Skip to content

Top Navigation

Allrecipes Allrecipes

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Create a Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Get Allrecipes Magazine
Pin FB

Explore Allrecipes

Allrecipes Allrecipes
  • Find a Recipe
    Find a Recipe
    Recipe or keyword
    Include these ingredients
    Add comma separated list of ingredients to include in recipe.
    Do not include these ingredients
    Add comma separated list of ingredients to exclude from recipe.
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 15 Instant Pot Recipes to Power You Through Whole30

      Read More Next
    • 20 Meatless Monday Ideas That Everyone Will Love

      Read More Next
    • 17 Blended Soups You Can Make Tonight

      Read More Next
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    See All Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    12 Ways To Make Easy Overnight Oats

    • Breakfast Burrito Recipes
    • Breakfast Casserole Recipes
    • Crepe Recipes
    • Egg Recipes
    • French Toast Recipes
    • Frittata Recipes
    • Granola Recipes
    • Omelet Recipes
    • Overnight Oat Recipes
    • Pancake Recipes
    • Quiche Recipes
    • Waffle Recipes
  • Lunch Recipes

    Lunch Recipes

    See All Lunch Recipes

    Our Best Healthy Lunch Ideas

    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Sandwich Recipes
    • Sandwich Wraps and Roll-Up Recipes
    • School Lunch Ideas and Recipes
  • Dinner Recipes

    Dinner Recipes

    See All Dinner Recipes

    14 Hearty, Comfort Food Casseroles Starring Winter Squash

    • Dinner Fix
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Chicken Breast Recipes
    • Chicken Thigh Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Ground Beef Recipes
    • Pasta and Noodle Recipes
    • Pork Recipes
    • Pork Tenderloin Recipes
    • Turkey Recipes
    • Ground Turkey Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Salmon Recipes
    • Shrimp Recipes
  • Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    See All Appetizer & Snack Recipes

    Our 25 Best Hot and Cheesy Dips Got Serious Game

    • Baked Brie Recipes
    • Bruschetta Recipes
    • Chicken Wing Recipes
    • Crab Cake Recipes
    • Deviled Egg Recipes
    • Fruit Dip Recipes
    • Guacamole Recipes
    • Hummus Recipes
    • Jalapeno Popper Recipes
    • Meatball Appetizers
    • Nacho Recipes
    • Salsa Recipes
    • Stuffed Mushroom Recipes
  • Bread Recipes

    Bread Recipes

    See All Bread Recipes

    25 Beloved Bread Recipes From Grandma's Kitchen

    • Banana Bread Recipes
    • Biscuit Recipes
    • Bread Machine Recipes
    • Cornbread Recipes
    • Doughnut Recipes
    • Muffin Recipes
    • Pumpkin Bread Recipes
    • Quick Bread Recipes
    • Sourdough Bread Recipes
    • Yeast Bread Recipes
    • Zucchini Bread Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes

    Dessert Recipes

    See All Dessert Recipes

    10 Banana Bundt Cakes to Make with Excess Bananas

    • Cake Recipes
    • Carrot Cake Recipes
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Chocolate Cake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Cupcake Recipes
    • Frosting and Icing Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Peach Cobbler Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
    • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipes
    • Pound Cake Recipes
    • Sugar-Free Dessert Recipes
    • Sweet Spot
  • Drink Recipes

    Drink Recipes

    See All Drink Recipes

    Our Top-Rated Margaritas

    • Bloody Mary Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Coffee Drink Recipes
    • Jell-o Shot Recipes
    • Margarita Recipes
    • Martini Recipes
    • Punch Recipes
    • Sangria Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
  • Main Dish Recipes

    Main Dish Recipes

    See All Main Dish Recipes

    The Best Comfort Foods to Get You Through Flu Season

    • Beef Stroganoff Recipes
    • Casserole Recipes
    • Enchilada Recipes
    • Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
    • Pork Chop Recipes
    • Shepherd's Pie Recipes
    • Shrimp Scampi Recipes
  • Salad Recipes

    Salad Recipes

    See All Salad Recipes

    12 Recipes to Turn Extra Chicken into Healthy Main Dish Salads

    • Chicken Salad Recipes
    • Coleslaw Recipes
    • Cucumber Salad Recipes
    • Egg Salad Recipes
    • Fruit Salad Recipes
    • Pasta Salad Recipes
    • Potato Salad Recipes
    • Spinach Salad Recipes
    • Tuna Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes

