Norwegian Cruise Line Dining Guide (Menus)

The 75 Best Homemade Treats To Gift Any Time Of Year

Without a doubt, food is the way to everyone's heart. So when it comes to gift giving, we think there's nothing better than gifting something homemade and delicious to boot. Sure, we've got tons of great guides for everyone from tea drinkers to dog lovers to stoners to grandmas, but when you're looking to go above and beyond, a homemade food gift is the way to go. These 75 recipes are extra-thoughtful, budget-friendly (the BEST when you've got lots of people on your list), and to top it all off, fun to make and to gift. Next time a birthday or holiday rolls around, consult this list for the best homemade food gifts to send—they're the perfect way to let someone know you care.

There's no one in the world who won't appreciate an adorable container of freshly baked treats, so we've included a number of our favorite recipes here, like our best-ever banana bread, our classic sourdough, our holiday-worthy kringle, our M&M cookie bars, and more.

Not a baker? No worries! We've got lots of options for a wide variety of skill sets, from simple spice mixes like everything bagel seasoning or curry powder; to easy homemade candies like halva, chocolate-covered cherries, or bourbon balls; to slightly more involved projects like lemon curd, kimchi, and orange marmalade. We've even got a few beverages on this list—our homemade apple pie moonshine, Irish cream, and limoncello will delight anyone who receives them.

Our greatest tip—start early, and check your recipes. Some of these can come together in a few hours, but others (looking at you, fermented hot sauce and preserved lemons) can take up to a month. Second greatest tip? Make extra to save for yourself! 😉

Homemade Granola

Why spend all that money on packaged granola when it's so easy to make at home with all of your favorite ingredients? Follow this super-easy step-by-step recipe and you'll never buy it from the store again. Need something grain free? Try our paleo granola next!

Get the Homemade Granola recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Puppy Chow

Puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) is one of the easiest and most delicious sweet snacks EVER, and it's super-kid-friendly to make and gift too.

Get the Puppy Chow recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Bacon Jam

Making jam doesn't always involve cooking down seasonal fruit. Sometimes it involves caramelizing onions and shallots in bacon fat, maple syrup, and brown sugar for a sweet and savory spread that tastes incredible with cheese 🤤.

Get the Bacon Jam recipe.

PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Hot Chocolate Bombs

These are essentially molds of chocolate filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows that explode after being dropped into hot milk. The melted chocolate, along with the hot chocolate mix, makes the creamiest, best hot chocolate we've had in a long time.

Get the Hot Chocolate Bombs recipe.

Andrew bui

Limoncello

Homemade limoncello is sweet and strong with a lasting, delightful lemon flavor. It's the basis for one of our favorite cocktails—the lemon drop martini—and is perfect for gifting during the holidays. Hot tip for gifting: Make sure you're working at least 1 week in advance to allow the liquor to take on the lemon flavor.

Get the Limoncello recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Tiramisu Truffles

Craving a sweet pick-me-up at the end of a meal? These tiramisu truffles are for you. Luscious espresso and mascarpone white chocolate ganache is coated in a crisp chocolate shell for a dreamy bite-sized dessert that's sure to delight every coffee lover.

Get the Tiramisu Truffles recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Preserved Lemons

Preserved lemons are commonly used in the cuisines of North African countries. There's something bright and beautiful about the use of briny-salty lemons in rich stews like a Moroccan tagine, and they're especially nice for gifting! Hot tip: Start early—these take 3+ weeks to ferment.

Get the Preserved Lemons recipe.

PHOTO; ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLIST; BROOKE CAISON

Fantasy Fudge

Fantasy fudge is a shortcut fudge that is just as good as the real thing. Our two favorite things about it are that 1) it's quick to make and 2) it's totally customizable! Not only can you use any chocolate you like, but you can also choose whatever mix-ins you want.

Get the Fantasy Fudge recipe.

Joel goldberg

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Dipping pretzels in chocolate is nothing revolutionary, but boy, are they good. Here's how to do it perfectly every time. Full disclaimer: This recipe yields A LOT. Feel free to halve the recipe, but we've never had a problem eating and gifting them all.

Get the Chocolate-Covered Pretzels recipe.

Parker Feierbach

Candied Orange Peel

Only requiring two ingredients, this is the finishing touch you should make when you really want your dessert to stand out. Plus, it's more than just a special garnish; this can also be a sweet, sugary snack to reach for anytime (trust us—it's better than candy). Make it for your next movie night, as a garnish for an easy dessert (cupcakes, anyone?), or to top of your showstopping holiday treat.

