COOKIES IN A JAR

Reprinted with permission from the book A Baker's Field Guide to Christmas Cookies by Dede Wilson and published by Harvard Common Press. Available in bookstores and on-line.

Note: the first part of this recipe is for making a gift jar with just the dry ingredients which you can give as a present. The next part contains the actual directions for making the cookies which you should place on a card and attach with the gift.

(30 cookies)

For this recipe you will need:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup candy coated chocolates, such as M&M's
• 1 decorative jar with lid

Directions for making the gift jar with just the dry ingredients:

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Make sure the jar is clean, sterile and dry. Pour the flour mixture into the jar and pack down firmly into an even layer. Pour the brown sugar into the jar and tamp down to form an even layer. Follow with an even layer of the sugar, then the cocoa powder. You may need to wipe the sides of the jar down after the cocoa as some of it may cling. Add a layer of nuts, then a layer of the chocolate chips, then the candies and tap them down. Screw the top on the jar and seal tightly. Add a decorative note card and any decorations you wish to the outside of the jar.

Directions for making the cookies:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. Melt 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter on stove or in large bowl in microwave; allow to cool. Whisk in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add contents of jar and stir until well combined; you might need to use your hands. Drop by generously rounded tablespoon 2-inches apart on prepared pans and press to flatten. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the tops are cracked and dry; they will be soft on top and in the middle. Cookies will firm up upon cooling. Slide parchment onto racks to cool cookies completely. (Cookies may be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week).

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