    Side Dish Recipes

    See All Side Dish Recipes

    12 Vegetable-Friendly Side Dishes for the Mediterranean Diet

    • Baked Bean Recipes
    • Broccoli Side Dish Recipes
    • Mashed Potato Recipes
    • Pasta Sauce Recipes
    • Potato Side Dish Recipes
    • Rice Side Dish Recipes
    • Salad Dressing Recipes
    • Scalloped Potato Recipes
    • Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
  • Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    See All Soup, Stew & Chili Recipes

    19 Hearty Meatless Soups and Stews To Keep You Warm This Winter

    • Beef Stew Recipes
    • Cabbage Soup Recipes
    • Chicken and Dumpling Recipes
    • Chili Recipes
    • Corn Chowder Recipes
    • Gumbo Recipes
    • Jambalaya Recipes
    • Potato Soup Recipes
    • Taco Soup Recipes
    • Tomato Soup Recipes
    • More Soup Recipes
    • More Stew Recipes
  • Cooking Style

    Cooking Style

    See All Cooking Style

    10 Vegan Bowls Packed with Veggies and Grains

    • 5 Ingredient Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • BBQ & Grilling Recipes
    • Cooking for Two
    • Family Dinner Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Kid-Friendly Recipes
    • Leftover Recipes
    • Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
  • Diet & Healthy Recipes

    Diet & Healthy Recipes

    See All Diet & Healthy Recipes

    29 Daniel Fast Snacks

    • Diabetic Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Keto Recipes
    • Low Calorie Recipes
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Low Cholesterol Recipes
    • Low Fat Recipes
    • Low Sodium Recipes
    • Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Whole30 Recipes
  • Holiday & Seasonal Recipes

    Holiday & Seasonal Recipes

    See All Holiday & Seasonal Recipes

    20 Recipes for the Super Bowl for Two People

    • New Year's Recipes
    • Recipes for Super Bowl(R)
    • Valentines's Day Recipes
    • Mardi Gras Recipes
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
    • Mother's Day Recipes
    • 4th of July Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Good Times, Good Food
  • World Cuisine

    World Cuisine

    See All World Cuisine

    10 Fuss-Free Mexican Rice Casseroles

    • Chinese Recipes
    • Filipino Recipes
    • German Recipes
    • Greek Recipes
    • Indian Recipes
    • Italian Recipes
    • Japanese Recipes
    • Mexican Recipes
    • Russian Recipes
    • Spanish Recipes
    • Thai Recipes
    • Global Kitchen
  • Kitchen Tips

    Kitchen Tips

    See All Kitchen Tips

    How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan

    • All About Ingredients
    • Baking
    • Bake It Up A Notch
    • How To
    • You Can Cook That
  • Allrecipes Magazine Recipes
  • Food Wishes with Chef John
  • Homemade Podcast
  • Trusted Brands
  • Food News and Trends

    Food News and Trends

    See All Food News and Trends
    • Cooks to Follow
    • Gift Guides
    • Product Reviews
    • Recalls

Profile Menu

Get Allrecipes Magazine this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Create a Profile
  • Newsletters
  • Help this link opens in a new tab

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Help this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Shopping List
  • Cooking School this link opens in a new tab
  • Ask the Community this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

25 Favorite Homemade Food Gifts Allrecipes Allstars Love to Share

By Vanessa Greaves
November 19, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Mackenzie Schieck

It's no exaggeration to say that everyone loves a handmade gift. The very fact that you put in time and effort gives it that element of heart that sets it apart from anything store-bought.

I asked our Allrecipes Allstars — some of our most engaged and passionate community members — to share their favorite homemade food gifts they love to make and give for the holidays. Take a look — you're sure to find loads of recipes and inspiration for your own homemade food gifts this year.

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Salted Caramel Sauce

Credit: Allrecipes Magazine
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Jennifer Baker likes to make Salted Caramel Sauce, filling 4-oz jars and decorating them for gift-giving. Tie a little spoon to each jar and you're all set.

  • How to Make Caramel Sauce

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chef John's Apple Butter

Credit: Chef John
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Jennifer Baker says, "Last year, my guy and I made Chef John's Apple Butter." This slow cooker recipe will make enough to fill several gift jars (and your home will smell amazing).

