Do you have fond childhood memories of the cookie jar, or were you constantly scolded for sneaking treats? As an adult and collector, you’ll be pleased to know that certain cookie jars can be a lucrative investment. Let’s dive in and explore some of the most valuable cookie jars available.
Rare and Valuable Cookie Jars
1. Cookie Jar McDonald’s Ronald Treasure Craft 13 Tall Vintage #M25
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Cookie jars from well-known brands can be a goldmine. They are instantly recognizable, making it easy to determine their value. Take, for example, this Ronald McDonald cookie jar. These were often given away for free when you made a certain purchase.
- Brand: McDonald’s
- Year: 1997
- Value: $165
These jars may have been promotional items or souvenirs for staff members. The Ronald McDonald cookie jar still retains its vibrant colors and glossy glaze. The jar’s lid is shaped like Ron’s head and collar, making it a charming addition to any collection.
2. Shawnee Set of (3) Vintage Cookie Jars
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Matching sets of cookie jars can fetch a higher price in the market, especially when they have a notable backstory or theme. This set of three ceramic jars is particularly special because each jar can be sold individually for a good profit.
- Brand: Shawnee
- Year: 1940s
- Value: $300
The trio of jars features pigs from the classic fairy tale of the three little pigs. While they share similar facial features, each pig has a different-colored neckerchief and unique designs on their smocks. With the possibility of finding replacement lids at vintage stores, this set becomes even more enticing.
3. The Old Tick Tock Clock Cookie Jar by Brush
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Adding poetry to a cookie jar might sound like a good idea in theory, but it also means spending more time with the jar in hand as you enjoy your snacks and read. Nevertheless, this visually appealing and multi-functional cookie jar is worth your attention.
- Brand: Brush
- Year: 1956
- Value: $85.99
The clock-themed jar features a tiara-shaped lid that could be a fun way to limit your cookie portions. You could set a rule that you can only have a cookie when the clock on the jar matches the one on your wall. The jar itself measures 7″ in width, ensuring it stands out in your collection.
4. Marilyn Monroe Bust Ceramic Cookie Jar 14”
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Featuring the iconic pose of Marilyn Monroe, with her dress being playfully lifted, this cookie jar captures her seductive charm. Surprisingly, it’s not as old as you might think, but it still makes for an enticing addition to any collection.
- Brand: Unknown
- Year: 1996
- Value: $115
The cookie jar depicts Marilyn Monroe’s upper body, with the jar’s opening cleverly hidden at the back where her hair meets the nape of her neck. While the lid may have some internal chips, they are concealed when the jar is closed.
5. Shawnee Great Northern Dutch Girl Cookie Jar with Blue Trim and Hat
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If you have a soft spot for Nordic culture and folklore, this charming Dutch girl cookie jar might pique your interest. Inspired by stories like Heidi in the Alps, this collectible is widely sought after.
- Brand: Shawnee
- Year: Unknown
- Value: $99.99
The hand-painted cookie jar showcases delightful imperfections, such as errors and “coloring outside the lines,” which actually increase its value. The lid is formed by the girl’s head and folded arms, while the brand is embossed on the bottom.
Delightful and Collectible Cookie Jars
6. Adorable Tea Potts Cookie Jar
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Disney characters are beloved and easily recognizable, making them popular subjects for ceramic collections. This mother-and-son duo, showcasing Mrs. Potts and Chip from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, perfectly embodies the charm of Disney collectibles.
- Brand: Disney
- Year: 1991
- Value: $109.99
To confirm if this is an official Disney piece, check the underside of the jar. Mrs. Potts forms the lid of the cookie jar, with Chip, sporting a slight nick on its rim, serving as the teacup. The lid is topped with Mrs. Potts’ hat, completing the enchanting design.
7. Metlox Dog Cookie Jar
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While pretty and colorful cookie jars may catch your eye, don’t overlook the odd and unique ones. This one-foot-tall dog jar, despite its unconventional appearance, is a highly prized collectible.
- Brand: Metlox
- Year: Unknown
- Value: $90.25
The jar’s body features a gingham texture, with its blue eyes and pink nose casually painted on. The lid is cleverly shaped like the head and collar of the dog, adding to its distinctive charm.
8. Rare American Bisque Baby Elephant Vintage Cookie Jar
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Reminiscent of Disney’s Dumbo or the Hindu deity Ganesha, this vintage cookie jar captures hearts with its adorable baby elephant design. Its shiny appearance and rosy hues create a sentimental connection.
- Brand: American Bisque
- Year: 1940s
- Value: $112.76
Measuring about 10″ tall, this meticulously crafted jar features plenty of pink, blue, and yellow details. The lid, shaped like the baby elephant’s head, adds to its whimsical appeal.
