13 Vintage Cookie Jars That Can Be Surprisingly Valuable

A vintage cookie jar can turn into a prized find when its design and condition still shine after many years. Collectors appreciate jars with unique themes, original lids, and bright colors that have held up well through time. A maker stamp on the bottom can give a jar extra credibility. Any jar that keeps its glazing smooth and free from chips often gains stronger attention. If you hope to bring home your own special piece, take a moment to seek out jars that show these key qualities.

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Hull Pottery Little Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar

One of the most famous vintage cookie jars is the Little Red Riding Hood piece produced by Hull Pottery with decoration by Regal China in the mid 1940s through the 1950s. This jar features a detailed Red Riding Hood figure holding a basket, with bright red, yellow, and blue paint that still catches the eye when the colors are in good condition. Collectors like examples with strong color, crisp facial details, and clear markings on the base. The combination of a fairy tale theme and a well known pottery company gives it extra appeal. Clean jars with no chips or cracks and original lids tend to stand out among other pieces.

On the current market, this cookie jar often sells in the range of about $300 to $800 depending on condition and decoration style. Jars with rare decal variations or factory applied cold paint accents can bring even higher prices when everything is intact. Buyers pay close attention to repairs, glaze lines, and any touch ups that might reduce value. Original labels or boxes, when present, can further strengthen interest from serious collectors. Anyone who finds one of these jars in an attic or at a local sale should look it over carefully before letting it go cheaply.

McCoy Pottery Mammy Cookie Jar

Another notable jar is the Mammy cookie jar produced by McCoy Pottery in the late 1940s. This jar depicts an apron clad figure holding a cookie jar or cookbook and is usually finished with glossy glaze and simple painted details. While the imagery reflects outdated and offensive stereotypes, it remains a documented part of American kitchenware history. Collectors who focus on McCoy pieces often track glaze variations and stamp styles to identify production periods. Clear McCoy marks and strong original colors remain important when judging condition.

In todays market, a McCoy Mammy cookie jar in clean shape can bring around $250 to $600, with rare variations sometimes going higher. Value can drop if there are chips on the base or lid, or if the paint has heavy wear on the face and apron. Some collectors focus on finding one good example rather than building a group because prices have climbed over the years. Proper documentation of authenticity can help because reproductions and later copies exist. Anyone handling one of these jars should store it carefully and consider both the historical context and the current market before selling.

Shawnee Smiley Pig Cookie Jar

A playful favorite among collectors is the Smiley Pig cookie jar produced by Shawnee Pottery in the 1940s. This jar usually shows a happy pig wearing overalls or a jacket, sometimes holding a sign or accessory on the front. There are numerous paint variations, including different color combinations for clothing, scarves, and accents. Collectors like to compare these variations and often build sets that show the full range of decoration styles. Examples with bright original paint and clear Shawnee marks tend to gain more attention.

When it comes to price, Smiley Pig jars often fall in the range of about $150 to $450 depending on rarity and condition. Versions with cold paint that has survived with minimal flaking can sit at the higher end of that range. Chips on the ears, snout, or lid can reduce value, so careful inspection around those areas is important. Boxes, tags, or paperwork add charm and can help prove that a piece is an old original rather than a recent copy. Collectors who enjoy cheerful kitchen decor usually keep an eye out for this character at shows and online auctions.

Shawnee Puss n Boots Cookie Jar

For those who like storybook themes, the Puss n Boots cookie jar from Shawnee Pottery in the early 1950s holds strong appeal. This jar features a cat dressed in boots and clothing, with a whimsical pose that looks lively on a counter or shelf. The glazing often includes soft pastel colors along with sharper accents on the boots and hat. Puss n Boots jars often carry clear marks that help confirm they are genuine Shawnee pieces from the period. Collectors usually admire the character design and the careful shaping of the hat, face, and paws.

On the market today, many Puss n Boots jars sell somewhere between $200 and $500, with rare colors bringing more interest. Condition plays a big role, especially around the brim of the hat and the edges of the lid where chips can form. Jars that show only light crazing and no major faults tend to move quickly when offered for sale. Some collectors place this jar as a centerpiece in a display that includes other Shawnee animals from the same era. Anyone who finds one tucked away in storage may have a pleasant surprise when checking recent sale prices.

