I love giving homemade sweet treats for holiday gifts. I usually give them to friends, neighbors, my kids’ teachers and other service professionals along with a gift card, or in addition to contributing to a group gift so there is something personal along with something practical. I know in this day and age, there are all kinds of concerns about allergies, food aversions, people getting too many sweets, health issues, and how clean your kitchen may (or may not) be.
But still. I think it’s a shame to let homemade food gifts fall along the wayside. And really, who DOESN’T enjoy a sweet treat!?
I realize that some people in some professions tend to get inundated with sweets at this time of year, so it’s always a good idea to make something that can be easily frozen and enjoyed at a future date. Cookie are hard, as they tend to dry out quickly. But fudge, candy and sweet breads are all great choices.
These are my 3 favorite sweet treats to make for people at the holidays. In fact, I have already started doling them out to teachers and other people in our lives that I think might enjoy them.
3 Homemade Holiday Candy Gifts
(Click the orange link or the photo below to take you to the corresponding recipe!)
1. Peanut Butter Balls
These are labor intensive, but oh-so-yummy. I have never known anyone NOT to enjoy these. Sometimes called buckeyes, peanut butter balls are exactly what the sound like — little balls of sugary peanut butter goodness, dipped in chocolate, and they absolutely melt in your mouth. Be still my heart . . .
Because these are so tedious to make, and because my life has gotten so incredibly busy in the past few years, I usually only make a batch or two for my closest friends/family who have come to expect them every year. For the rest of y’alls . . .
2. Rocky Road Fudge
This fudge recipe comes from my sister-in-law, and it is about the easiest thing in the world to make. For realz.
3. Peanut Butter Fudge
Another recipe from my sister-in-law, and another easy one. I love it because it doesn’t require any measuring of temperatures, and you don’t even have to know what “soft ball stage” means. It’s pretty much fail proof, although my first batch turned out a bit soft this year. I’m not sure why, but I think I didn’t quite mix the marshmallow fluff in thoroughly. However, I am pleased to report that the second batch was perfection!
I’m not going to be able to post a meal plan this week, but if you have a gluten free recipe to share, feel free to link up below!
And you can check out the Udi’s Gluten Free Community for even more ideas. I’m linking up with One Creative Mommy.
 |
Your peanut butter balls are beautiful! Mine never look that good!
UGH! If ONLY you could have seen me slatting around last night when my chocolate burned and I had to start over! LOL
(and thank you!)
Oh the peanut butter fudge! I’m definitely going to try that and take it to our family Christmas get togethers! YUM!
Your Rocky Road Fudge looks simply Amazing!!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings
Angelina
Sorry, something happened to the linky and my photo didn’t appear, but I’ve shared a scrumptious Middle Eastern inspired cocktail that I developed the other night
This may be my new holiday “helper” ;p
Your Christmas treats look fantastic!! My grandmother used to make wonderful peanut butter balls all the time and they were my absolute favorite treat.
those peanut butter balls look so tempting!
Jo Lynne, wasn’t sure if I could share 2 recipes but I went ahead and did it. I couldn’t find your rules on your linky. Hope that is okay!
Yes, that is fine!!!! THANKS! Can’t wait to see them.