Cookies In A Jar
Create delicious homemade cookies with oats, chocolate chips, walnuts, and vanilla, perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a tasty gift in a jar.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups solid vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 6 cups quick oats uncooked ⓘ
- 2 cups chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white chips ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine egg, water, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Add the contents of the jar to the bowl.
- Stir with a fork until stiff dough forms.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 13 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet, then remove.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using half brown sugar and half granulated sugar. If you want to reduce fat, substitute some of the vegetable shortening with unsweetened applesauce. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or using browned butter instead of shortening for a deeper, nuttier taste. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking or serving them with a side of fresh fruit. They are perfect for any gathering or as a homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cookies In A Jar contains roughly 352 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of vegetable shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for vegetable shortening, but keep in mind that it will alter the texture slightly. The cookies may spread more and be softer. For a similar consistency, use a combination of butter and shortening, which can provide the best of both worlds.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, especially the baking soda, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I add to the cookie mix for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like chopped dried fruits, coconut flakes, or a mix of different nuts. For a chocolate lover's twist, consider incorporating some cocoa powder or using dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones. These additions can elevate the cookie experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).