Cookies are for sharing. And what better way to share them than by turning your favorite recipe into a gift in a jar?

1. Write or print out your favorite cookie recipe on a decorative card. List all of the dry ingredients together first, with a note that they are already supplied in the jar.

2. Make sure the total of dry ingredients is 1 quart (4 cups) or less. You may have to cut your current recipe by half to get the correct amount.

3. In a 1-quart Mason jar, layer the dry ingredients alternating light and dark-colored items. For chocolate chip cookies, you would layer the flour, chocolate chips, salt, baking soda, white sugar, and brown sugar. If there is a little extra space at the top, add a few more chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts. Then seal.

4. Your recipient will supply the moist ingredients. In this case, the eggs, butter, and vanilla.

5. Cover the jar with a circle of fabric and tie in place with ribbon or raffia. Tie your recipe card to the jar.

The ingredients have a shelf life of about 3 months.

Your thoughtful, handmade gift is sure to delight everyone on your list. And, with any luck, you'll be invited to eat lots of cookies.

About the Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co–authors of the award winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that’s jam packed with family ideas, visit www.togetherparenting.com