Homemade Food Gifts Are Easy And Delicious

You can never go wrong with homemade food gifts. Think about it… for the person who loves to cook, they’ll appreciate something new to taste and try.

For the busy working person, they’ll appreciate a food gift that makes meal preparation a little easier. For the non-cook, they’ll marvel at your creativity and ease in the kitchen!

Related: My Favorite Cookie Platter Cookies

I’ve always believed that food is love. When I take the time to prepare a meal, bake up some cookies or bring an appetizer to a party, it’s because I love making something for others and I enjoy sharing the end result.

Nothing makes me happier than when someone takes a bite out of something I’ve made and I get a “JILL! This is SOOOOOO good!”

That’s why homemade food gifts have always been a go-to for me. When I was younger and just starting out, making a gift of food was an affordable yet still personal way to give gifts to friends.

When I became a mom, gifts like the ones below became easy ways to express appreciation and thanks. I pulled together a collection of easy food ideas in case you need any last-minute gift ideas. These are great little additions to give with a gift card, a pretty kitchen towel, or a new mug.

Homemade Food Gifts From My Kitchen

Any gift is sure to make your loved one smile, but the ones that are homemade show you went the extra mile! (maybe I should start writing holiday poems?). Take a look at some of my favorites that are tasty and easy to make.

Cookies and Cream Fudge

This creamy and delicious cookies and cream fudge recipe only requires a couple of ingredients. You don’t need a candy thermometer or a lot of cooking experience to make this either.

It takes all of 5 minutes… and it’s always a welcome gift on anyone’s doorstep!

Fun story about this fudge. When my kids were little and really into Disney movies I used to call this 101 Dalmations Fudge!

I’ll never forget when I told Trevor about this special treat I had made to eat while we watched the movie and he looked up at me with his big, brown eyes and asked, “There are Dalmations in this fudge??” Ha!

Peanut Butter Fudge

I created this new fudge rendition last year, but it’s already been such a hit! As you all know, I’m a sucker for anything with chocolate and peanut butter and this recipe is no different!

If I told you it only requires 4 ingredients would you believe me? It’s just that simple! And although people typically think that making fudge is super time-consuming, I promise you’ll be able to whip this up in no time.

I like to add chopped peanut butter cups to my fudge, but you can also get creative and add M&M candies, sprinkles, pretzels, and more!

Savory Ranch Crackers

I have an absolute weakness for crunchy, flavorful things. They’re my favorite mid-afternoon snack. Let’s just say, I’ve never met a cracker or pretzel I didn’t like!

I started making these savory, zesty ranch crackers over 30 years ago and I still love them as much now as I did then.

Friends would request that I bring these to after-work happy hours or outdoor gatherings. It’s that salty, crunchy, “ranchy” flavor that gets people every time!

My favorite way to gift the crackers is in a cute jar, like a mason jar. While these are a great “pub style” snack, I also love to use these in lieu of croutons in a salad or as a garnish on tomato soup.

Savory and Spicy Crackers

Another savory treat I love? These Savory and Spicy crackers. Similar to the crackers above, you can gift them in a cute jar to make them stand out from the crackers you might buy in the store.

But what really makes these stand out is their crunch and flavor. I’ll warn you now… they’re addicting! Giving a lot of gifts? This recipe is super easy to double. Or, even triple!

Snowball Cookies

These easy-to-make cookies came straight from my Grandma’s recipe box. They go by a lot of names… tea cookies, butter cookies, wedding cookies… but no matter what they’re called, they always taste great!

The thing that really puts these cookies over the top is a secret addition to the recipe. My Grandma always added powdered sugar to the dough, and boy does it make a difference!

Homemade Pumpkin Butter

If the idea of making a food gift is a little overwhelming, then you’re going to love this pumpkin butter recipe. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let this cook away (and let your home fill with the amazing aroma of pumpkin and spices!).

I like to gift the butter in a mason jar with a tag that offers ideas on how to use it.

This flavorful spread is delicious on biscuits and toast, but also a wonderful addition to oatmeal, yogurt, or a bowl of ice cream.

Bavarian Mint Coffee

Peppermint is a classic winter flavor. And mixed into this creamy coffee, the peppermint taste is elevated to a whole new level!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup instant coffee
• 3 Tbsp baking cocoa
• 4 hard candy peppermints, broken into pieces

Preparation:

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender. Place the ingredients in an airtight container.

Brewing Directions:

Use 1 Tbsp of the resulting mix per each cup of hot water served. Serve with a peppermint stick swizzle, if desired.

Cafe Viennese

Simple, light and comforting, this drink is one I could enjoy almost every day when the temps drop!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup instant coffee
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation:

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender. Place the ingredients in an airtight container.

Brewing Directions:

Use 1 Tbsp of the resulting mix per each cup of hot water served. Serve with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream, if desired.

Russian Tea

More of a tea person than a coffee person? Here’s a way to change up your go-to tea selection.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups orange powdered drink mix
• 1 cup instant tea
• 6 oz dry lemonade mix
• 2 Tbsp ground cloves
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1-1/2 cups sugar

Preparation:

Put all of the ingredients in a tightly sealed container and shake well to blend.

Brewing Directions:

Use 1 Tbsp of the resulting mixture per cup of hot water served. For iced tea, combine the mixture with hot water as instructed and let chill. Pour over ice and enjoy.

My DIY Hot Chocolate

I’m sure you’ve seen the hot cocoa in a jar idea before, but you definitely can’t go wrong with it! I started making this as one of my go-to homemade food gifts years ago, but this is my FIRST time sharing the recipe!

If you have more than two people on your hot cocoa gift list, you can always double or triple the recipe. And if the measurements aren’t perfect, these will still turn out just right.

Feeling extra festive? Add some chopped candy canes, red and green sprinkles, or chocolate chips to the jars!

From The Kitchen, With Love

I hope these homemade food gifts gave you some ways to share some holiday cheer!

Over the next few days, you can find me busy in the kitchen cooking and baking a lot… and you know what? There’s nowhere else I’d rather be!

From my Christmas kitchen to yours,

Jill

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