Old Fashioned Cookie Jars

Don't you just love old fashioned cookie jars? If you're like me, I bet you can remember sneaking cookies out of your Grandma's cookie jar when her back was turned.

I can picture that old jar now. It wasn't at all fancy, but that unassuming container became forever etched in my memory.

These celebrated cookie containers are the creators and preservers of fond memories of simpler times past. They can give any kitchen an aura of warmth, comfort, and family life. No kitchen is ever complete without one or two on display.

Old Fashioned Cookie Jars

Glass Cookie JarsVintage Glass Cookie Jars Filled with Homemade Cookies
(Source: ©brown54486/iStock.com)

Nowadays, we have available hundreds of cookie containers of all shapes, colors, and sizes for collectors of all ages.

And all collections are different. Some people love collecting them in animal shapes, some in cartoon shapes, while others might prefer shapes that depict people.

The following YouTube video shows one man's unique collection of head-shaped jars. Now, that's different.


There's no right or wrong reason to buy a particular cookie jar to start your collection. Buy one simply because you love its appearance or because it evokes fond and pleasant memories, and you can't go wrong.

Cookie Jar History

An Old Fashioned Glass Cookie JarAn Old Fashioned Cookie Jar Filled with Love
(Source: ©belchonock/Depositphotos.com)

Today's cookie containers evolved from the old English biscuit jars or biscuit barrels that began to appear in the late 1700s and became popular in the Victorian Era.

These early cylindrical or bowl-shaped containers often were made of earthenware, porcelain, or glass. Some were anything but plain in appearance, featuring colorful hand-painted designs, and sometimes silver-plate engraved lids.

However, it wasn't until the 1930s that today's style of decorative ceramic containers in their variety of novel shapes and sizes began to arrive on the scene. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Some of America's early cookie jar makers included the Brush Pottery Company, the first to use ceramics; McCoy, producing some of the most collectable jars; American Bisque, known for its cartoon character designs; and Shawnee Pottery, famous for its Mother Goose series.

Many of the most sought after old fashioned containers are still being used by families to store their homemade cookies, but many others are purchased as prized collectables only for display.

Get Your Own Cookie Jar

Fancy cookie containers have their practical purpose. Storing your homemade cookies in a jar with a tight seal helps to keep them fresh longer by retaining their moistness, or if gingersnaps, or biscotti, their desired crispness.

In local gift shops and especially online at Amazon, you'll find a large selection of collectable old fashioned Cookie Jars at affordable prices. There's everything from nostalgic, vintage styles to jars inspired by movie and current cultural trends.

Your kitchen needs a unique container that's warm and inviting to hold your homemade cookies. So, why not treat yourself and get a special jar that reflects your personality today!

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