If you’re looking for dry mix recipes that can be made ahead and stored in your pantry or given away as gifts, you’ve come to the right place! In this post I’m sharing three of my fan favorites!
What is a Dry Mix Recipe?
A dry mix recipe is a pre-mixed combination of dry ingredients that can be stored and used as the base for a recipe. It’s especially common for baked goods and other foods where wet ingredients (like eggs, milk, or butter) are added separately when you’re ready to prepare the final dish.
Dry mixes are often made ahead of time to save effort later, as all the measuring and sifting of dry ingredients is already done. In my case, I decided to make these as gifts to give away at Christmas-time. (They were a blast to make!)
Benefits of Dry Mixes
There are so many reasons to make jar mixes. If you have a big pantry you might want to store lots of these.
Here are some of my favorite reasons to make them.
- They save time in preparation.
- Dry mixes ensure consistent results with pre-measured ratios.
- They are convenient for gifting (e.g., jarred cookie mixes). Like I explained above, that was the point of this exercise. I made all of these to give away as Christmas gifts.
- Dry mixes have a long shelf life when stored properly in an airtight container.
Tools You Will Use
- Quart-sized mason jars
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Canning funnel
- Snack sized baggies
- Gift tags and ribbon (if you’re gifting these)
- Something to pack down the ingredients into the jar so you can fit everything in.
That’s it! Now, let’s take a look at the cookie recipes featured in this post:
Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
These are the most delicious oatmeal cookies ever! They’re loaded with flavor and texture and are easy to bake.
Layer the following ingredients in this order:
- 1 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked quick rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Craisins
Place the following in a baggie or treat bag:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional: put these in the baggie, not the jar)
After you put the sugars in you’ll want to pack down the ingredients so you can fit the rest in. It’s going to be a tight squeeze. Repeat the pressing process after you get the oats in.
Once you get the jar filled, put the nuts in the baggie.
Add a tag or label to the jar with these instructions:
- Add 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla
- Bake at 375 for 10 minutes
Make as many jars as you like! I made a dozen to give away.
That’s it! Your Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies are ready to store! They should stay good for several months in a cool, dry place. No not refrigerate. No not freeze.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is a delicious, traditional chocolate chip cookie. Enjoy!
Layer the following ingredients in this order:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Place the following in a baggie or treat bag:
- 1 cup (8 oz) chocolate chips (put these in a baggie, not the jar)
Don’t forget to pack down your ingredients as you go to fit everything in.
Add a tag or label to the jar with these instructions:
- Add 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla
- Bake at 375 for 10 minutes
Make as many jars as you like!
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
This is an excellent cookie for Christmas with a yummy chocolate base, white chocolate chips, and crushed peppermints!
Layer the following ingredients in this order:
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
Place the following in a baggie or treat bag:
- 2/3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Add a tag or label to the jar with these instructions:
- Add 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla
- Bake at 375 for 10 minutes
Make as many jars as you like!
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe.
If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you’re at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!
About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.