Giving a homemade gift is always extra special – especially when it’s delicious. This collection of food holiday gift recipes features sweet treats to help you spread a little cheer this holiday season. Featuring an assortment of cookies, homemade candies, sauces, and breads, they make great gifts for family, friends, neighbors, teachers, party hosts, etc. Wrap them in plastic bags, with a bow and note, and you have a heartfelt holiday gift.
Houska – Bohemian Christmas Bread
“This is a traditional Bohemian Christmas bread. It’s along the same lines as the German Christmas Stollen. Houska is pronounced – ho-ska. I prefer this over the German version because I don’t like the taste of the traditional dried, candied Christmas fruit.” – Lori
Nana Dottie’s Caramel Sauce
“This recipe was handed down from my mother-in-law, Dottie, for her caramel sauce. Although she was an amazing cook, her caramel sauce was the absolute best. I tried using other recipes, but they never compared to hers.” – Denise
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle
“This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is made by my dad every holiday. It can be made up to one month ahead of time. If you don’t like peanuts, try pecans or walnuts instead.” – Shelley
Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahams
“Last Christmas, a church sister gifted me with a box of these, and after tasting them, I asked her for the recipe. They are mmm mmm good to me! My grandkids love this, too. I am always looking for recipes that my grandkids will enjoy. Simple and oh so good!” – Shirley
Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Bark
“My niece and I were recently shopping in downtown Nashville, and we stopped into a quaint candy shop. The chocolatier was creating a chocolate masterpiece including milk chocolate, caramel, and sea salt. I watched her, and I even bought a piece to replicate.” – Darlene
Rugelach
“Yummy for any occasion!” – Katie
Cocoa Thumbprint Cookies
“I made these specifically for my brother. His buddy’s dog got a hold of the container the cookies were in and only left him with 3 cookies. He was so mad.” – Sara
Scottish Shortbread Cookies
“This recipe has been in my husband’s family for over 100 years. My sweet mother-in-law shared this with me. I will always cherish and treasure the many wonderful recipes she left behind. The secret is in the type of sugar used (confectioners’ sugar instead of granulated sugar). These are great with coffee or tea and have a light buttery taste.” – Charlene
Christmas Cracker Candy
“Christmas Cracker Candy is sweet, slightly salty, and buttery. Decorated with Christmas candy and sprinkles gives a little Christmas flair.” – Debbie
Pink Peppermint Marshmallows
“These marshmallows are so easy, and making them is so rewarding. You’ll really impress your friends around the holidays, serving these with hot cocoa. They also make great gifts along with a jar of homemade cocoa mix.” – Jordan
Texas Pecan Pralines
“These are super tasty! A favorite at my house and great for holidays.” – Misty
White Christmas Fudge
“There is nothing like a plate full of homemade goodies. Here’s a fudge that is sure to please. Not only does this have eye appeal, but it is tasty as well. This fudge is guaranteed not to last very long.” – Freda
Candy Cane Mint Bark
“This is melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Change the colors for a sports game or holiday.” – Marilyn
No Fail Hot Fudge Sauce
“I’m not a fan of ice cream, but anything with chocolate is alright with me. The peanut butter just makes it better… I’ve never had this fail and it’s sooo good!” – Cheryl
Apple Banana Bread
“I love banana nut bread, but can not eat nuts too often. Today, since I had some bananas that had turned dark and a couple of apples, I decided to combine the two and make a delicious bread.” – Darla
Grammy Peg’s Christmas Cookies
“As a child, receiving these cookies from my Grammy Peg was a huge part of our Christmas tradition. Now, my mom, sisters, sister-in-law, nieces, and daughter-in-law all get together and make these delicious cookies every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.” – Bridget
Peanut Butter Truffles
“These are amazing! Great for parties, socials, and to eat all by yourself while you are reading. Oops, did I say that? You will love these. You can also roll them in cocoa powder.” – Vicky
Gingerbread Cookies
“This is a cookie that says Christmas. I increased the amount of ginger and cinnamon because I like the flavor they bring. The scent will just fill the house.” – Jennifer
Santa’s Hot Cocoa Mix
“This is the best instant hot cocoa mix I have ever tasted!! I think the malted milk powder is what takes it over the top.” – Lori
Peppermint Bark Fudge
“‘Tis the season! And with one of my favorite holidays just around the corner, my mom and I decided to make one of my favorite candies, Peppermint Bark. But instead of the traditional candy, we made it into fudge.” – Kate
Russian Tea Balls
“My mom has been making these for Christmas ever since I can remember! It’s just not Christmas until I make them.” – Terry
Peberkiks
“This is a spritz-style adaptation of the Danish Pebernødder.” – Debra
Peppermint Balls
“I came up with this when I was trying to think of some kind of Christmas treat for the kids. Us adults have rum balls… so, I thought this would be perfect for the kids! Well, the kids and adults loved this!” – Lillian
Peppermint Marshmallows
“Need a use for those leftover candy canes? Do you like peppermint cocoa? Try this recipe. This also makes a nice gift when combined with nice cocoa mix or packets and a cute cup.” – Joey
Candied Orange Peel Recipe
“As it turns out, candied orange peels are actually pretty easy to make. It is really just as simple as peeling some oranges, slicing the peels, simmering them in water and sugar until tender, tossing them in sugar, and letting them dry.” – Kevin