30+ Christmas Food Gifts To Make
Forget the frantic last-minute shopping this Christmas! This roundup of over 30 Christmas food gifts proves the most memorable presents are the ones made with care. Discover a festive mix of cookies, candies, snacks, and condiments, all perfectly suited for packaging in charming boxes, bags, and jars.
Though naturally focused on sweets for the holidays, this list also includes a few savory options like bacon onion jam and spiced nuts. Read on for the most delicious homemade gift ideas this year – any one is sure to be a hit!
Gift a Box of Christmas Cookies
Capture the essence of the season with these Christmas-inspired cookies. You’ll find a mixture of classic holiday cookies and a few cookie recipes with fun and creative twists.
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
These festive cookies start with a peanut butter dough rolled in crushed peanuts. A thumbprint indentation is filled with rich chocolate ganache, elevating the classic peanut butter cookie. They’re a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holiday gift boxes.
Find the full Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies recipe here.
Russian Tea Cakes with Maple
Also known as snowball or wedding cookies, these delicate, nutty treats melt in your mouth. Each buttery cookie is generously rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy appearance. Their simple elegance and hint of maple make them ideal for holiday gifting or cookie exchange parties.
Find the full Russian Tea Cakes with Maple recipe here.
Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Dates
These soft, fudgy cookies boast deep brownie flavor and classic crackled tops. Chopped dates add a natural sweetness and chewy texture. Made completely from scratch, they are a rich and irresistible chocolate holiday cookie.
Learn to make Brownie Crinkle Cookies with Dates here.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies
A peanut butter cookie dough bakes up around a hidden dark chocolate Reese’s cup. Baked in a muffin tin for perfect shape, they’re a family favorite. This playful treat combines two classic flavors in one festive bite.
Find the full Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies recipe here.
Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies
Vibrant sprinkles add festive cheer to these rich, cocoa-based cookies. They have a soft texture and are perfectly sweet, making them a fun baking project. These cookies stack and travel well, ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting.
Find these Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies here.
Coconut Macaroon Cookies with Pecans
Toasted coconut gives these macaroons a deep, nutty flavor. They’re enhanced with pecans and a hint of cinnamon for a holiday twist. Not overly sweet, they offer a delightful and textured cookie to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Find the full Coconut Macaroon Cookies with Pecans recipe here.
Brookie Cookie
A “brookie” is a dessert with both a rich brownie and a chocolate chip cookie. This Brookie Cookie recipe is similar, with a white and brown dough that is swirled together to make a lovely chewy cookie dessert.
Find the Brookie Cookie recipe here.
Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies
These soft, chewy cookies feature a classic crinkle top dusted with sugar. Warm spices and gooey chocolate chips fill every bite. The dough chills easily, making it a fantastic make-ahead holiday recipe.
See the Chocolate Chip Crinkle Cookies recipe here.
M and M Christmas Cookies
Chunky and loaded with red and green M&Ms, these cookies are a festive visual treat. They’re made with whole wheat flour for a wholesome twist and have a satisfying texture – as fun to make as they are to eat and share.
Find the full M and M Christmas Cookies recipe here.
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)
Ricotta cheese gives these holiday cookies a uniquely soft, cake-like texture. They are topped with a sweet buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles. A classic, beloved addition to any Christmas cookie tray or gifted as a box of Christmas cookies.
Find the full Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies recipe here.
Christmas Crack Cookies
This decadent treat layers a Ritz cracker base with homemade butter toffee and melted chocolate. The result is an irresistible salty-sweet-crunchy combination. Assembled in muffin tins and topped with sprinkles, they are perfect for make-ahead gifting.
Find the full Christmas Crack Cookies recipe here.
Homemade Candy and Treats as Christmas Food Gifts
These DIY candies and treats deliver big, festive flavor with minimal effort. Whip up many of these recipes with minimal ingredients and no special tools.
Pretzel-Almond Bark
Salted pretzels and toasted almonds are enrobed in rich chocolate for an easy, crunchy bark. It requires no candy thermometer and is fun to make with little kitchen helpers. This sweet-and-salty confection is perfect for gifting in decorative jars or bags for friends and family.
Find the full Pretzel-Almond Bark recipe here.
Millie’s Best Rocky Road Fudge
This stovetop fudge is packed with marshmallows and your choice of nuts, like peanuts and walnuts. It’s a nostalgic, chunky, and chocolaty holiday must-make. Customize it with your favorite nut combinations.
Find the full Millie’s Best Rocky Road Fudge recipe here.
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe
This classic hard candy, made with just five ingredients plus roasted peanuts, is a timeless gift. It shatters into beautiful, glossy pieces with a perfect sweet-and-salty balance. Package the large shards for a pretty edible gift.
Find the full Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe here.
Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls
A peanut butter and Rice Krispies mixture is shaped into balls and dipped in chocolate. They’re no-bake, easy, and endlessly fun to make. This treat is a surefire hit for both kids and adults.
