredients we can’t pronounce, and they’re getting more expensive by the day.

These homemade versions use simple pantry staples, taste better, and come with the added gift of your time and effort.

I’ve been making these for years as Christmas gifts, and they’re always a hit!

Each recipe includes exactly what to put in the jar and instructions to include on the gift tag. Most of these cost less than $5 per jar to make, but they deliver so much value to the recipient.

Let’s dive into these frugal, thoughtful gifts that your friends and family will actually use and appreciate!

1. Master Baking Mix (Better-Than-Bisquick)

This versatile mix is one of my most-requested gifts. One jar allows the recipient to make pancakes, waffles, or biscuits in minutes.

Jar Ingredients:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk powder (whole milk powder works too)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Mixing Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly and store in a quart-sized mason jar.

Gift Tag Instructions:

For Pancakes: Mix 1 cup of baking mix with 2/3 cup water, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Cook on a hot griddle.

For Waffles: Use pancake recipe but add an extra tablespoon of oil for crispier texture.

For Biscuits: Mix 2 cups of baking mix with 1/2 cup milk. Pat dough to 1/2-inch thickness, cut into biscuits, and bake at 450°F for 8-10 minutes.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

2. Italian Dressing Mix

This seasoning blend makes fresh, flavorful salad dressing that puts store-bought bottles to shame. Layer the ingredients for a beautiful striped effect in a half-pint jar.

Jar Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed

Mixing Instructions: Layer in jar or mix all ingredients together.

Gift Tag Instructions: To make dressing, combine 2 tablespoons of mix with 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup oil (avocado or olive oil recommended), and a squirt of Dijon mustard. Shake well in a jar. For Parmesan Italian, add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate after mixing with wet ingredients.

Storage Note: Dry mix keeps for 1 year in a cool, dry place.

3. Sweet Quick Bread Mix

This versatile base can become banana bread, zucchini bread, or countless other variations.

Jar Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups sugar

Mixing Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together and store in a quart-sized mason jar.

Gift Tag Instructions: Empty jar into bowl. Add 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup oil. Mix well. Then add your choice of: 2 mashed bananas, 1 cup shredded zucchini, 1 cup applesauce, or 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9×5 loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Storage Note: Keeps for 9 months in a cool, dry place.

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4. Master Bread Dough Mix

This simple mix helps anyone make fresh homemade bread with minimal effort.

Jar Ingredients:

• 6 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup whole milk powder

Mixing Instructions: Whisk together and store in a quart jar. Note: Place salt at bottom, then flour as barrier, and keep yeast separate (attach small envelope to jar).

Gift Tag Instructions: For basic sandwich bread: Empty jar into bread machine or mixing bowl. Add 1 packet of yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons), 2 tablespoons oil, and 1 1/4 cups warm water. If using bread machine, select basic cycle. If mixing by hand, knead for 10 minutes, let rise until doubled (about 1 hour), shape into loaf, let rise again until doubled (about 45 minutes), then bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

5. Homemade Ramen Noodle Soup Mix

A healthier alternative to those sodium-packed instant noodle cups!

Jar Ingredients (per serving):

• 1 bundle thin pasta like angel hair or ramen noodles
• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon chicken or beef broth powder (reduced sodium)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon dried onion
• Pinch of dried parsley and black pepper

Mixing Instructions: Layer ingredients in a wide-mouth pint jar with noodles at the bottom.

Gift Tag Instructions: Empty contents into a pot. Add 2 cups water, bring to boil, and cook for 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender and broth thickens slightly. For protein, add cooked chicken, beef, or tofu before serving.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

6. Homemade Ranch Pasta Salad Mix

This homemade version of “Suddenly Salad” uses real, pronounceable ingredients.

Jar Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated carrots
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated peas
• 2 tablespoons bacon bits

Mixing Instructions: Pulse all ingredients briefly in food processor to break down vegetables for faster rehydration. Store in half-pint jar.

