Holiday DIY – Cookie Jar Gift Giving

In these roller-coaster economic times, we find that people are always looking for ways to give thoughtful, creative gifts without spending a fortune. We love to give sweets-related gifts. They are fun projects and the end result always brings a smile.

One of our favorites is the Do-It-Yourself Cookie Jar. All you have to do is layer the dry ingredients in the jar (we suggest an order below), and cover with decorative paper and a ribbon. Tie on the additional ingredient list and instructions on a handmade card and you’re done!

Get creative with the jars you use as they can double as a cookie jar for the finished product when your recipient pulls their fresh baked, homemade cookies out of the oven.

You will need:

A 24 oz. glass jar (we prefer clear so you can see the ingredients layered inside)

Cookie ingredients -

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 (12 oz.) bag semi sweet chocolate chips*

Instructions to prepare cookies (see below)

Gift wrap, ribbon, colored paper, etc. for decorating

Step 1:

Blend flour, baking soda, and salt with a whisk. Place this blended “dry” layer in the bottom of your gift jar. Make sure it is relatively level in the jar before adding next layer.

Step 2:

Measure your brown sugar and place that in the jar on top of the flour layer.

Step 3:

Pour the granulated sugar on top of your brown sugar layer.

Step 4:

Top with chocolate chips (or whatever inclusions you’d like). Seal the jar tightly and decorate with gift wrap and instructions provided below.

To make the cookies, you will also need:

1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray non-stick release spray and set aside.

Step 2

Place the butter egg and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, and blend. Pour in the contents of the jar and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.  Use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold in any additional inclusions (see Sass it Up! below).

Step 3

Use a teaspoon or a small ice cream scooper to extract a mound of dough in the shape of a ball.  Place the balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove when cookies are slightly browned on the edges. Soft centers are quite delightful. Move to a cooling rack. Eat as soon as you can stand the temperature.

SASS IT UP!

Why stop at chocolate chips?  We suggest trying different variations according to your preference for a unique cookie concoction.

Chips: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter.

Fruit:  Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots or raisins.

Other: Caramel bits, Heath bar bits