Monster Christmas Cookie Mix

 I know everyone has seen these before - as a matter of fact yesterday at Walmart I saw them in the Christmas gift aisle. Yep, already in a small jar for only $5! I'm sure you'd save more money just buying them (maybe not) already made but I know homemade always taste better! I searched for a good recipe for cookie mixes and I finally found one I liked and here it is. As always add or take out what you need.

Start with a 1 quart smooth Ball jar. I found these at Hobby Lobby craft store.

Layer the ingredients in like this:

flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt (mixed)

chocolate chips

oats

brown sugar

white sugar

m&ms

chopped pecans

Pack your flour mix down as tight as you can, I used a thick wooden spoon. Otherwise it won't fit and it keeps everything tight - it helps keep m&m's and chips from blending into other stuff. Try different layers for different looks. I will be making two more and I will change them up.The ingredients should be flush to the top of the lid when you seal it up.

To decorate the top of the jars, I used Christmas colored stock paper (cut to fit top) and ribbon.

I will add the mixing and baking directions below on a tag before giving them away.

Recipe:
1 1/3 cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Stir all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Add

1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Use the back of a large spoon to work it all together. You may even need to use your hands to get everything incorporated.

Then roll the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, place on a parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. I got about 24 cookies.

Enjoy!