With the holiday season approaching, the struggle of getting the perfect gift for someone becomes a harder and harder battle. As we become older, it becomes difficult to shop for other people because personal tastes and preferences become more apparent and specific. Gift cards are okay, but many people prefer to give more personalized gifts as well. In a world where shopping is pretty much impossible, how do you show your loved ones you care without getting them something they may not like? Fortunately, given you have a crafty side, you can create an adorable gift that anyone would like to receive, and eat as well.

Sue Chandler, a special education teacher at Rock Island School District, says, “I was the lucky recipient of this mix as a Christmas gift from a friend last year. They were super easy to make and truly delicious! Just the thing for a January snow day. This holiday season, I decided to use this idea for a learning opportunity with my early childhood special education students. Each student will work on language and measuring skills while making the cookie jar gift.”

“I love handmade, homemade gifts,” adds Dolly Beaird, another special education teacher at Rock Island School District. “The person has put a lot of thought and time into the gift as opposed to store-bought.”

Here is the recipe for ready-to-make chocolate chip cookie ingredients in a jar. It’s perfectly cute and giveable!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Gift in a Jar

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾  teaspoon baking soda
• ¾  teaspoon salt
• ½  cup granulated sugar
• ¾  cup packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups (9 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 quart size mason jar

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Place mixture in 1-quart jar. To get your mix to look “pretty,” use the back of a spoon to pack the flour mixture down around the outside of the jar. Add the brown sugar next using the same method to pack it down into the jar. Top with granulated sugar and chocolate chips. Decorate the lid with material and ribbon. Write down baking instructions on a piece of cardstock, punch a hole through it, and attach to the ribbon.

Baking Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375. Beat ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) of softened butter, 1 large egg, and ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a large mixer bowl until blended. Add cookie mix; mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.