Christmas is almost here and to add to the excitement, DAHS publication staff has put together a few of their favorite Christmas recipes to make for yourself or give as gifts. Happy Baking!

Celebration Cookie Mix

1 cup quick rolled oats

½ tsp. cinnamon

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup mini M&M’s

1/3 cup raisins

¾ cup brown sugar

¾ cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient. Attach a gift tag with the mixing and baking directions.

Celebration Cookies (Makes 3 to 4 dozen)

1 jar Celebration Cookie Mix

¾ cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

¾ tsp. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream the butter, egg and vanilla. Add the Celebration Cookie Mix. Stir until the mixture is well blended. Shape into 1-inch balls and place about 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to wire rack s to cool.

S’mores Squares Mix

1 sleeve of graham crackers reduced to crumbs

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 ½ cup mini marshmallows

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient.

S’mores Squares (Makes 9 to 12)

1 jar S’mores Squares mix

½ cup butter or margarine, melted

1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, place the S’mores Squares Mix. Pour the butter and vanilla over dry ingredients, mixing well. Pour into greased 9-inch square pan. Bake for 15 minutes.

Double Fudge Brownie Mix

2 cup sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa (clean inside of jar with a paper towel  after this layer)

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup chocolate chips

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient.

Double Fudge Brownies

1 jar Double Fudge Brownie Mix

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

4 eggs

Preheat the oven 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream the butter. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add the double Fudge Brownie Mix and continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth. Spread the mixture into a greased 9 x 12 inch baking pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Cool before cutting.

Puppy Chow Mix

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 ¼ cup bite-size rice squares cereal

½ cup powdered sugar

Layer the ingredients in the order given into a wide-mouth 1-quart canning jar. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient.

Puppy Chow

1 jar of Puppy Chow Mix

3 T. peanut butter

Remove powdered sugar and set aside. Remove cereal from jar and place into a large bowl. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe dish and add peanut butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Continue to microwave mixture for 15 seconds at a time, stirring each time until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour mixture over cereal and stir gently until the cereal is well coated. Add powdered sugar a little at a time, stir and continue to add until well coated. Spread Puppy Chow into a single layer and allow to dry. Store in an airtight container.