Holidays

DIY Holiday Gift Idea: Cookie Mix in a Jar

Posted on December 07, 2012 - 01:30:00 by

My book features a chapter on edible gift mixes. When some people hear about my book, they think that this is the only thing contained within its pages; however, that is not true. On the contrary, there are many other things in jars: Some that you could gift, yes, and others that are just meant for serving - like espresso crème brûlée and frozen peach granita Bellinis, which are great for Christmas desserts or New Year's refreshments, respectively.

One of my favorite cookies is actually comes from one of these mixes: The Monster Cookies. A peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter or almond butter depending on your preferences and allergies) cookie with oats, these babies are a wonderful gift to those in need of some sweet pampering this season. Gift it to your children's teachers, the mailman, the garbage man -- my milkman received a jar -- or to any other person you want to show your appreciation for. Happy gifting!

Monster Cookie Mix

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup candy-coated chocolate candies or chocolate chips

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup chopped pecans

Mix together the granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Pour into a 1-quart mason jar. Top with a layer of half of the oats. Add the candies in a layer, and top with a layer of brown sugar. Top with a layer of the remaining oats and then a layer of pecans. Seal with the lid, decorate the jar, and attach a label with these instructions for the recipient:

Monster Cookies:

3/4 cup smooth or chunky peanut butter (not natural)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs lightly beaten

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and eggs in a bowl. Add the contents from the jar. Form the dough into 2-inch balls and set on a lined cookie sheet 2" apart. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the tops of the cookies begin to brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Printable gift tags can be downloaded from the Desserts in Jars website.