Make Rice Krispies Peanut Butter Balls here.
Easy Oreo Truffles
Blended Oreo crumbs and cream cheese are rolled into balls and coated in chocolate. With just three ingredients, they’re surprisingly simple to make. These decadent truffles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the full Easy Oreo Truffles recipe here.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats (squares)
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats are my go-to, quick, no-bake dessert. Their simplicity makes them perfect for back-to-school season, game day, after-school parties, and more. Made with peanut butter, marshmallows, Rice Krispie cereal, chocolate, and more–you can whip up a batch in no time!
Check out the full Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats recipe here.
White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe
Layers of white chocolate are sprinkled with crushed peppermint and a hint of sea salt. It’s a beautifully festive and incredibly easy candy to make – perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Follow the full White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe here.
Crunchy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
A crunchy peanut butter base is topped with a layer of chocolate in this five-minute recipe. Simply chill, slice, and serve for an easy, satisfying treat. They can even be made ahead and frozen.
Find the full Crunchy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars recipe here.
Candied Maple Walnuts
Walnuts are coated in pure maple syrup and roasted until crunchy. They’re a healthier candied nut option, perfect for snacking or gifting. These also make a fabulous salad or charcuterie board addition.
Find the full Candied Maple Walnuts recipe here.
Roasted Maple Bourbon Nuts
Almonds and cashews are roasted with maple syrup and a hint of bourbon. They make a sophisticated, addictive snack or salad garnish. These nuts are perfect for holiday entertaining or gifting.
Read the full Roasted Maple Bourbon Nuts recipe here.
Coconut Almond Granola
This extra-crunchy granola is made with oats, almonds, coconut, and dried cherries. It’s naturally sweetened and free of butter, allowing for easy customization. Homemade granola is a wonderfully wholesome gift too!
See the Coconut Almond Granola recipe here.
Condiments to Jar and Gift this Holiday
Elevate any holiday meal or cheese board with these versatile homemade condiments, from sweet spreads to savory jams. They’re easy to jar for gifts that you can make-ahead.
Maple Almond Butter
Creamy almond butter is lightly sweetened with real maple syrup for a delicious twist. It’s easy to make at home and far surpasses store-bought versions. This spread is perfect on toast, in baking, or enjoyed straight from the spoon.
Find this Maple Almond Butter recipe here.
Bacon Onion Jam
This gourmet jam combines smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a hint of Dr Pepper. It’s a sweet, savory, and smoky condiment that elevates any dish. It stores beautifully and makes a uniquely impressive gift.
Check out this Bacon Onion Jam recipe here.
Best Homemade Strawberry Jam
This quick-cooking jam captures the bright, fresh flavor of strawberries with a hint of lemon. It’s soft, spreadable, and made with just a few simple ingredients. A jar of homemade jam is a timeless, heartfelt gift.
Discover this Best Homemade Strawberry Jam here.
Apple Pie in a Jar Filling
Cinnamon-spiced apple slices are preserved in a syrup, ready for baking or topping. This shelf-stable filling makes a thoughtful holiday gift for fellow baking lovers.
Find the Apple Pie in a Jar Filling here.
Sweet Spiced Apple Butter
Apples are slow-cooked with warm spices into a thick, spreadable fruit butter. This rich condiment fills your home with an inviting aroma as it cooks. Jarred apple butter is a classic homemade hostess gift.
Find the Sweet Spiced Apple Butter here.
Hot Buttered Rum Mix
A spiced butter batter is ready to blend with hot water and rum for a cozy cocktail. This make-ahead mix is the ultimate gift for warm winter evenings. Simply attach instructions for crafting the perfect drink.
Find the Hot Buttered Rum Mix recipe here.
Russian Tea Mix
This Russian Tea Recipe is a spiced tea recipe with made with tang for a cup of hot tea. The “powder mix” makes a great gift for the holidays.
Find the Russian Tea Mix recipe here.
Homemade Wholesome Hazelnut Spread
This rich, chocolate-hazelnut spread is made with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for slathering on breakfast pastries or using in baking. Enjoy a gourmet, homemade version of this much-loved classic.
Find the Homemade Wholesome Hazelnut Spread recipe here.
Apple Cranberry Chutney
This festive chutney balances sweet apples, tart cranberries, and warm ginger. Its vibrant color and complex flavor pair perfectly with holiday meats. It’s a tangy, chunky condiment that upgrades any plate.
Check out the Apple Cranberry Chutney here.
BEST Homemade Chocolate Sauce
This rich, pourable chocolate sauce is superior to any store-bought version. Drizzle it over ice cream, cakes, or desserts for instant indulgence. It stores in the fridge, ready to elevate any sweet treat.
Read the BEST Homemade Chocolate Sauce recipe here.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
