This past month, I’ve been preparing for my booth at the American Women’s Club Christmas Market. Every holiday season, my mom and I used to wander around the hand-made Christmas market at the high school gym, and as far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be the crafter behind the booth. To say having my own booth was a dream come true would be a tad dramatic, but I was honestly very excited about the opportunity to sell something that I created in such a fun and festive environment.
The market happened to be on my birthday, which I felt was a great way to start my new year. I sold simple things that are hard to find here in Zurich, such as homemade brown sugar, vanilla extract, and taco seasoning. I also sold my teabag cookie cutter kits that I had previously listed on Etsy.
And lastly, the big ticket item was the chocolate chip cookie mix in a jar. It isn’t anything crazy new or unique, but it is a perfect gift, especially here in Switzerland where chocolate chip cookies are practically non-existent.
I had a great day talking about my products to shoppers, seeing friends, selling some things, and doing some shopping of my own. I may have splurged on goods at the nearby booths more than my profit allowed, but it was my birthday after all! Splurges are a must. After the event, Jon was asking what I would do different and after some thought, I realized that I wouldn’t have changed anything. It was a great first experience and allowed me to check one box off the life to-do list. My biggest takeaway from the event was that I’d like to start selling products for a cause, because selling for just myself probably won’t satisfy me in the long run. I was inspired by the woman nearby who was selling cashmere, with the profits going directly to a blind orphanage that she started in China. Now, that sounds a little more fulfilling than selling some baking supplies. But we all have to start somewhere, right? Maybe I’ll join forces with Cookies for Kid’s Cancer. That sounds right up my alley.
While we are in the spirit of giving, let’s make something your recipients will love. These cookie jars are easy and fun to assemble and from first hand sales experience, they are a big hit.
And who doesn’t love a good ‘ole CCC?
- 250 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 200 grams brown sugar (1 cup)
- 100 grams granulated sugar (½ cup)
- 150 grams chopped semi-sweet chocolate (60-70%), or chocolate chips (1 ½ cups)
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Place the mixture in the bottom of a medium to large clear jar. Next, add in the brown sugar. Be sure to pack it down so that it is secure. On top of the brown sugar, pour in the granulated sugar. Lastly, layer the chocolate on the very top and seal the jar. Ideally, the jar should have very little air space at the top so the mixture will not move around.
- Once you have your mixture, add a tag that reads the following...
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, 190 degrees C.
- In a large bowl, cream one cup of butter (225g) until it is light and fluffy. Beat in one egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Hand mix in the jar of cookie ingredients.
- Separated evenly, place spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
4 Responses
Loved hearing about your fair. Congratulations. So happy to have the recipe
Wow – congrats! This sounds like such a fun thing to be able to do! These cookie jars look delicious too:)
dear caitlin, thanks so much for sharing the recipe. just printed it and you will see on my instagram if it worked 🙂 many thanks and best regards, nina
Well happy birthday to you Caitlin! Sounds like a fun way to spend your birthday. All your craft items are so cute! I love these cookie mix in a jar. I love a handmade gift like this : )