How many sweets can one person possibly eat during the month of December? Personally, I don’t want to find out the answer to this one.
I used to spend hours baking for clients, friends, neighbors, and family. Having now received many treats from others, I can honestly say that most of them end up growing stale and eventually getting dumped into the trash. Even with my family of four, there are limits and in December, we reach them.
Several years ago, after spending a cold Sunday covered in flour, I decided to stop seasonal baking. Instead, I started giving treats that people could have when they wanted them—say January, when sugar cravings kick in and there’s nothing left to eat. The solution: mason jar cookies. The jars last a long time, can be made easily by the recipient with a handful of kitchen staples, and according to those who receive them, are the best oatmeal raisin cookies they have ever tasted. They also are easy enough for kids to make, so it is a great gift for teachers.
The recipe is here—I found it years ago and I don’t change a thing, so I can’t take any credit for the deliciousness of the cookies. After 10 years of doing this, though, I can offer some ideas to keep your kitchen clean should you decide to try them. My first tip is to make a small investment in a canning funnel. Secondly, take the jars apart, rinse and dry them, then stick them back in the original box to fill. When you are finished filling, simply take the jars out and throw the box away.
Create a cute sticker for the recipe, tie with raffia ribbon, and if you’re feeling inspired, add some cloth or a wooden spoon. And be sure to save an extra one for yourself—you’ll be ready should some reindeer drop by unannounced.