Metlox Poppytrail Cookie Jug

Fans of California pottery often point to the Poppytrail Cookie Jug made by Metlox in the 1950s as a standout piece. This jar takes the form of a stoneware style jug with the word cookie or cookies on the front, finished in warm glazes. The simple country look fits nicely with vintage farmhouse decorating styles. Metlox usually marked the base with a stamp or impressed name, which helps identify authentic jars. Collectors like the combination of useful shape and clear period style.

In the current market, the Metlox Cookie Jug often sells for around $150 to $400 depending on glaze color and overall condition. Crazing is common on older stoneware glazes, so light fine lines are usually accepted if there are no major cracks. A smooth, tight fitting lid with an intact handle can raise interest among careful buyers. Some glaze colors appear less often and can command prices toward the higher end of the range. A clean, original example can work as both a display piece and a practical jar in a vintage themed kitchen.

Holt Howard Winking Santa Cookie Jar

Holiday collectors frequently mention the Winking Santa cookie jar made by Holt Howard in the early 1960s. This jar shows a bright red suited Santa face or full figure with one eye closed in a playful wink. The design is packed with charm, from rosy cheeks to a fluffy looking beard and hat trim. Holt Howard pieces are known for mid century holiday style with cute facial expressions and clever details. Clear markings and strong color on the red hat and coat help confirm a genuine vintage jar.

On resale markets, the Winking Santa cookie jar can reach values of about $200 to $450 for clean examples. Chips on the hat tip, mustache, or lid rim can lower interest, especially if the missing glaze is obvious from a distance. Original paint on the eyes and facial features matters because repainted details can scare away serious collectors. Holiday themed collectors often bring these jars out for display each December, which sometimes leads to minor wear if handling is not careful. Anyone lucky enough to find one in near mint condition should store it safely when the season ends.

Twin Winton Grandma Cookie Jar

Another eye catching vintage jar is the Grandma cookie jar produced by Twin Winton in the 1960s. This piece usually shows a bespectacled grandmother figure dressed in a long dress and apron. The style is warm and homey, with fine lines used to suggest hair texture, glasses, and clothing folds. Twin Winton pottery often features rich glazes that hold up well across decades if stored properly. Collectors look for clear marks and good color when judging these jars.

In terms of value, a Twin Winton Grandma jar often brings around $150 to $350 in todays market. Jars without chips on the glasses, nose, or hands tend to stay toward the higher side. Light signs of age like faint crazing usually do not bother buyers much, as long as the piece still presents well. Reproduction versions are less common here than with some other brands, but serious collectors still check details carefully. A Grandma jar placed on a shelf full of cookbooks and enamelware can create a very inviting vintage kitchen display.

Brush Pottery Chef Cookie Jar

A classic kitchen-themed piece is the Chef cookie jar produced by Brush Pottery in the 1940s. This jar shows a chef figure wearing a tall hat, coat, and scarf, often with simple painted details on the face and buttons. Glazes range from plain white to soft colors, and the design works nicely in retro styled kitchens. Brush markings can be stamped or impressed and help confirm that a piece dates to the mid century period. Collectors like how this jar combines a charming character with a clear nod to home cooking.

On the market today, a Brush Chef cookie jar in appealing condition can bring around $150 to $350. The hat and lid area should be checked carefully because those spots are prone to chips and hairline cracks. Glaze wear on the nose, cheeks, and edges of the coat can reduce value if the clay shows through. Many buyers accept fine crazing as part of age, as long as the piece still looks clean overall. A Chef jar displayed near vintage utensils or enamel pots can instantly give a kitchen shelf a nostalgic feel.

McCoy Train Cookie Jar

Transportation themed collectors often enjoy the Train cookie jar produced by McCoy Pottery in the 1950s. This jar usually looks like a small train engine with raised details on the wheels, smokestack, and cab. Colors vary, with some examples in strong primary hues and others in more muted tones. The design lets the jar double as a fun object for children and an interesting collectible for adults. McCoy marks on the base and certain handle shapes help identify original factory pieces.

