It’s Beginning To Cook A Lot Like Christmas: Peppermint Brownies In A Jar

Wow, December is already here! I say this every year, but I feel with having kids now, the years go by too fast! I remember wishing for it to be summer in February like it was yesterday. Now that December is upon us holiday planning is in full swing. I don’t know about you, but no matter how much I plan for and budget I always feel a pinch on my wallet this time of year. That is the main reason I created the 12 Frugal Days Of Christmas. I wanted to help my readers (and myself) create gifts and decor on a dime. Literally, nothing you see in the next 12 (business) days cost more than $10 to make. Most projects cost less than $5. 

This time of year is meant for spending time with families and building memories. Not for seeing who can give the most (or most expensive) gifts or decorate their home the fanciest. So without further ado, may I present Day One… It’s Beginning To Cook A Lot Like Christmas.

One of my favorite gifts I got last year was a cookie in a jar gift from a family friend. It was the perfect because I love cookies, and come on, who doesn’t?! But what I liked about it even better than cookies was that I could make it whenever I wanted. We always receive a TON of cookies, candies and treats around this time of year and sometimes they get forgotten on the counter, or pushed away in a corner and go bad before we get to enjoy them. The cookies in a jar were perfect because one day in January I was really craving something sweet. Of course it was on a snowy day and at the end of a meal plan cycle so I was running a little low on supplies. Then I found that jar in my pantry and my day was made! 

I put a little spin on the Cookie In a Jar gift and changed it to Brownies In a Jar. And not just any brownies; peppermint ooey gooey fudge-y brownies. These brownies are one of my favorite holiday treats; so why not share them with friends and family right?! I also included a brownie spatula (which was $.99 at Orson Gygi) and a pot holder (2 for $1 at Dollar Tree). Tie on the gift tag and glue instructions on to the lid and you’ve got yourself a tasty gift for less than $5. 

Materials:

1 quart size mason jar. I got mine at Michael’s and used a 50% coupon making it only $1.25. 

1 brownie spatula from Orson Gygi $.99

1 pot holder from Dollar Tree $.50

baker’s twine (or ribbon to tie the tag on to the bottle)

glue stick

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1 cup (about 12 candy canes)

Directions:

Wash and dry mason jar.

In a food processor, or blender (I use my Blendtec) chop candy canes into small crumbs.

Layer flour, cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate chips and candy cane crumbs in mason jar.

Put on lid and glue down directions. 

Tie on pot holder, brownie spatula and tag.

And don’t forget to print your FREE printable gift tags and directions here.