Get the Candied Orange Peel recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Hot Honey

This version is a smart cheat: 3 ingredients, 1 clean jar, and a few seconds of stirring, and you are done. A little tart, substantially spicy, and sufficiently sweet—just like honey should be.

Get the Hot Honey recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Buckeyes

Loaded with peanut butter and dipped in chocolate, these buckeyes are basically a homemade Reese's peanut butter cup in truffle form. They're easy to make and great for taking to parties—although if you do, you should probably attach a warning label to the plate. You won't be able to have just one.

Get the Buckeyes recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER

Mango Chutney

In India, where chutneys hail from, the word can refer to many different spiced dishes. This mango version, which is spiced with fennel, mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds, plus a kick from fresh ginger, is similar to a jam or jelly, and will add flavor to nearly anything you pair it with.

Get the Mango Chutney recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

No-Bake Cereal Milk Truffles

While drinking the milk at the bottom of your own cereal bowl is definitely a one-person treat, we wanted to find a way to share the cereal milk magic with others. Enter the cereal milk truffle: a honeyed white chocolate treat rolled in crushed cereal that everyone will fight over.

Get the No-Bake Cereal Milk Truffles recipe.

PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

French Macarons

These delicate French cookies are somehow simultaneously crispy, chewy, soft, and light as air. This makes them the perfect blank canvas for creative flavors and colors. Make sure all your ingredients are room temperature to achieve the greatest success.

Get the French Macarons recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

Caramel Popcorn

Making from-scratch caramel corn couldn't be easier, but don't be hesitated to rush it—baking at a low temperature for about an hour is key to popcorn with that irresistible sweet crunch.

Get the Caramel Popcorn recipe.

ANDREW BUI

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

PHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Bourbon Balls

If you're looking for a boozy treat to get the party started, these bourbon balls are calling your name. Made with finely chopped pecans, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and of course, bourbon, these no-bake cookie truffles highlight the flavor of the bourbon while taming its typical burn.

Get the Bourbon Balls recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER

Elf On The Shelf-Inspired Mischief Munch

Even if you're not well-studied in the arts of elf antics—or are particularly crafty—you can make this mischief munch. Your kids can even make it with you, so they can leave it out to lure their little pal. It just takes a little cereal, some M&M's and holiday sprinkles, but you could modify it to suit your tastes.

Get the Elf On The Shelf Mischief Munch recipe.

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Salted Caramels

Sea salt and caramel are a total match made in heaven, whether it's in a luscious caramel sauce or, in this case, perfectly chewy, wrappable candies. If it seems silly to top them with salt, trust us—it pulls the flavors together (and adds a little crunch!).

Get the Salted Caramels recipe.

Joel goldberg

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Gone are the days when the magical blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt was reserved for bagels. Sure, you could buy it from a store, but it's easy to make at home and adapt to your liking. Us? We like ours on the saltier side with a mix of black and white sesame seeds.

Get the Everything Bagel Seasoning recipe.

Andrew bui

Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

Giddy up! Cowboy Candy (aka candied jalapeños) are spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet—the perfect condiment for topping everything from Bloody Marys to migas to grilled creamed corn. The combination of fiery heat from the jalapeño and the nearly caramelized coating from the sugar is truly incredible.

Get the Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños) recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Taco Seasoning

The easiest, most foolproof way to upgrade Mexican food? Use a homemade taco seasoning (it's not just for tacos!). Spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, this seasoning will transform taco Tuesdays (and beyond!).

Get the Taco Seasoning recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Homemade Kettle Corn

Now you don't have to wait for the carnival to come back to town! This sweet and salty combination makes for a deliciously sugary treat that's perfect for movie night, an afternoon craving, or on the snack table at your next party.

Get the Homemade Kettle Corn recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Peanut Brittle

If you love sugar and you love peanut butter, peanut brittle is naturally a treat you should have on hand, always. Thankfully, it's not at all a complicated process, and you can make it right at home—with or without a candy thermometer!

Get the Peanut Brittle recipe.

Andrew bui

Chocolate Covered Cherries

You've heard of chocolate-covered strawberries, now try chocolate covered cherries. Warning: These babies are sweet, so a little goes a long way.

Get the Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe.

Hearst Owned

PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Perfect Fruit Scones

Fruit scones are meant to be seasonal, so use your favorite farmers' market fruit for these. Gift with some ice cream or whipped cream for a shortcake-inspired treat.