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shorecook's Cashew Brittle

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lindsay has made this easy homemade candy in her microwave many times. "Husband goes nuts for it," she says. To give as gifts, she puts it in decorative tins. 

  • Get More Candy Brittle Recipes

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cranberry Hootycreeks

Credit: Sarah
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Both Lindsay and Jennifer Baker give out this popular cookie-mix-in-a-jar recipe, but Jennifer changes the name to Cranberries in the Snow. Tip: Remember to attach the baking instruction (you'll find them on the recipe) along with a gift label.

  • Get More Cookie Mix in a Jar Recipes

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vampire Breath Mints

Credit: Lindsay
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lindsay made these for her dog-sitter, using candy canes and colored sugar to make them Christmassy, and packaged them in a decorative tin. "She loved it!" says Lindsay.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Brown Sugar BBQ Rub

Credit: DebbiSmirnoff/Getty Images
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here's one for the BBQ fan on your gift list. France C says, "I like to do homemade seasonings, such as my brown sugar BBQ rub, or a chili seasoning, or something similar. I like that it lasts throughout the year. I like to package in small jars tied with ribbon/string and a homemade label."

  • Get More Recipes for Dry Rubs

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cinnamon Roasted Almonds

Credit: Heather Azzarello
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Liz Dalton makes homemade roasted nuts, and tailors them to what the gift recipients likes. "I feel it is a nice personal gift," she says. "My cousin loves cinnamon so I give him cinnamon roasted almonds or cashews. My brother likes cashews so he gets holiday spice cashews! I usually package them different containers like clear gift bags or fun tins. My dad likes rum balls and he gets those every year!"

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

Credit: 612jasonw
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"I made these soup jars last year as gifts," says Mrs. Chef Esh. "I put the jars in a festive soup bowl and attached a soup spoon to go with it. Everyone loved the soup!"

  • Get More Dry Soup Mix Recipes

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Italian Limoncello

Credit: Kim
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Adawndria Fisher says, "We've given chocolate-dipped Ruffles, limoncello, spiced pecans and brownies in tree shaped disposable pans. I try to do something ready-to-eat so there's less pressure for the person to complete it (except hot cocoa mix). I think it shows people that you're willing to give your time in a way that shows how much you appreciate them. The best homemade gift I've ever received was from a neighbor who made a bunch of tiny European-style cookies and put them in a pint-sized mason jar. She made so many flavors and they were all so small and I have no idea to this day how she was able to accomplish it."

  • Get More Liqueur Recipes

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Amaretto

Credit: Helene Wilson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Although I haven’t made this for gifts I did make it for ourselves after receiving it as a gift from my hair dresser," say KGora. "It was so good! Why is it sometimes other people’s 'food' tastes better than your own, though? Hers turned out better and this is the recipe she told me she used."

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Habanero Pepper Jelly

Credit: Matthew Watson
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"I have been doing this for years," says My Hot Southern Mess. "It started with teacher gifts. My kids had multiple teachers, aids and, therapists at school and I didn’t have the money to buy everyone gifts. Over the years some of the favorites have been habanero pepper jelly, homemade marshmallows, homemade cocoa mix, peppermint bark, peppermint meringues, homemade peppermint patties, Buckeyes, and more. I have taken a break from full time blogging since moving to GA but every December I do a series of 12 days of Homemade Christmas."

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

JARRIE says, "For a local friend, I double my own batches of cookie dough so that she can do cutout cookies and gingerbread cookies with her own kids. She's a teacher, and is in early and home late and does not always have time to make the dough and let it rest blah blah blah. I'm hoping I can inspire others to consider gifting cookie dough to the busy moms of littles that are within their community. I also do individually flash-frozen cookie dough in other flavors to be baked off in small portions all year. Chocolate chip, etc."

  • Get More Christmas Cookie Recipes

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Aunt Teen's Creamy Chocolate Fudge

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

RainbowJewels says,  "I do fudge & cookies, hot cocoa mix in mason jars with homemade marshmallows, and canned goods that I've preserved throughout the year."