9. McCoy Ceramic Vintage Cookie Jar Spice/Coffee Grinder
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McCoy ceramics are highly coveted by collectors, including their cookie jars. This particular jar is designed to resemble a vintage coffee grinder, complete with non-functional crank and knob.
- Brand: McCoy
- Year: 1960s
- Value: $95
Although some of the black paint on the jar has peeled off and there are minor nicks and cracks on the underside, this vintage piece maintains its appeal. It stands 10″ tall and is 6″ by 6″ in width.
10. Vintage Brown Cookie Jar Barn Owl
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This owl-shaped cookie jar, despite its unconventional appearance, is an antique from the Great Depression era. Its unique provenance and fair condition add to its value.
- Brand: Unknown
- Year: 1930s
- Value: $169
The jar showcases carefully crafted owl feathers with smudging on its chest and eyes, possibly due to water stains. The brand stamp at the bottom adds to its authenticity.
Collectible Treasures and Cookie Jars with Stories
11. California Original – Tortoise And The Hare Cookie Jar
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Organizing your cookie jar collection into categories can add a touch of excitement. This cookie jar is part of a series depicting the classic fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, with various poses of the hare.
- Brand: California Original
- Year: Unknown
- Value: $119.69
Whether the hare is nibbling on cookies or passed out next to a carrot, it is always seen taking a free ride on the tortoise’s back. These pieces not only hold value but also serve as great conversation starters.
12. Adorable Extremely Rare Vintage Great American Co. Pig Cookie Jar
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Bringing nursery rhymes to life, this cookie jar features an endearing piglet, possibly one of the little piggies that went to the market or faced the big bad wolf. With its charming design and attention to detail, it’s sure to delight any collector.
- Brand: Great American
- Year: Unknown
- Value: $250
The piglet dons a baseball cap and holds a bag of cookies, while its sweater ribbing and curly tail add adorable touches. The glaze and pastel color scheme make it a versatile piece that can complement any design theme.
13. Vintage Cookie Jar Sack Bag Of Cookies American Bisque
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American Bisque Pottery is known for its high-quality ceramics, and this cookie jar is no exception. With its charming bag of cookies design, this vintage piece showcases the unique characteristics of American Bisque creations.
- Brand: American Bisque
- Year: Unknown
- Value: $70
Featuring a muffin-shaped lid and scorch patterns painted on to mimic baked goods, this jar stands out with its warm pastel colors and glossy finish. Its curvy and bulbous design is a hallmark of American Bisque pottery.
14. Vintage Hand-Painted Cookie Jar Collection
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While mechanization and mass production reduced the cost of ceramic items, hand-made cookie jars hold significant value among collectors. This set of three hand-painted jars, despite some flaws, is highly sought after.
- Brand: Coors
- Year: 1930s
- Value: $320
Featuring a barrel-shaped design with flower paintings on the sides, this set exemplifies the imperfections that make hand-made pieces valuable. Although some color has flaked off the flower petals and one lid is broken, the combined value of the set compensates for these flaws.
15. Antique Estate Magic Bunny Top Hat Cookie Jar Ceramic
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In the swinging sixties, American Bisque Pottery Co. released a series of unique cookie jars. This jar showcases a top hat as the jar itself, with the lid featuring an alleged bunny, reminiscent of the creatures magicians conjure.
- Brand: American Bisque
- Year: 1959
- Value: $95
This black and white “magic bunny” with rosy cheeks sits inside a yellow top hat. Various color combinations of this design are available, so you have plenty of options when selecting one for your collection. The underside of the jar bears the “USA” stamp.
16. Vintage Animal Design McCoy Cookie Jars
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McCoy ceramics are highly prized, making it challenging to identify the most valuable cookie jars from their extensive range. However, selling authenticated pieces as a set can maximize your profit. This set consists of two dogs and a teddy bear.
- Brand: McCoy
- Year: 1950s
- Value: $225
The bear’s hat forms the lid, while one of the dogs has its head as the lid, and the other dog’s raised tail serves as the lid. Each cookie jar bears the authentic McCoy stamp, ensuring their originality. The jars’ colors and glaze remain intact, preserving their timeless appeal.
17. Vintage Bartlett Collins Cookie Jar Orange Flower Power
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Resembling an amphora pitcher, this cookie jar comes in various colors, including orange, blue, and white. Interestingly, the prices listed for each color may vary, offering you an opportunity to save money if you’re open to different palettes.
- Brand: Bartlett Collins
- Year: 1950s
- Value: $355
The varying prices could be a result of seller preference, so be sure to explore multiple listings to find the best deal. These cookie jars possess a translucent quality, and the artist’s signature is discreetly hidden among the yellow floral embellishments.
Do you own any potentially valuable cookie jars? Share some photos in the comments!
