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Jar Cookies For Christmas

Jar Cookies For Christmas

If you're like me, cookies aren't just a treat—they're a canvas for celebration. These jar cookies can turn a simple gift into a cherished memory. You'll prepare the layers, seal them in a jar, and then your lucky recipient simply adds a few fresh ingredients and pops these ready-to-bake delights into the oven. Talk about a holiday win! And the best part? They look downright festive, making them perfect for sharing or decorating your home.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Let's gather our ingredients for these holiday delights! We’ll focus on two variations: the Christmas M&M Cookies and the Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. I've made minor modifications for a unique twist.

Christmas M&M Cookies in a Jar

  • - 1 and 3/4 cups 219g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 3/4 cup 150g packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • - 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
  • - 1/2 cup 90g semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • - 1/2 cup 100g mini M&Ms
  • - 1/4 cup 30g chopped nuts (your choice like walnuts or pecans) (gift recipient will add)

- Gift recipient will also add:

  • - 10 tablespoons 145g softened unsalted butter
  • - 1 large egg
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in a Jar
  • - 1 and 1/2 cups 188g all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/4 cup 21g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • - 3/4 cup 150g packed light brown sugar
  • - 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
  • - 1/2 cup 90g semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • - 1/2 cup 90g crushed peppermint candies

- Gift recipient will add:

  • - 10 tablespoons 145g softened unsalted butter
  • - 1 large egg
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  • Start by taking a large bowl and whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder (for the chocolate version). If using baking powder instead, mix it well. This step is crucial as it ensures that there are no lumps in your mixture.

Step 2: Layering the Ingredients

  • This is where the magic happens! Now, grab your clean, 32-ounce mason jars. Carefully start layering your dry ingredients in a thoughtful order:
  • - First, add the flour mix.
  • - Next, sprinkle in the baking powder or baking soda if you haven't already.
  • - Follow with the granulated sugar, then the brown sugar. Next, choose a layer of chocolate chips followed by either the crushed peppermint or M&Ms.
  • - You might want to use a funnel for the perfect layers. Alternatively, just use the back of a spoon to help maintain distinct layers.

Step 3: Seal and Decorate

  • Once you’ve filled your jars, tightly seal the lids. Feel free to tie a pretty ribbon around the neck of the jar or attach a gift tag with the baking instructions. You could even add a little holiday charm for an extra festive touch!

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

  • When it's time to bake, your gift recipient will unpack the jar. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract and beat until creamy. They won’t need to worry if the egg integrates perfectly right away—the next step will make everything come together!
  • Now, add the dry ingredients from the jar into the bowl gradually, mixing on low speed. It doesn’t require chilling time, which saves on wait time. Once the dough is combined, drop rounded tablespoons onto lined baking sheets, spacing the cookies about three inches apart.

Step 5: Bake Away!

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and pop those trays in! Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges have set but the centers are still soft. This will yield around two dozen cookies, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, I won’t judge!).
  • Let them cool on wire racks, and enjoy! Remember, these cookies can last up to a week in an airtight container, making them a fantastic holiday staple.

Notes

- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps your cookies mix more uniformly.
- Personal Touch: Encourage your recipients to add a dash of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive kick!
- Storage: For freshness, keep cookies in a sealed container with a slice of bread (it helps keep them soft).
- Experiment: Mix up the candies or nuts used depending on what you have or what you like!
- Tag Inspiration: Use beautiful wrappers or tags with baking instructions—don’t skimp on presentation!
Keyword: Jar Cookies For Christmas