In terms of value, McCoy Train cookie jars often sell for around $175 to $400 based on color, condition, and rarity. Chips on the smokestack, wheels, or lid edges tend to lower collector interest. Some colors appear less often and can push prices upward when a nice example shows up for sale. Collectors who like travel or railroad themes sometimes build small displays around one of these jars. If a train jar turns up at a yard sale or flea market, it can be worth taking a closer look before passing it by.

Metlox Humpty Dumpty Cookie Jar

Storybook collectors keep an eye out for the Humpty Dumpty cookie jar produced by Metlox in the 1960s. This jar presents the familiar nursery rhyme character sitting on a wall, often with bright clothing and a rounded body shape that doubles as the container. The facial expression tends to be cheerful and friendly, which suits a family kitchen. Metlox jars usually carry legible marks on the base that help verify age and origin. Collectors often remark on the fun sculpting of the wall and feet.

Market values for Metlox Humpty Dumpty jars often fall between $150 and $350 in good condition. Original paint on the face, shoes, and clothing plays a big role in determining where a jar lands in that range. Chips on the nose or along the top of the wall can lower value, especially if the damage is easy to see. Because the shape has a high profile, careful storage and gentle handling are important to keep it safe. A clean Humpty Dumpty jar can become a charming focal point among other nursery or story themed pieces.

Treasure Craft Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar

Fans of classic characters may appreciate the Mickey Mouse cookie jar produced by Treasure Craft in the 1960s under license from Walt Disney Productions. This jar often shows Mickey standing or sitting, featuring molded details and bright painted clothing. The piece taps into both Disney fandom and mid century kitchen style. Treasure Craft usually marked their jars, and the presence of an old Disney mark adds to confidence that the jar is vintage. Collectors like the way this piece connects toys, cartoons, and kitchenware.

When sold today, Treasure Craft Mickey Mouse cookie jars often bring around $200 to $500 depending on condition and specific design. Any repainting of facial features or clothing can hurt value because serious collectors prefer original finishes. Small nicks on the ears or gloves are common, so jars with minimal damage can stand out. Licensing information on the base or side helps reassure buyers that the piece is authentic rather than a modern knockoff. A well kept Mickey jar can appeal both to cookie jar collectors and Disney fans, widening the pool of interested buyers.

Anchor Hocking Fire King Jadeite Cookie Jar

Kitchenware fans who collect jadeite glass often look for the Fire King cookie jar made by Anchor Hocking in the 1940s. This jar is usually a simple, rounded shape with a matching lid, rendered in soft green jadeite glass. The clean design and solid color let it work nicely with other jadeite mixing bowls and dishes. Fire King marks on the base help confirm authenticity, since modern reproductions have appeared over the years. Collectors enjoy lining these jars up on open shelves where the color makes a strong statement.

Values for Fire King jadeite cookie jars often range from about $250 to $600, with particularly clean jars going higher. Chips, heavy scratches, or cloudiness can push prices down toward the lower end. Jars that still have original labels or sit within a larger matched set can bring extra interest from serious jadeite collectors. Buyers tend to pay attention to the way the lid fits, because a tight, correct lid matters more than many people expect. Anyone who comes across one in a family kitchen might want to research it before using it for everyday storage.

Napco Miss Cutie Pie Cookie Jar

Collectors of cute mid century designs often mention the Miss Cutie Pie cookie jar produced by Napco in the 1950s. This jar features a round cheeked girl with large eyes, a bonnet, and a ruffled outfit, all finished with detailed paint. The playful design and bright color palette make it stand out among more traditional jars. Napco marks and sticker remnants can still be seen on some examples, helping confirm authenticity. Collectors often use this jar as a centerpiece item in a display of figural ceramics from the same era.

In todays market, Miss Cutie Pie cookie jars frequently sell for about $250 to $550 when in appealing condition. Paint on the face, bonnet, and bows matters a great deal, because worn features can make the piece look tired. Chips on the bonnet and lid edge are common, so jars without these problems can climb toward the top of the value range. Some collectors seek out different size versions and display them together for a charming effect. A well preserved Miss Cutie Pie can feel like a small work of art on a kitchen shelf and a solid addition to a vintage cookie jar collection.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.