13 Valuable Cookie Jars That Collectors Search For
You might not give a second thought to that vintage cookie jar that sits in the corner of your kitchen, but we’d advise taking another look. In addition to holding fresh cookies, these jars could be a valuable collector’s item in the realm of retro kitchenware. Not only are they a functional piece of storage, but they’re often intricately made and reflect some serious attention to detail.
Let’s take a look at some quirky antique cookie jars that are surprisingly valuable.
1. Don Rickles Golden Saloon Cookie Jar
Talk about a unique way to store your cookies. Crafted by Jim Bailey, this jar depicts an ornate slot machine that would be right at home in Vegas. It sold for an impressive $800 at auction in 2022; if you have any Bailey Pottery at home, it could be worth a closer look.
2. Yardbird Racoon Cookie Jar
This striking cookie jar was crafted by Jerry Yarborough “Yardbird,” a renowned southern folk potter. The jar stands at 10 inches tall and features an incredibly detailed raccoon. In 2024, it sold for an astonishing $850 at auction; if you own any Yardbird pieces, you may be able to sell them for a similar price depending on their condition.
3. RRP Co. The Cow Jumped Over the Moon Cookie Jar
This adorable cookie jar is a 1950s collectible from RRP Co., a pottery company that was founded in Roseville, Ohio. Featuring a smiling moon, a cat and a fiddle, a dish and a spoon, and a lid that depicts a cow jumping over the moon, this cookie jar is an impressive representation of the “Hey Diddle Diddle” nursery rhyme. The collectible can fetch upwards of $200 on sites like Etsy.
4. Peter Max Ceramic Cookie Jar
More abstract art than cookie jar, this piece of work titled “Zero” is by the artist Peter Max. It sold for $650 at auction — an expensive way to store your Oreos!
5. Brayton Laguna Pottery Coachman Cookie Jar
This rare ceramic cookie jar was made by Brayton Laguna Pottery at the time of the movie “Pinocchio”‘s release. It depicts the Coachman, a sinister character who turns young boys into donkeys. Due to a short production run, this cookie jar is exceedingly valuable; a version with a red cloak recently sold for $3,500, while one with a green coat sold for $1,800.
6. American Bisque Baby Huey Cookie Jar
This plump duckling was a popular cartoon star in the ’50s, and appeared on plenty of merchandise — including a now-pricey American Bisque cookie jar. This cookie jar sold for $1,200, which makes me wonder if crumbly cookies should be the last thing stored in there.
7. Holt Howard Pixie Elf Cookie Jar
Fans of Holt Howard’s Pixieware collection, take note: This quirky, mid-century modern cookie jar is a real find for anyone who already has Pixieware’s salad dressing jars, cherry jars, and other items from the collection. Prices for this jar hover around $300 on eBay.
8. Shawnee Cottage Cookie Jar
Shawnee Pottery, an American pottery company that operated from 1937 to 1961, is known for its charming pieces of work. Glazed inside and out, some Shawnee jars — like this Shawnee cottage cookie jar — can command prices in the high hundreds.
9. Lefton Baker Boy Cookie Jar
Who wouldn’t want to store their cookies in this plump cookie jar? Made in the 1950s, the ceramic and porcelain jar is an antique collector’s dream, especially if you collect vintage kitchenware. Some are currently listed for roughly $380.
10. Glenn Appleman Vintage Car Cookie Jar
There are a few versions of this auto-themed cookie jar, from a Ford Fairlane to a Buick to a Packard convertible. If you make it a mission to collect them all, it’ll cost you: Some of these car jars sell for around $600.
11. McCoy Astronaut Cookie Jar
McCoy Pottery has made cookie jars since the 1930s, with popular pieces like Raggedy Ann and the limited-edition Hillbilly Bear. Works sold in excellent condition, like this Astronaut cookie jar, can fetch over $1,000. Is it a bit creepy? Sure, but it’s still a cool way to store your cookies.
12. Regal China Alice in Wonderland Cookie Jar
The Regal China company was founded sometime around 1930 in Chicago, and specialized in salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, and other ceramic oddities. This jar, named “Frightened Alice,” is a rare Regal China piece, and sold for $1,000 in 2015.
13. Metlox Little Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar
If you have a Metlox cookie jar stashed away somewhere, consider yourself lucky. The company produced dinnerware between 1927 and 1989, and its cookie jars are now worth at least a couple hundred dollars. This charming Little Red Riding Hood variation is listed for $500.