Gifts in a Jar

Gifts in a Jar – 2 Gifts in 1

I love giving homemade gifts for the holidays, whether it is a crafty creation I made in my craft room, something from the kitchen, such as a jar of Chokecherry Jelly that Russell made, or a cookie mix in a jar that I have put together.  Gifts in a Jar are a great holiday gift because they are really 2 gifts in one.  The recipient gets the first gift when you give it to them, and then, they receive the second gift when they make their delicious confection and think of you and your kindness a second time.

Today, I thought I’d share 4 fabulous recipes for Gifts in a Jar that you can use for gift-giving this holiday season.  You can dress up the mason jars with some cute fabric, ribbon, and a gift tag that has all the necessary directions.

Hot Cocoa Mix – Gifts in a Jar

Ingredients for the Jar:

4 cups Powder Sugar

2 cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

4 cups Powdered Milk

In a large bowl, sift all the ingredients to remove any lumps.

Pour into jars.

Gift Jar Directions:

To make cocoa, mix ½ cup cocoa mix with ½ cup boiling water.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies – Gifts in a Jar

Ingredients for the Jar:

Layer ingredients in order in a 1 quart wide-mouth canning jar.  Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. 

½ cup Tang, instant breakfast drink

¾ cup sugar

1 ½ cup vanilla chips

1 ¾ cup flour

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

Gift Jar Directions:

1. Empty jar of mix into a large mixing bowl.  Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mix.
2. Add 1 stick softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla
3. Mix until completely blended
4. Shape into balls the size of walnuts.  Place 2” apart on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes, until cookies are lightly brown. 
6. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring from baking sheet to a wire rack.

Wyoming Cowboy Cookies – Gifts in a Jar

Ingredients for the Jar:

1 1/3 cups quick oats

½ cups firmly packed light brown sugar

½ cup sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

1 cup chocolate chips

1 1/3  cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

Layer ingredients in order in a 1 quart wide-mouth canning jar.  Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. 

Gift Jar Directions:

1.  Empty jar of mix into a large mixing bowl.  Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mix.
2. Add 1 stick softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla
3. Mix until completely blended
4. Shape into balls the size of walnuts.  Place 2” apart on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 – 13 minutes, until edges are lightly brown. 
6. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring from baking sheet to a wire rack.

Trail Mix Cookies – Gifts in a Jar

Ingredients for the Jar: 

½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

½ cup sugar

¾ cup wheat germ

1/3 cup quick oats

1 cup raisins

1/3 cup firmly packed flaked coconut

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup chocolate chips

¾ cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

Layer ingredients in order in a 1 quart wide-mouth canning jar.  Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. 

Gift Jar Directions:

1.  Empty jar of mix into a large mixing bowl.  Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mix.
2. Add 1 stick softened butter, 1 egg slightly beaten and 1 tsp. vanilla
3. Mix until completely blended
4. Shape into balls the size of walnuts.  Place 2” apart on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 – 14 minutes, until edges are lightly brown. 
6. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring from baking sheet to a wire rack.

These fabulous Gifts in a Jar make for great gifts any time of year, and they are so simple to make.  Get the kids involved.  Let them help make a jar or two and be sure to let them make a batch.  They’ll love it.

Here’s to making these fun gifts in a jar for the holidays and RESETTING your life!

Roberta

Organization isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money, and improving your overall quality of life.”

– CHRISTINA SCALISE

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