4 Delicious Homemade Treats to Gift This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and giving. So what better way to spread cheer than with delicious homemade treats?

Whether you're crafting jams, cookies, or candy, handmade gifts from the kitchen are thoughtful, personal, and always appreciated.

Here are some homemade food gifts that are sure to impress this holiday season. 

1. Spiced cranberry orange jam

Homemade jam is always a popular gift idea! And for a good reason. This festive jam captures the essence of the holidays with tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and warming spices.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and ground cloves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the jam thickens.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick, pour into sterilized jars, and seal. Let cool before gifting.

Gift idea:

Tie a festive ribbon and even a cinnamon stick around the jar for decoration. Then attach a gift label with serving suggestions (like spreading it on toast or pairing it with cheese).

2. Gingerbread men cookies

No holiday gift box is complete without cookies! These adorable gingerbread men are not only fun to decorate but also a holiday classic.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface, then use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes.
5. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely before decorating with icing.

Gift idea:

Pack the cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a holiday ribbon.

3. Peppermint bark

Candy is a sweet and simple treat that makes for a charming homemade gift. This festive treat is as easy as it is delicious, combining rich chocolate with the refreshing flavor of peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 12 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or in the microwave, in short bursts), stirring until smooth. Spread the chocolate onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer.
2. Allow the dark chocolate to cool and harden in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
3. Melt the white chocolate using the same method, then stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Spread the white chocolate over the hardened dark chocolate layer and sprinkle it with crushed candy canes.
5. Let the bark set in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, then break it into pieces.

Gift idea:

Wrap the peppermint bark in clear cellophane and tie with a red ribbon for beautiful presentation.

4. DIY hot chocolate mix

This homemade hot chocolate gift is sure to spread joy this holiday season. Rich and creamy, this DIY hot chocolate mix is a comforting Christmas treat that’s easy to prepare and package.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups powdered milk
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whisk until evenly mixed.
2. Spoon the mix into decorative jars or bags, sealing tightly.

Gift idea:

Attach a gift label with instructions: "To prepare, stir 2-3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix into a cup of hot milk or water. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence."

Homemade food gifts

Homemade holiday treats like jams, cookies, candy, and hot chocolate mix are heartfelt gifts that show you care.

These simply delicious homemade food gift recipes are sure to delight friends and family, and the personal touch of something handmade makes them all the more special.

With thoughtful packaging and a festive ribbon, these homemade goodies will bring extra holiday cheer to those you love. Happy gifting!

Have you got any homemade food gift ideas of your own? Share them down below.