These Chai Spiced Oatmeal Crisps are perfect for gift giving! Layers of simple ingredients mix with just some butter and an egg to quickly bake up crunchy, crisp cookies.
Over the past few years, I’ve found a couple of things that make the holidays just a bit sweeter. One of them involves homemade gifts from the kitchen. Being on the receiving end of a handcrafted gift, I can tell you, means so much. That kind of thoughtfulness is more meaningful than anything you can purchase in a store. A cookie mix, like this one, is simple to put together and even easier for the recipient to whip up in a pinch with little effort.
These crunchy spiced crisps taste like the holidays. Their chai flavor is warming and really nice with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They’d be a welcome shortcut for anyone wanting a quick cookie fix during the hectic season or even after.
Another idea I picked up from a friend a few years ago is tucking a lottery ticket into a holiday card or as a tag on a gift or even secretly hidden with this jar of cookie mix! Funny thing is, I’d never bought a lottery ticket before then, but finding one in her holiday card made for such a fun treat for all of us. Ever since, I love putting a ticket or two into unsuspecting loved one’s gifts and cards. They make a fun addition to holiday gift-giving.
To make this cookie mix even more fun to give, I’ve created labels in the perfect size to help you tuck a lottery ticket just behind it. There’s also a label for the lid to give your recipient a little clue. Just print them out (click on the images below for a pdf version), cut them out around their borders and tie them on with some baker’s twine or ribbon. The lid label fits under most standard canning jar lids.
Click the images below for printable labels!
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Gifts like these are perfect for hostesses, office parties, teachers, secret Santas or anyone who loves cookies and surprises!
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup rolled old fashioned oats
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- Add to the mix:
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- In a small bowl, whisk to combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Spoon the mixture into a pint-sized jar. In the same small bowl, whisk the cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, ginger and black pepper to combine. Layer the spice mixture into the jar and use a spoon to level it out over the flour. Add the oats to the jar and level them out. Finally, add the dark brown sugar, pressing it down to keep the ingredients from shifting around. Place the lid on the jar and decorate as desired.
This post was sponsored by the New Jersey Lottery. All text and images are my own. Tickets pictured were provided by the New Jersey Lottery.
(1) Disclaimer: You must be 18 or older to buy a lottery ticket. The New Jersey Lottery reminds players, it’s only a game…remember to play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1800-GAMBLER®. Parents are urged to think twice about gifting lottery tickets to children
(2) For more information visit New Jersey Lottery.
How long will these last once baked? Can they be frozen after baking?
They don’t last long enough in my house, to be honest, Megan! ;) I believe they’d be good for a week or so packed in an airtight container. I’ve never frozen these, but I do freeze cookies all the time…I think they’d be fine.
These look delicious, Caroline! I always love these jar ideas for edible gifts!
Thanks so much, Jenny!
Such a cute idea for holiday gifts Caroline! And these cookie crisps sound just delightful! It’s always extra special when you get a homemade gift!
Thanks so much, Mary Ann! Happy holidays, my friend!
Nobody has ever made a cookie gift like this! I usually only see things like brownies, or chocolate chip cookies. They look like that perfect thin and crisp with a little chew type. And a lottery ticket with is so fun. Luck and cookies!
Thanks, Amanda! They are just like that! :)
These look just like those Tate’s cookies- perfectly thin and crispy! What a fun gift idea, although I’d also like to make these for myself. :)
Ahhhh…yes! Tate’s are my favorite store-bought cookie! These are so similar! You absolutely should make some for yourself…I mean, you really need to test the recipe first, right? ;)
It’s such a sweet idea for a gift :)
Thank you, Marta!
Love the jars idea, and love the recipe as well! I see these cookie and cake jars on sale all the time and are so expensive compared to what you can make at home.
Pinned! <3
Yes! You can find the jars everywhere…I love to buy them in bulk! Thanks for sharing, Valentina!
I’m all about the homemade gifts! If I received crispy little chai-spiced cookies in a jar, I’d be PRETTY HAPPY. The lottery ticket is a great idea too!
The tickets definitely add a little fun to the gift! Thanks so much, Sarah!
Ah yes, handmade gifts are always so thoughtful and delicious – I’m making a batch of edible gifts myself, and I may have to just add this to the list :). They are so beautiful, Caroline.
Thank you, Betty! Yes…edible gifts are the best!
I agree – handmade gifts {especially food items} are the best! These little crisps are wonderful, Caroline xx.
Thanks so much, Sherrie!