We absolutely love the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. This is a time of year where we travel more for fun versus business. We get a chance to spend time with family and friends. Most importantly it seems each year we create new memories and traditions.

This year my oldest son and I were chatting about our December schedule and realized we’d be traveling right up until Christmas Eve. What about Santa’s cookies? he asked. In our household, if there’s one time we’ll get homemade cookies it’s Christmas Eve. That’s a tradition that started with my parents. My mom, an emergency room nurse, typically worked more during the holidays but I can always remember her carving out time with us to make cookies and treats for Santa.

[Tweet “#NowReading: White Chocolate Surprise Cookies in a Jar Recipe #HousefulOfCookies”]

I’ve been wanting to try mason jar recipes for some time now and love the idea of giving them as gifts. (When I say awhile now, the mason jars have been sitting in my garage for maybe 2-3 years.) Thanks to this wonderful recipe, we’re able to kickstart our holiday festivities by preparing the jar recipes together and still have homemade cookies on Christmas Eve with less prep work.

Cookie In A Jar Recipe

Yield: 18 cookies

White Chocolate Surprise Cookies in a Jar

Ingredients

1 – one quart mason jar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 - teaspoon baking soda
1/2 - teaspoon salt
1/2 - cup old fashioned oats
1/3 - cup packed brown sugar
1/3 - cup white granulated sugar
1/2 - cup dried cranberries
1/2 - cup white chocolate chips
1/2 - cup pecans, chopped
½ cup softened butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium size bowl combine the the flour, baking soda and salt. In a 1 - quart mason jar, add the flour mixture. For best results, tap the bottom of the jar gently after each layer to remove additional air. Evenly layer the additional ingredients in the following order:
Oatmeal, brown sugar, granulated sugar, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips and pecan pieces. Add the lid and close the jar.
When ready to prepare preheat oven to 350 degree, spray a baking sheet with baking spray or line with parchment paper.
In a medium size bowl, beat together ½ cup softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fluffy.
Add the entire jar of cookie mix, stirring until well blended. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges start to brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then, remove and cool completely on a wire rack.