Homemade breakfast mixes in a jar for Christmas gifts, from pancake, waffle and muffin mix to cranberry orange scones, gingerbread pancakes, granola and overnight oats.

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A breakfast mix in a jar is a gift that gets used. Layer the dry ingredients in a pretty jar, tie on a tag with the directions, and your friend has a homemade Christmas morning breakfast ready to go.

These 20 mixes include pancakes, waffles, muffins, scones, biscuits, oatmeal, granola and more. Every one uses pantry staples and costs a few dollars per jar.

Each mix fits a 1-quart jar unless noted. The “To make” section is what you write on the gift tag.

Planning Christmas morning? You might also like 30 Blackstone Breakfast Ideas for Christmas Morning, 25 Mason Jar Christmas Gift Ideas and Waffle Bar Ideas for Christmas Morning.

Supplies for Breakfast Mix Jars

• 1-quart wide mouth mason jars fit most pancake and muffin mixes.
• A canning funnel keeps flour off the glass.
• Printable Christmas recipe tags for the directions.
• Mini bottles of maple syrup to tie onto pancake jars.
• Mini whisks make a sweet add-on.

Mix	What the recipient adds	Shelf life
Pancake and waffle mixes	Eggs, milk, butter or oil	3 months
Muffin and scone mixes	Eggs, milk, butter	3 months
Oatmeal and overnight oats	Milk or water	4 to 6 months
Granola	Nothing, ready to eat	1 month

20 Breakfast Mix in a Jar Ideas

1. Classic Pancake Mix

Fluffy buttermilk-style pancakes from one jar. The most useful breakfast gift you can give.

Powdered buttermilk gives real tang without a carton of buttermilk.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk the mix with 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup melted butter.
2. Rest 5 minutes.
3. Cook 1/4 cup portions on a medium-hot griddle until bubbles form, then flip.
4. Makes about 14 pancakes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

2. Belgian Waffle Mix

Crisp outside and soft inside. A little cornstarch is the secret to extra crunch.

Gift it with a jar of berry syrup.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk the mix with 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
2. Cook in a hot waffle iron until golden.
3. Makes 6 to 8 waffles.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

3. Basic Muffin Mix

One base mix that bakes up plain or with any add-in the recipient likes.

Add a tag with ideas like chocolate chips, berries or cinnamon.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (top layer)

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan.
2. Mix with 1 egg, 3/4 cup milk and 1/3 cup oil.
3. Fill cups two-thirds full.
4. Bake 18 to 20 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

4. Cream Scone Mix

Tender, flaky scones that only need cold butter and cream.

Pair with a jar of jam and clotted cream for a tea gift.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut 1/2 cup cold butter into the mix until crumbly.
3. Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1 egg. Pat into a circle and cut 8 wedges.
4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

5. Buttermilk Biscuit Mix

Fluffy biscuits for gravy, jam or breakfast sandwiches.

Powdered buttermilk keeps it shelf stable.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup buttermilk powder
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 425°F.
2. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter, then stir in 1 cup cold water.
3. Pat out 1 inch thick and cut biscuits.
4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

6. Cinnamon Roll Pancake Mix

Cinnamon sugar swirled pancakes that taste like cinnamon rolls.

Include a small bag of powdered sugar for the glaze.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk the mix with 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup melted butter.
2. Cook on a medium griddle.
3. Drizzle with a glaze of 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

7. Blueberry Muffin Mix

Freeze-dried blueberries make this mix shelf stable and bright.

They soften as the muffins bake.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup freeze-dried blueberries (top layer)

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix with 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 1/3 cup oil.
3. Fill 12 lined muffin cups.
4. Bake 18 to 22 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

8. Cranberry Orange Scone Mix

Dried cranberries and orange zest sugar make a festive red and orange jar.

Rub the zest into the sugar before layering so it stays fragrant.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar rubbed with zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut 1/2 cup cold butter into the mix.
3. Stir in 3/4 cup cream and 1 egg. Shape and cut 8 wedges.
4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 2 months in a cool, dark place

9. Gingerbread Pancake Mix

Ginger, cinnamon and cloves make these pancakes taste like Christmas cookies.

Tell them to add 2 tablespoons molasses for the full flavor.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk the mix with 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/4 cup melted butter and 2 tablespoons molasses.
2. Cook on a medium griddle until bubbly, then flip.
3. Serve with whipped cream.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

10. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Mix

Quick oats, dried apples, cinnamon and brown sugar. Just add hot water or milk.

Perfect for busy friends and college students.

Layer in the jar:

• 3 cups quick oats
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apples
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Shake the jar to mix.
2. Stir 1/2 cup mix with 3/4 cup hot milk or water.
3. Let sit 2 minutes or microwave 1 minute.
4. Makes about 8 servings.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 4 months in a cool, dark place

11. Maple Pecan Granola

Crunchy homemade granola with maple and pecans. Ready to eat straight from the jar.

