Bag the shopping and give homemade gifts from your kitchen instead. From brittles, barks, fudge, truffles, breads, and dessert sauces to oils, nuts, and savory condiments, we’re sharing recipes that make scrumptious gifts, so you can cook your way through your gift list.
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How-ToChocolate Bark, Any Way You Like It
Learn how to make the best chocolate bark with dark, milk, or white chocolate and your choice of toppings. -
RecipeSpiced Rum Fruitcake
This classic rich, dark cake made with liquor-soaked fruit is so delectable you’ll be loath to give it away. -
RecipeThick-Cut Marmalade
Though the main flavor of this marmalade is orange, the addition of some lemons makes it less cloyingly sweet. You’ll notice there’s no added pectin; it comes from the skin and seeds of the fruit. -
RecipeCherry-Pistachio Granola
Crimson dried cherries and bright green pistachios make this granola a particularly festive-looking holiday gift. The recipe doubles easily so there’s plenty to give away. -
RecipeBrandied Mustard
Lightly sweet from the honey mustard and heady from orange zest and brandy, this unusual condiment is elegant enough to adorn your holiday table (if you don't give it all away, that is). It goes perfectly with any kind of roasted meat, fowl, or game.
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RecipeBrandy Sugarplums
Reminiscent of gingerbread cookie dough, these sweet, no-bake treats are balanced by dried cranberries and a good amount of salt and brandy. -
RecipePeppermint-Chocolate Fudge
Give your homemade fudge a flavor twist. This peppermint-chocolate fudge is the perfect holiday treat.
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RecipeVanilla Marshmallows
These vanilla-flecked treats have an ideal consistency: fluffy without being too chewy, soft and plush, perfectly light and airy. The better the vanilla you use, the better they will taste. -
RecipeCranberry, Orange & Walnut Streusel Bread
It’s easy to make mini loaves yourself at home, either to serve for drop-in guests or to wrap and give as gifts. Their petite size makes them feel like a special treat, and once frozen, they keep for weeks, so you can start baking well in advance of the holidays. -
RecipeThree-Herb Olive Oil
For a stunning gift, put together a vinaigrette starter kit, including a bottle each of herb oil and Sour Cherry Vinegar, and a jar of fancy sea salt. It's an especially nice combination over pale endive leaves. -
RecipeBittersweet Chocolate Bark with Marcona Almonds
Salty almonds meet deep, dark chocolate in this festive homemade candy. -
RecipeLemon-Ginger Marmalade
This sweet gift has the perfect balance of lemon and ginger. Give the marmalade in a glass jar along with a bag of homemade Luxury English Muffins for a real treat. -
RecipeToffee-Style Brittle
Depending on your add-ins, this easy brittle can be classic or offbeat, sweet or spicy. It makes the perfect gift for nut and candy lovers. -
RecipeHomemade Limoncello
The ingredients for limoncello are simple and few, and making a batch doesn't require much work, but you do need patience; limoncello must steep for 80 days.
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RecipeClassic Chocolate Truffles
What sets these truffles apart from others are their velvety soft interiors, which the author achieves by using a higher than usual proportion of cream to chocolate for the ganache. -
RecipePear-Ginger Chutney
Brighter and less sweet than your average jarred chutney, this fresh-tasting, lightly spiced pear and ginger version is dotted with mustard seeds and dried cranberries.
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RecipeCandied Citrus Peel
This unique gift comes with a bonus: You’ll likely have left over syrup after making this recipe; brush it over cake or use it in cocktails. -
RecipeChocolate-Pomegranate-Ginger Bark
Impressive-looking yet quick and simple to make, this confection makes a perfect holiday or hostess gift. -
RecipeHomemade Aquavit
Flavored vodkas may be trendy, but aquavit—a traditional, spice-infused spirit from Scandinavia—is a far more sophisticated tipple with notes of fennel, caraway, and coriander. -
RecipeSpiced Mixed Nuts
These addictive spiced nuts make an excellent gift for the host. They can be made up to a week before the party. -
RecipeHot Fudge Sauce
The perfect gift for the chocolate lovers on your list, this sauce elevates ice cream to special-dessert status. -
RecipeCrackle Brittle
This brittle is based on the filling of the celebrated Crack Pie served at Christina Tosi’s bakeries. An easy no-boil recipe, it’s a good option for anyone nervous about a pot of hot sugar. -
RecipeCranberry Jellies
Purply-red, a little tart, and a little sweet, these pretty bite-size candies are a great homemade gift during the holiday season.