Get the Perfect Fruit Scones recipe.

Hearst Owned

Garlic Butter

This garlic butter is smooth, slightly salty, and plenty garlicky, with a bit of lemon zest and a lot of chopped parsley for extra zip. We've also got red wine butter, Tuscan butter, and maple butter if you're in the mood to create a compound butter gift collection.

Get the Garlic Butter recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Biscotti

A lot of treats consider themselves coffee/tea companions, but none hold a candle to the crispy, crunchy goodness that is the humble biscotti. These have the classic flavor combination of cranberry and orange, and we dipped in white chocolate and coated in chopped pistachios to add a little extra indulgence.

Get the White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Biscotti recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Beer Bread

If you find the idea of making breads like sourdough, French bread, or challah intimidating, you're not alone. Just don't let that stop you from gifting homemade bread! The beer pulls double duty in this beloved quick bread, serving both as a boost to the leaveners and the flavor of the bread.

Get the Beer Bread recipe.

PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: HADLEY SUI - Hearst Owned

Chili Oil

Chili oil and chili crisp are all the rage now, and we're here to take you through how to make them at home, troubleshooting common mistakes along the way.

Get the Chili Oil recipe.

June xie

Best Banana Bread

If you're looking to make the ultimate loaf of banana bread—moist, dense, and absolutely jam-packed with banana—look no further than this recipe. It's quick to whip up with only a handful of pantry ingredients, is full of intense banana flavor, and has that perfect, moist-crumb texture.

Get the Best Banana Bread recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Peppermint Patties

Peppermint Patties were developed in 1940 at a store in York, Pennsylvania. The guy behind the York Cone Company, Henry Kessler, made sure the patties had that perfect "snap." The company became one with Hershey in the late 1980s, and the candy is synonymous with the brand. The more you know!

Get the Peppermint Patties recipe.

PHOTO; LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST; FRANCESCA ZANI

Curry Powder

Don't be intimidated by how many spices are called for here. "Curry" has become a very nebulous term and what counts as "curry powder" is totally dependent on whom you ask. Think of this as a jumping board for you to tinker around with for your own perfect version.

Get the Curry Powder recipe.

June xie

Panettone

Panettone is a rich, fruity, bread-like cake studded with citrusy dried fruit and nuts. For this recipe, we've minimized the prep time without sacrificing the quality, making it the perfect nostalgic gift for the holidays.

Get the Panettone recipe.

PHOTO; ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLIST; FRANCESCA ZANI

Spiced Candied Pecans

As much as we love all the typical holiday sweets, candied pecans will always have a special place on our dessert plate. These particular pecans are our #1: They're great eaten by the handful, as an accompaniment to a cheese board, or wrapped up and given away as gifts. (Read: Make a LOT.)

Get the Spiced Candied Pecans recipe.

Lucy schaeffer

Olive & Fig Tapenade

This one skips the traditional fish and instead combines olives with figs and balsamic vinegar for a fabulous combination of sweet, salty, and tangy notes that will keep you coming back, bite after bite.

Get the Olive & Fig Tapenade recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a candy we cannot wait to get our hands on every holiday season. Luckily for you, you can make a batch in just 10 minutes flat.

Get the Peppermint Bark recipe.

Parker feierbach

Perfect Biscotti

Biscotti are Italian cookies that are initially baked in a large flat log, then cut and baked once more into toasted and crunchy treats. We love them simple with sliced almonds, but pistachios, pine nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, or chocolate chips are all great mix-ins.

Get the Biscotti recipe.

Parker feierbach

Sourdough Bread

Now that you have all that sourdough starter, send someone a fresh loaf of bread! Not only will it fill your kitchen with delish smells of yeasty goodness, you'll walk away with a handful of life lessons along with a piece of unbelievably fulfilling bread.

Get the Sourdough Bread recipe.

Parker feierbach

Halva

Halva is a Middle Eastern tahini-based treat similar to fudge, but less sweet. Add it to any holiday gift box to mix things up.

Get the Halva recipe.

Andrew bui

Homemade Pickles

Pickles of all kinds are a good cook's shortcut to better meals. The tart kick of a freshly made pickle combined with their crunch can be added to anything from fish tacos to scrambled eggs. Here's how to make 'em at home so you always have some (and can give them away as gifts).

Get the Homemade Pickles recipe.

