Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookie Ball Jar Mix

For several years now (at least since my husband got me a stand mixer for Christmas), my kids and I have spent time around the holidays making many different kinds of cookies to give to friends, family, and teachers as gifts.  This year, we have decided on a variation of this idea and are giving these beautiful quart ball jars filled with a layered mix for the recipients to make nearly four dozen cookies.  My kids and I have enjoyed the time that we have spent making these gifts, and they have shouted out names that they have assigned to each one as we build them, assembly-line style.  Many of the jars that we have made are going to their teachers, who certainly deserve a treat!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, cranberries, walnuts, oats and remaining chips. Cover and store in a cool dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).
2. TO PREPARE COOKIES: Preheat oven to 350 degrees In a large bowl, beat butter, egg and vanilla until blended. Add cookie mix and mix well.
3. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

Feel free to print this tag to use with your cookies!

Difficulty: Easy - my kids helped with most of the prep

Time: Depends on how many jars you are making at a time.  I would estimate less than 10 minutes each.  To make the cookies will take another 20-30 minutes.

Source: www.tasteofhome.com (template for the gift tag is from www.squawkfox.com)