Christmas and Winter Cookies in a Jar

Finances are tight this year, so my wife and I wanted to choose a simple, inexpensive winter craft that will be perfect for gift giving, and that she can help with. This perfect gift can be done with little to no expertise, and by anyone old enough to measure ingredients.

I have made these in the past a number of times, and they are always different, and always very special. This winter and Christmas craft will be perfect to give to a large family, because you can make several with one 'batch' of ingredients.

The first step in any good winter or Christmas craft is to gather your ingredients. Go to your local craft store, and buy a box of 1 quart mason / canning jars. Buy a few fabric ends, and cut them into ribbon, or even easier, buy ribbon for around the jar. Find some festive winter or Christmas cardstock or scrapbook paper for your tags and recipes. A hot glue gun will finish the decorating, and then on to the good stuff.

Layering is very important in this craft, because you want each layer to be something special and visually interesting. Yes, it will just be used to make cookies, but you want it to look like the perfect winter or Christmas craft.

2 1/2 sifted cups of all-purpose flour (Do NOT pack the flour into the measuring cup).
1/2 cup chocolate chips.
1/2 cup Andes candy (chopped into chunks)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup M&Ms
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup white sugar

Mix the flour and the chocolate chips, and tightly pack them into the jar.

Chop the Andes candy and mix it with 1/2 teaspoon of the baking soda. Pack them the jar without smashing the candy. Having these refrigerated will help them keep their shape.

Mix the M&Ms with the salt, and place those in the jar next. Do not pack these, as you do not want to break the candy coating.

Measure 3/4 cups of TIGHTLY PACKED brown sugar, and pack that into the jar.

Combine the sugar and peanut butter chips, and pack those into the jar last.

Print or write the instructions onto your tags with a Christmas or winter greeting to your friends or family.

3/4 cup butter flavored Crisco at room temperature
2 tablespoons of milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Use an oven thermometer to make sure it is heating to the correct temp.

Place the dry ingredients into your mixing bowl and use your hands combine well. Combine the crisco to the dry ingredients with your hands.

Beat the egg, milk, and vanilla and add it to the batter. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 10 - 14 minutes until the edges have browned.