“The Cookie Jar” by J. W. Mettle and Making Cookies

If you’ve ever turned your back for three seconds and returned to find suspicious chocolate-smeared on the face and hands of a child in your care, “The Cookie Jar” will feel less like a children’s book and more like a documentary.

J. W. Mettle’s “The Cookie Jar” tackles one of early childhood’s greatest moral dilemmas: to wait, or not to wait, and following rules. Spoiler: waiting is hard when cookies are involved.

The story centers on a classic household icon — the cookie jar — reimagined as both a beacon of hope and a test of character. It’s basically the preschooler version of an escape room, except the prize is baked goods and the rules are enforced by adults with eyes in the backs of their heads.

What makes this book worthy is how clearly it understands kids. The pacing is just right for short attention spans, the stakes are deliciously high, and the lessons of self-control, honesty, and listening to grown-ups arrive without wagging a finger. 

Kids will giggle, predict what happens next, and very likely glance toward their kitchen to see if they too, have a cookie jar worth investigating.

From a caregiver’s perspective, “The Cookie Jar” is a gift. It opens the door to conversations about rules, patience, and consequences without you having to give a lecture that starts with “How many times have I told you…?” 

“The Cookie Jar” is sweet without being too sugary, instructive without being preachy, and relatable enough to make kids feel seen. “The Cookie Jar” is a solid addition to any home library and a gentle reminder to maybe move the real cookie jar to a higher shelf. 

Children will love making some Chocolate Chunk Cookies after reading “The Cookie Jar.” We doubled the recipe to share with friends!

Chocolate Chunk Cookies

You Will Need:

1 stick unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

What to Do:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

3. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt until almost fully combined.

5. Fold in the chopped chocolate (reserving some large chunks on the side).

6. Scoop 3 tablespoon balls of dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Top each dough ball with a large chunk or two of chocolate.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are just golden brown.

References:

Cookie recipe from Cozy Cravings
Photo by Stephanie Felzenberg

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