If you're looking for a creative gift idea for a friend, family member, teacher, or why not, the mailman, try this festive cookie mix. Simply layer the first six dry ingredients in a Mason jar and place in a gift bag along with the printed recipe. Feel free to toss in some fun kitchen gadgets while you're at it: a spatula, Silpat baking mats, decorating sugars and sprinkles. You get the drift! The bottom line: You can feel good about giving these cookies ... or receiving them.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup almonds, very finely chopped, or 1 cup almond meal
¾ cup whole wheat flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar (or 1 cup packed brown sugar)
⅔ cup organic canola oil
2 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil or coat two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Whisk together the contents of the jar---all-purpose flour, almonds, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt---in a large bowl and set aside.
Combine the sugar and oil in another large bowl and beat on medium speed until moistened and combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to beat until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary.
At low speed, gradually beat in the flour/almond mixture until just combined.
Pour the sugar onto a plate. Roll the dough into 1¼-inch balls and coat evenly with the sugar. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a 1-inch space in between. Flatten the cookies slightly with the palm of your hand.
Bake about 10 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes before serving. Repeat with the remaining dough.