Bake it first, cool completely, then pack.

Layer in the jar:

• 4 cups baked maple pecan granola (oats, pecans, maple syrup, oil, cinnamon, salt baked at 300°F for 35 minutes)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

To make (write on the tag):

1. Ready to eat.
2. Serve with milk, yogurt or as a snack.
3. Keep the lid tight.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 1 month in an airtight jar

12. Overnight Oats Dry Mix

Oats, chia seeds and flax ready to soak overnight in milk.

Include flavor ideas on the tag: peanut butter banana, berries or cocoa.

Layer in the jar:

• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

To make (write on the tag):

1. Mix 1/2 cup dry mix with 1/2 cup milk and 1/4 cup yogurt in a jar.
2. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Top with fruit in the morning.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 4 months in a cool, dark place

13. Hot Multigrain Cereal Mix

A warm, filling mix of oats, cracked wheat and quinoa flakes for a warm breakfast.

Add raisins and cinnamon on top.

Layer in the jar:

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup cracked wheat or bulgur
• 1/2 cup quinoa flakes
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

To make (write on the tag):

1. Bring 1 cup water or milk to a boil.
2. Stir in 1/3 cup mix and simmer 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Serve with milk and honey.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 4 months in a cool, dark place

14. Hot Cocoa Mix

Rich hot chocolate to go with Christmas breakfast. Top with mini marshmallows.

A must-have next to any breakfast gift.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups powdered milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (top layer)
• Pinch of salt

To make (write on the tag):

1. Stir 1/3 cup mix into 1 cup hot milk or water.
2. Top with marshmallows.
3. Makes about 10 mugs.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

15. Banana Bread Mix

All the dry ingredients for a loaf of banana bread. They just add ripe bananas.

Great for using up extra bananas after the holidays.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mash 3 ripe bananas and mix with 2 eggs and 1/3 cup melted butter.
3. Stir in the jar mix.
4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

16. Cinnamon Swirl Quick Bread Mix

A no-yeast cinnamon bread with a swirl of cinnamon sugar.

Pack the cinnamon sugar in a small bag on top.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Small bag: 1/3 cup sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the flour mix with 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 1/3 cup oil.
3. Layer half the batter, half the cinnamon sugar, then repeat in a loaf pan.
4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

17. Chocolate Chip Pancake Mix

Kids’ favorite pancakes with mini chocolate chips built right in.

Tie on a small bottle of syrup.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (top layer)

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk with 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup melted butter.
2. Cook on a medium griddle.
3. Makes about 14 pancakes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

18. Pumpkin Spice Muffin Mix

Warm spiced muffins. The recipient adds a can of pumpkin.

Top layer of pepitas looks pretty in the jar.

Layer in the jar:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup pepitas

To make (write on the tag):

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup oil.
3. Stir in the jar mix and fill 12 muffin cups.
4. Bake 20 to 22 minutes.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months in a cool, dark place

19. French Toast Spice and Custard Mix

A small jar of cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla powder for perfect French toast.

Pair it with a loaf of brioche for a complete gift.

Layer in the jar:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla powder
• Use a half-pint jar

To make (write on the tag):

1. Whisk 2 tablespoons mix with 4 eggs and 1 cup milk.
2. Dip thick bread slices.
3. Cook on a buttered griddle 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 6 months in a cool, dark place

20. Breakfast Gift Set: Pancakes, Syrup and Cocoa

Bundle three small jars together: pancake mix, a homemade syrup and hot cocoa mix.

Pack them in a basket with a spatula for a complete Christmas morning kit.

Layer in the jar:

• Pint jar of Classic Pancake Mix (half batch)
• Half-pint jar of maple or cinnamon syrup
• Pint jar of Hot Cocoa Mix
• A spatula and a festive towel

To make (write on the tag):

1. Follow the directions on each jar.
2. Keep the syrup in the fridge after opening.
3. Enjoy a full Christmas breakfast.

Jar: 1 quart | Shelf life: 3 months (syrup 1 month in the fridge)

Breakfast Mix in a Jar FAQs

How long do pancake mixes in a jar last?

About 3 months in a cool, dark place. Mixes with nuts or whole grains are best within 2 months.

What size jar do I need?

A 1-quart jar fits most pancake, waffle and muffin mixes. Use pint or half-pint jars for smaller gifts.

Can I put dried fruit in the jar?

Yes. Dried and freeze-dried fruit both work. Do not add fresh fruit, butter or eggs.

How do I attach the directions?

Write them on a gift tag and tie it to the jar with twine, or print a label for the lid.

Can I make these gluten free?

Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

Make one big batch of base mix, split it into jars with different add-ins, and you will have breakfast gifts for everyone on your list.

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