6 Homemade Food Gift Recipes

It’s been said, that it’s better to give than receive. An adage I often considered highly suspect. Because, if we’re being honest here, it feels damn good to get, right?

But this time of year, we all relent a little. It could be the weather–nothing puts me in a good mood faster than a lovely blizzard. Perhaps it’s looking back upon the year that makes us thankful for the people in our lives. (Or for the evil among us, the satisfaction of blowing people away with our mad cooking skills.)

Whatever the reason, giving food gifts–specifically ones you’ve made–is a grand gesture and an even grander tradition of the season.

P.S. If you’re wondering what to get me for Christmas, well, any of these lovelies below will suffice. I’ll send you my address.

Happy holidays!

Andrew Scrivani

1 of 6

Rum Balls

These gorgeous rum balls, made with walnuts, chocolate, confectioners’ sugar, and butter, are a Southern classic. A lovely homemade Christmas gift.

These rum balls were so good! In fact, it was hard not to eat them all at once. I made mine with walnuts and rum per the recipe. So delicious, almost like fudge rather than a cookie.

elizabeth

Lara Holmes

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Classic Shortbread Cookies

These classic shortbread cookies are made with just 5 ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. A simple, perfect approach to a beloved Scottish tradition that’s a perfect Christmas cookie.

Ryland Peters & Small

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Homemade Irish Cream

This homemade Irish cream recipe is an easy homemade Baileys Irish cream that you can make at home with whiskey, coffee, heavy cream, milk, cacao, sugar, and the luck of the Irish. Tastes just like the store-bought stuff. Cheers.

Sally McKenney

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Candy Cane Bark Recipe

This festive candy cane bark is made with chocolate, crushed peppermint candies, and lotsa love. A beloved food gift that's quick and easy, too. You can whip it up in no time…perhaps for those special website editors you forgot to add to your list. (A-hem!)

Sara Remington

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Meyer Lemon Curd

Just try to resist eating this Meyer lemon curd from the jar with a spoon! Pack the lemon curd into jars for gift giving, but save a jar for yourself and spread it on toasted brioche or warm-from-the-oven scones.

I’ve made this Meyer lemon curd recipe five times last Christmas for gifting purposes. Incredibly great recipe!!!

lisa

Michaela Jebb

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Vanilla Syrup

This vanilla syrup, made with vanilla beans, sugar, and water, works magnificently for pancakes, coffee, cakes, cocktails, and so many other uses. And just think of all the time and money you’ll save by making your own vanilla lattes.

FAQs

Homemade food gifts are a joy to receive, particularly if it’s something that the recipient truly delights in. Take some time to think about whom you’re giving to and what they love. It’ll make parting with these DIY food gifts as pleasurable as receiving them.