Now that the holidays are over and I’ve given out all my presents, I can finally share all of my food-related Christmas gift ideas!! You can use my ideas for next year, or for any fun gifts for special occasions throughout the year!
One of my favorite food gifts to give is a gift in a jar. You can pick up glass mason jars for under two dollars at your local craft store (My favorites are AC Moore and Michaels). Then you fill the jar with layers of ingredients and attach an easy recipe that allows the gift recipient to dump all ingredients into a bowl, add a few additional ingredients, like butter or eggs, and then have a easy, and delicious outcome.
Here is one that I did this year for Reindeer Trail Mix Cookies. The first half of my instructions will be for how you mix the ingredients to add into the jar. The second half is for the recipe that you will be able to attach the jar when giving your gift.
PART ONE: YOU MAKE THE JAR & ADD THE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/3 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1/3 cup lightly crushed pretzels
- 1/4 cup raisins
Directions:
- Get a quart sized glass mason jar.
- Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and stir well.
- Pour mixture into the jar and pack down well.
- Add the brown sugar next and then 3/4 cup of the oats. Pack down well after each layer.
- Add the M&M’s, peanuts, pretzels, raisins, and then finally the remaining 3/4 cup of oats.
- Seal the jar.
- Decorate with ribbon and tie a recipe around the jar!
PART TWO: THE RECIPE THAT YOU WILL TYPE UP AND ATTACH TO THE JAR.
Reindeer Trail Mix Cookies
Ingredients:
- This jar of Reindeer Trail Mix Cookie Mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla
- Add in the contents of this jar and beat until well blended and a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into balls and place onto cookie sheets, flattening them slightly
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Enjoy!
Thank you so much! I lost this recipe and it was a staple. You can try swapping out dried cranberries for raisins and chocolate chips (dark, milk, white) for m and m ‘s. It actually makes a great pick me up snack!
Your’e welcome!! Glad to be able to share!! You know…I haven’t made these cookies in a while – I may have to make them again and try swapping things out like you mentioned. The dried cranberries sound delicious. Thanks for the idea!