Last Update: November 27, 2024
Candles are nice and gift cards are practical, but sometimes, you want to give a holiday gift that’s a bit more thoughtful (and maybe a bit more budget-friendly). Luckily, everyone appreciates a DIY gift when it comes in the form of a delicious, homemade treat.
We’re rounding up five of our favorite giftable treats that range from savory to sweet, crunchy to chewy, indulgent to semi-healthy. There’s something in here for everyone, but if you’re looking for ideas, might we suggest…
Happy holiday baking (or no-bake treat-making!)
Yield: 2 giftable servingsÂ
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
1 cup dark chocolate chips, divided
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes
Sprinkles
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Place ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into a bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir, then microwave in 10 second bursts until your chocolate is fully melted. Add the other ½ cup of chocolate chips into the melted chocolate. Stir and microwave for an additional 10 seconds until the chocolate is fully melted.
Repeat the step above with white chocolate chips.
Pour the melted dark chocolate onto a lined baking tray, followed by the white chocolate, and swirl with a knife.
Top with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and salt. Let the chocolate harden, then break up the peppermint bark into bite-sized pieces. Share with friends and enjoy!
Yield: 12 protein ballsÂ
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 12 hours
Ingredients:
â…“ cup cacao powder
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup nut butter (we like cashew)
¼ cup protein powder
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Optional: Candy canes, crushed
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients well to combine.
Roll into 12 balls.
Allow to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Optional: Heat ¼ cup of chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Drop the protein balls in the chocolate and coat, place on a parchment-lined sheet to solidify, and top with crushed candy canes.
Yield: 2 giftable servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sea saltÂ
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 ½ cups cashews
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 370° F.
Combine all ingredients except the cashews in a bowl.
Add the nuts and toss to combine.
Spread the coated nuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes.
Yield: 12 truffles
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
Brownie mix of choice
2 heaping tablespoons hazelnut spread
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Toppings: melted white chocolate, crushed candy canes, flaky salt
Instructions:
Bake the brownie mix according to the instructions on the package. Allow to cool.
Crumble the cooled brownie into a large bowl, then add in the hazelnut spread. Stir the mixture until a thick dough starts to form, then roll the brownie hazelnut spread mixture into approximately 12 bite-sized balls.
In a bowl, microwave the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until fully melted.
Dip the truffles into the melted chocolate.
Top the truffles with melted white chocolate, crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or flaky salt.
Yield: One giftable serving
Active Time: 20 minutesÂ
Total time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons maple syrup
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ cup chopped almonds or nut of choiceÂ
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a saucepan over a low flame, combine syrup and sugar and stir until combined.
Bring to a boil and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it turns brown and shiny. (Tip: don’t stir once it’s boiling, as the sugar will begin to crystallize.)
Quickly add the baking soda and whisk until the mixture foams and expands.
Pour out the sugar mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out. Top with flaked almonds or nuts of choice and let it cool.
Once it hardens, smash the honeycomb into smaller pieces. Honeycomb makes a great topping on ice cream, yogurt, or eaten as-is.
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