Skip giving gift cards and money this holiday season and opt for simple, yet delicious, homemade food gifts. From peppermint marshmallows that will melt in your mouth to savory shortbreads, there's something your loved ones will love and will definitely keep to themselves. Click on the green hyperlinks to find the recipes and instructions.
Homemade Goldfish
Skip the store-bought Goldfish and make your own pepper jack goldfish. They're so easy to make and your family will love them! If spicy pepper jack isn't your favorite, you can always switch up your flavors. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Cracker Jacks
Cracker Jacks are a childhood favorite. Surprise your kids with a treat of their own with this homemade cracker Jack recipe. They'll love it! Don't forget the toy. Thank you M loves M for the recipe.
Chex Mix
Another childhood and adult favorite has to be the popular Chex Mix snack. From the salty pretzels to the crunchy Chex, it's delicious. Check out Half Baked Harvest for the recipe.
Rosemary-Sesame Pecans
Candied pecans will have to take a back seat to these rosemary-sesame pecans. The crunchy nuts and the flavor combination are delicious. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Cheez-It’s
These everything bagel Cheez-It's are the perfect twist on the original version. Plus, it's easy to sneak a few for yourself because this recipe makes such a big batch. Thank you My Name Is Yeh for the recipe.
Black Pepper Beef Jerky
Oh and did we mention this beef jerky is beer brined too?! It's definitely a flavor explosion in your mouth and it sure beats spending a ridiculous amount of money on the store bought jerky. Find the recipe here.
Candied Bacon And Nuts
The only thing better than bacon is candied bacon. Paired with candied nuts, it's the perfect combination of salty, sweet and nutty. Thank you Recipe Tin Eats for the recipe.
Cinnamon Apple Chips
Apples are the perfect fall and winter fruit. From eating them hand-picked in the fall to baking them into yummy chips in the winter, they're the perfect treat. Find the recipe here.
Almond Twists
How cute are these almond twists?! Perfect for a different take on holiday cookies, your family will love these little twists. Check out Love, Cake for the recipe.
Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a classic when it comes to the holiday season. Whether you leave them plain or decorate them with festive icing and sprinkles, the chewy cookies are delicious Find the recipe here.
Chocolate Dipped Spoons
These chocolate dipped spoons are perfect with a hot cocoa mix jar, a cup of coffee or just stand alone as a stocking stuffer. You can top them with many ingredients from crushed up peppermint to candied nuts. Check out Jelly Toast for the recipe.
Brownie Cookies
The only thing better than brownies are brownie cookies. These cookies combine the best of both worlds with brownies and cookies. Check out Chocolate Moosey for the recipe.
Winter Orange Pomegranate Iced Tea
Wash down all those sweet treats with this delicious drink. The orange and pomegranate flavors add a sweet twist to normal iced tea. Find the recipe here.
Snowflake Mix
Salty and sweet come together with pretzels, Chex mix and M&Ms coated in white chocolate. You can package this mix in cute little boxes for the perfect holiday gift. Find the recipe here.
Peppermint Mocha Cookies
What's a better combination than peppermint and mocha?! These cookies are filled with mocha chocolate chips and covered in white chocolate and peppermint pieces. Check out My Baking Addiction for the recipe.
Lemon Snowball Cookies
If you and your loved ones enjoy the tart side of sweets, try these lemon snowball cookies. The tart lemon flavor and cool powder sugar coating make for a delicious snowball. Check out Cooking Classy for the recipe.
Gluten Free Hazelnut Linzer Cookies
How cute are these Linzer cookies?! They'll not only satisfy your tastebuds, but they'll warm the hearts of your loved ones with the cute design. Check out Love, Cake for the recipe.
Cinnamon Pretzels
Pair your salty pretzels with a sweet cinnamon coating for a delicious snack everyone will love. Whether you have it as a snack at your holiday party or give it as a gift, people are sure to love it. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Tootsie Rolls
These little Tootsie Rolls are perfect stocking stuffers for the holidays. The chocolate rolls will melt in your mouth just like the candy you know and love. Check out Food52 for the recipe!
Gingerbread Caramels
Sure peppermint might be a holiday favorite when it comes to flavor, but gingerbread has to be a close second. These chewy caramels taste just like the holiday season. Thank you Love and Olive Oil for the recipe!
Homemade Almond Joys
Your family and friends will love these homemade candies that definitely taste just like the real deal. The coconut and chocolate you love and the almonds you just can't live without. Check out Pastry Affair for the recipe!
Fruit And Nut Granola
Granola is a healthy take on common sweets given during the holiday season. The fruit and nuts combined in the granola add the perfect flavor. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Snickers
Who doesn't love Snickers?! The gooey caramel, the melted chocolate, it's definitely a favorite candy. Make your own Snickers for people this year and they're sure to love you. Thank you How Sweet It Is for the recipe!
Homemade Pocky
Instead of chocolate covered pretzel sticks as stocking stuffers this holiday season, try your hand at these homemade pocky sticks. Check out Food52 for the recipe.
Lemon, Rosemary And Olive Oil Shortbread
For a savory treat to give your loved one this holiday season, try this recipe. The unique flavors will really pop and the shortbread pairs well with many other foods. Thank you Cookie and Kate for the recipe.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is a must for the holiday season. This recipe is easy to make with only a handful of ingredients and only takes five minutes. Check out Cooking Classy for the recipe.
Toffee Blondies In A Jar
Blondies are a perfect holiday treat. By giving these cute holiday jar mixes as gifts, your loved ones will be able to try these tasty treats for themselves. Find the recipe here.
Peppermint Patties
These vegan peppermint patties will definitely give other peppermint patties a run for their money. A mixture of chocolate chips and candy canes give you all the flavor you could want in a patty. Find the recipe here.
Homemade Mallomars
These homemade mallomars are sure to be a big hit with your family and friends. The graham crackers, marshmallow and chocolate will melt in your mouth. Plus, the recipe makes four dozen so there will be plenty mallomars to go around (or for you to sneak a few). Check out Food 52 for the recipe.
Santa’s Delight Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is the definition of the holiday season. The crunch of the peppermint plays well with the melt in your mouth white chocolate. Find the recipe here.
Peppermint Marshmallows
These peppermint marshmallows looks delicious! Whether you plop them in a warm cup of hot cocoa or eat them on their own, you'll love these melt in your mouth marshmallows. Check out Pastry Affairs for the recipe.
Molasses Crinkle Cookies
Ditch the original chocolate chip cookies this holiday season for this unique variety. These molasses crinkle cookies are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet and chewy. Thank you My Baking Addiction for the recipe.
Cheddar-Herb Bread Mix
These bread mixes are the perfect little gift for all your co-workers. They'll love the savory flavor and the bread will go perfect with warm soup in the winter. Find the recipe here.
Chili Pecans
A spicy heat adds a delicious flavor to these candied pecans. Seriously, you won't ever go back to plain pecans ever again. Find the recipe here.
Oreo Pudding Cookies
Putting pudding in your cookies adds the perfect amount of flavor and texture. And the Oreos are just the icing on the cake. Find the recipe here.