  • 10 Best Holiday Fudge Recipes to Make and Share

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Red and Green Christmas Jalapeno Jelly

View Recipe

"This one is great too," says Staci Purvis Maddox. "You can whip it up late summer when you have a bumper crop of jalapenos or other peppers. I love that this recipe doesn't call for food color, so you can really see the red and green peppers in it. It's so pretty poured over a block of cream cheese."

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tangy Mustard

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"I have done this mustard before,: says Staci Purvis Maddox. "I love that it's great for leftover turkey sandwiches. It takes at least two weeks to 'get right,' so you do have to plan ahead."

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Basic Truffles

Credit: larkspur
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Stella Marie likes to make these for her friends and family. She adds, "Just swap out the vanilla for any other extract (peppermint was fantastic!) or liqueur (raspberry, orange, amaretto, port wine, etc), and you can easily roll out, coat, dip, and decorate to give everyone a dozen little bites of pure indulgence."

  • 5 Easy Homemade Truffles

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caramels

View Recipe

"I started making these in 2003, and have been gifting them to my and my husband's co-workers every year since. I shop for Christmas tins or boxes AFTER Christmas, when they are dirt cheap, and then put them away for the following year." — Kim's Cooking Now!

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peppermint Meringues

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"These are so addictive!" says Paula. "I fold crushed peppermints into the mixture before baking. Sometimes I just give them in a pretty little tin. Other times as part of a cookie tray." She adds, "I’ve made them at the beginning of Dec and they’re still crispy for Christmas. I keep them in a Christmas tin. The problem is having them last that long!"

  • How to Make Fluffy Meringues

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Coquito II

View Recipe

"I give out bottles of Coquito (Puerto Rican eggnog)." says fabeverydayblog. "I package them in bottles from Ikea and add a simple but festive detail with a sprig from my Christmas tree and cinnamon stick tied around the bottle with twine.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pretzel Turtles

Credit: France C
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Another treat I give in tins or on cookie trays. I’ve found that kids prefer topping with M&M’s but adults seem to like the pecan halves," says Paula. She adds, "I use a Christmas tin, or I put them in those Christmas cellophane bags and tie with red/green ribbon."

  • Our Top 20 Most Popular Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Spoons

Credit: Christina
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"I put chocolate spoons in a Christmas mug along with individual hot chocolate mixes and instant coffee packs like Starbucks Via. Then I wrap it in clear see-through Christmas wrap and tie with ribbons. I also add peppermint candy flavoring to some of the chocolate spoons." — Paula

  • How to Melt Chocolate 3 Easy Ways

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men

Credit: Kim
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Christmas baking is my jam!" says Kim. I always make cookie platters for gifts! I send a lot through the mail to friends and family too. If I'm mailing them, I package them in the "goodie" bags, and then wrap them in bubble wrap and pretty tissue paper. Looks nice and festive, but keeps the cookies safe too! If I'm not mailing them, I have nice tins that I line with cupcake liners (or those square liners), and fill each with a different cookie or candy. For the past two years, I've made the cookies starting in early November--and then freeze them until they're ready to be mailed or given away. Allows you more time to make stuff, and they still taste fresh too!" Favorites include Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men, Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Chocolate Crinkles, and The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies.

  • Our Top 20 Most Cherished Christmas Cookies

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Homemade Vanilla Extract

View Recipe

"I love making homemade vanilla," says the daily gourmet. You can even do this last minute if you have an Instant Pot. It just takes quality vanilla beans and vodka! 3 vanilla beans split and 2 cups vodka poured into a mason jar (place the lid loosely on the jar set jar on a trivet) 1 cup water poured into pot - 30 minutes on high pressure and voilà vanilla extract. I found some cute jars and poured my extract into the jars. They were the perfect gift!"

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Papa's Seasoning Salt

Credit: etienne voss/Getty Images
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a quick and easy salt mix you can whip up in 10 minutes. Then all you have to do is spoon it into gift jars for the spice-lovers in your life. Bibi says she made up a batch of this for homemade gifts.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Strawberry Freezer Jam

Credit: FoodFan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Diana says, "Every summer I make a ton of artisan jams from in-season fruit, and I wrap up my canning during Hatch Chile season with my super-secret green-chile-pepper jam (or relish). I use these as gifts for the Holidays for co-workers, neighbors and friends! They are such a hit, we used them as some of the favors for my daughter's wedding reception."

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Vanessa Greaves

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos