DIY Christmas Gift – Cookie Mix in a Jar

In my opinion, homemade gifts are wonderful. Of course, I will not refuse a store bought gift either, but knowing that the giver took the time to create something especially for you – well, that makes it extra special.

Ever since I discovered Pinterest, my dreams of being a Martha Stewart-esque, DIY Queen are becoming a reality. Okay, perhaps I am exaggerating just a tad, but truly, there are some very talented and creative people out there and I find so much inspiration on Pinterest. Finding the time to put those plans into action is another story entirely, however.

But this time, I did it: cookie mix in a mason jar as a gift idea. Genius, right? Here’s the original post (found on Pinterest) with detailed instructions, gorgeous photos, and a PDF file so that you can create your own gift labels or tags if you have the right size scallop punch ~ or I suppose you could just cut it with a scissors. I made my own tags using Photoshop since I am using a different theme and also wanted to customize it.

Bakerella, the original poster, calls them “Cowgirl Cookies” but since I was going for a Christmas theme (with the red and green M&M’s), I simply called them Christmas Cookies. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough brain power to think of a cuter name for these awesomely delicious cookies so that will have to do. Here’s the recipe from Bakerella:

1-1/3 cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Stir all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add

1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Use the back of a large spoon to work it all together. You may even need to use your hands to get everything incorporated. Roll into 1-1/2″ balls on a parchment covered cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. (NOTE: I didn’t have parchment paper, so I just rolled them out onto greased cookie sheets.)

The result is deliciousness!

Our playgroup had a “HOME for the Holidays” themed party today. So my HOMEmade gifts fit right in!

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