Gift Tag Instructions: Cook 2 cups dry elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and cool slightly. Mix pasta with jar contents and 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Optional: Add diced chicken, cheese, or fresh vegetables.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

7. Cranberry Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

These cookies have the perfect balance of sweet chocolate, tart cranberries, and wholesome oats.

Jar Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup oats (instant works best, but regular rolled oats are fine)
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Mixing Instructions: Layer ingredients in a quart jar in the order listed, with cranberries and chocolate chips at the top for visual appeal.

Gift Tag Instructions: Empty jar into a large bowl. Add 2/3 cup melted butter (cooled slightly), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until combined. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

8. Potato Dinner Roll Mix

These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for holiday meals or any day that needs a little extra comfort.

Jar Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup buttermilk powder (or regular milk powder)
• 1/2 cup instant potato flakes

Mixing Instructions: Layer in a quart jar with salt at the bottom, then flour, then remaining ingredients. Attach a packet of yeast to the jar (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 packet).

Gift Tag Instructions: Empty jar contents into mixing bowl. Add packet of yeast, 1 cup warm water, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix and knead until smooth (by hand or with dough hook). Let rise until doubled, about 1 hour. Shape into 12 balls, place in greased 9×13 pan. Let rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Brush tops with melted butter.

Storage Note: Keeps for 6 months in a cool, dry place.

9. Cornbread Muffin Mix

This homemade version of Jiffy cornbread mix uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

Jar Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mixing Instructions: Layer ingredients in a pint jar with salt at the bottom to keep it separate from the baking powder.

Gift Tag Instructions: Empty jar into mixing bowl. Add 1 egg, 1/3 cup milk or water, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix just until combined. Pour into greased muffin tin (makes 6 muffins) or small baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. For variations, add 1/4 cup shredded cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels.

Storage Note: For best results, vacuum seal or use within 3 months (cornmeal can develop off-flavors if stored too long).

10. Master Frosting Mix

This versatile base can be turned into buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or simple glaze with just a few additional ingredients.

Jar Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered milk (whole milk powder preferred)
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mixing Instructions: Whisk all ingredients thoroughly and store in a quart jar.

Gift Tag Instructions:

For Buttercream Frosting: Beat 1 cup frosting mix with 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat for 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Frosts 12 cupcakes or a single layer cake.

For Cream Cheese Frosting: Use instructions above but replace butter with 8 oz softened cream cheese.

For Glaze: Mix 1 cup frosting mix with 2-3 tablespoons milk or water and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until desired consistency is reached. Perfect for drizzling over cinnamon rolls.

Variations: Add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting, espresso powder for coffee frosting, or cinnamon for spiced frosting.

Storage Note: Keeps for 1 year in a cool, dry place. Once mixed with wet ingredients, refrigerate and use within 1 week.

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Packaging Your Gift Jars

These mixes aren’t just practical—they can be beautiful too! Here are some simple ways to make your gift jars look special:

1. Print custom labels with the mix name and your personal touch
2. Use fabric scraps and ribbon to cover the lids
3. Attach measuring spoons or other small kitchen tools with twine
4. Include recipe cards with additional serving suggestions
5. Group 2-3 complementary mixes in a basket with a wooden spoon or other kitchen item

Remember that the presentation doesn’t have to be fancy to be thoughtful. A handwritten tag and simple ribbon can convey just as much love as an elaborate package.

Homemade gifts like these pantry mixes show that you care enough to put in the effort to create something truly useful. In a world of mass-produced items, there’s something special about giving a gift made with your own hands.

These mixes help the recipient put wholesome meals on the table quickly—a gift that keeps giving long after the holidays are over. And because you’ve made them yourself, you know exactly what ingredients are going into your loved ones’ food.

Raise your hand if you’re tired of giving gifts that just collect dust! These practical mixes are the answer—they’ll actually get used and appreciated.

What’s your favorite homemade gift to give? Share in the comments below!