COWBOY COOKIE MIX

Since half the fun of cookies is baking them, I give this lovely mix often. The ingredients look so pretty in a jar—and the aroma drifting from the oven while the cookies bake is just terrific!

—ROSEMARY GRIFFITH TULSA, OK



PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 15 MIN./BATCH • MAKES: ABOUT 3 1/2 DOZEN


1/3 cups quick-cooking oats

1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Pour oats into a wide-mouth 1-qt. glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; place on top of oats. Layer with pecans, chocolate chips, brown sugar and sugar, packing each layer tightly (do not mix). Cover and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Makes: 1 batch.

2. To prepare cookies: Pour cookie mix into a large bowl; stir to combine ingredients. Beat in butter, egg and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake 11-13 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.