Cookies in a Jar

You could put already baked cookies in a jar and give them as a gift but this is much more fun! The cookie "mix" will look like a sand painting when you are done. It will have all the dry ingredients and instructions on how to finish the cookies.

You'll need:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• A one quart canning jar with lid
• A scrap of calico fabric
• A rubber band or brand new hair scrunchie

Equipment:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• A plate
• A large spoon
• Transparent or masking tape
• A sheet of clean paper
• Scissors
• Ribbon

1. Start by putting the jar on the plate. This will make cleaning up so much easier.
2. Put the brown sugar into a measuring cup, lightly packing it in.
3. Use the spoon to scoop the brown sugar out of the measuring cup and into the jar. Pack it down slightly.
4. Next make a funnel by rolling the sheet of paper into a funnel shape. Make sure the small end is open about 1 1/2 inches so the sugar and flour will pour through easily. Once you have the shape you want, tape the edge of the paper in place.
5. Measure out the white sugar and use your funnel to pour the sugar into the jar. Give the jar a slight shake so the sugar makes a nice flat layer.
6. Next the chocolate chips go into the jar. Use the spoon to spread them around evenly.
7. Finally, the flour, baking powder and salt are poured in on t op. As you measure each one into the funnel give the jar a little shake so they settle.
8. Screw the lid onto the jar.
9. Wipe up the extra flour before you lay out your fabric.
10. Cut a 10 inch circle out of the fabric.
11. Lay the fabric circle on top of the jar lid.
12. Pull the rubber band or the scrunchie down over the fabric until it catches just under the lid. We used a scrunchy that had bangles on it to give our gift some extra sparkle.
13. Print out the directions and trim the paper down to the size of a gift tag.
14. Punch a hole in the upper left hand corner of the paper.
15. Run the ribbon through the hole and tie the ribbon around the jar just under the lid. You can also slid a sprig of evergreen under the ribbon to make your present festive.

Directions to print on the card:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream 1 cup softened butter

until fluffy.

Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon

vanilla. Add cookie mix.

Drop teaspoonfuls on dough

onto a greased cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool.

Happy Holidays!