Can you believe we’re already closing in on Christmas and 2012 isn’t far off. Hope you have most of that Christmas shopping wrapped up. I’ve always been one for the more crafty gifts rather than buying everything. Part because I have been living on the college student budget and part because it’s just more fun. As a kid I remember getting the “in a jar” gifts of cookies, brownies, and cakes, so when I ran across the Cowboy Cookie recipe in my twitter stream I knew it would make a great gift this year. (Yeah it’s a spoiler, but most of the recipients don’t read this anyway, and if so… SURPRISE!)

This makes an easy gift to travel with and makes a great gift for co-workers, friends, or dirty santa parties. I made a trial batch for myself. So they’re tried and true!

Cowboy Cookies In A Jar

Preparation:

In a wide-mouth quart jar, pack the ingredients in the following order:

1 1/3 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Be sure to pack EACH layer well. I used a tenderizing mallet that fit in the jar well. The amount of oats, nuts, or chocolate can be fudged a little to help things fit in the jar if you are having trouble.

Baking Instructions for Recipients:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in the entire contents of the jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.
  3. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven. Transfer from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Be sure to include these instructions with the gift.

These jars are usually personalized with ribbons or tags when used as a gift. I used gift wrapping tissue from the Christmas section at Walmart. Just cut small squares that fit between the lid and ring on the jar. Then if you have some clean rope string you can tie the recipe card around the neck of the jar.

Looking for a cookie recipe for cooking at home? I posted one on my other blog recently that really hits the spot.

Have you received “Recipe in a Jar” gifts before? What are your favorites? Any suggestions to tweak this gift idea?

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Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.