Are you looking for a unique and delicious gift idea? Or perhaps a fun and easy baking project for a cozy night in? Look no further! This recipe for chocolate chip cookies baked in a mason jar is not only incredibly tasty, but also incredibly fun to make and present. It's the perfect blend of homemade goodness and thoughtful presentation, ideal for holiday gifts, teacher appreciation, or simply indulging yourself! Get ready to impress with this simple yet elegant twist on a classic.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough cookie dough for one standard-sized mason jar (approx. 16 oz). You can easily multiply the recipe to fill several jars.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, adds texture!)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate - your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Mason Jar
Thoroughly clean and dry a 16-ounce mason jar. This ensures your cookie dough stays fresh and prevents any unwanted flavors from transferring.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon for this – it's entirely up to you!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the vanilla extract. A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and rolled oats (if using).
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in the chocolate chips. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Step 7: Layer the Dough
Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared mason jar, packing it down gently.
Step 8: Bake & Enjoy!
To bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cookie dough from the jar, place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure proper mixing and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to personalize your cookies.
- Gift-Giving Presentation: Tie a ribbon around the jar and add a personalized tag for a thoughtful and memorable gift.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Oatmeal Raisin: Replace chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of raisins.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Use white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This easy recipe for chocolate chip cookies in a mason jar is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the deliciousness and the fun of creating these delightful treats! They are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them, making them a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Homemade cooking has never been so rewarding and enjoyable!