Parker feierbach

Danish Kringle

If you love almond croissants, you've GOT to try this Danish kringle. Stuffed with creamy almond filling and glazed with icing, these flaky ring-shaped pastries are equal parts decadently rich and irresistibly delicious.

Get the Danish Kringle recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

Chocolate-Covered Graham Crackers

Show friends and family you care by making your own graham crackers, then covering them in white or milk chocolate, or both! (Follow our tips on how to melt chocolate for the best results.) Feel free to get creative with your decorations (we think drawing little trees on these would be adorable).

Get the Chocolate-Covered Graham Crackers recipe.

PHOTO; ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLIST; BARRETT WASHBURNE

Homemade Irish Cream

If you're a Baileys fanatic, you may be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make homemade Irish cream right at home. All you need are 5 ingredients and a blender to create this sweet and creamy liqueur that's perfect for gifting (and drinking).

Get the Homemade Irish Cream recipe.

EMILY HLAVAC GREEN

Gingerbread Truffles

Truffles are the ultimate one-bite wonder, and these gingerbread ones have a delightful touch of holiday magic in each bite. Bonus: They're rolled in crushed gingersnaps for a zippy ginger bite and a pleasingly crunchy texture.

Get the Gingerbread Truffles recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JASON SCHREIBER

Tamales

Mexican tamales aren't just fun to eat, they're a great solo or group project for anyone who loves to cook. Tamale making is a joy, and tamales are a great canvas for different kinds of fillings.

Get the Tamales recipe.

ANDREW BUI

Chocolate Almond Bark

This homemade chocolate bark puts just about any store-bought chocolate candy to shame, offering an unbeatable sweet, salty, crunchy hit to the palate. For best results, skip the chocolate chips (they're loaded with waxes and preservatives in order to retain their shape even after melting) and pick high-quality chocolate bars.

Get the Chocolate Almond Bark recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Kimchi

Kimchi is a broad name for a type of Korean banchan—or, side dish—that is served alongside most meals in Korea. Serve kimchi alongside bibimbap, stir it into fried rice, or fold it into creamy pasta.

Get the Kimchi recipe.

PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Fermented Hot Sauce

Believe it or not, most of your favorite hot sauces is fermented. That slightly funky, vinegary taste you get from sauces like Tabasco and sriracha actually comes from a fermentation process that is crazy easy to do at home.

Get the Fermented Hot Sauce recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Lemon Curd

Fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars in this lemon curd, creating a natural and distinctly citrusy flavor. This curd comes together with only 5 ingredients and 15 minutes, but be warned—it does require some planning ahead, particularly if you want to gift it.

Get the Lemon Curd recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Sweet 'N' Salty Chocolate Bark

This chocolate bark is endlessly adaptable. Feel free to customize and make it your own, but don't forget the flaky sea salt—it'll help pull all the flavors together.

Get the Sweet 'N' Salty Chocolate Bark recipe.

Parker feierbach

Amaretti Cookies

If you like the flavor of French macarons, you'll love this take on Italian amaretti cookies. Soft, pillowy, moist, sweet, and lightly scented with amaretto liqueur as well as citrus zests, these cookies get made multiple times a season, year after year.

Get the Amaretti Cookies recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: DUNCAN FITZPATRICK

Homemade Marshmallows

They're fluffy, they're soft, they're straight from the heavens: Homemade marshmallows just can't be beat. Once you make this yourself, going back to the bagged stuff will be a difficult decision fraught with inner struggle. Package these with ingredients for hot chocolate for a truly wonderful gift.

Get the Homemade Marshmallows recipe.

June xie

Chocolate Toffee

Need a gift for friends, coworkers, and the babysitter? Chocolate toffee to the rescue. This recipe is really simple, but toffee in general can be a littttlllleee fussy. Our biggest piece of advice: WHISK CONSTANTLY! The moment you walk away from the saucepan, the butter and sugar will separate.

Get the Chocolate Toffee recipe.

Parker feierbach

Orange Marmalade

Unlike strawberry jam and blueberry jam, there is a bitter curve to citrus marmalade due to the inclusion of the peel. To minimize bitterness, use a mix of orange citrus fruits that include thinner-skinned varieties like tangerines, clementines, and mandarins.

Get the Orange Marmalade recipe.

June xie

Oreo Cookie Balls

Oreo lovers, meet your new favorite dessert. These cookie balls are essentially truffles. You simply crush up Oreos (we like using a food processor but the old Ziploc bag and rolling pin definitely works), mix them up with cream cheese, and then dunk those balls into melted chocolate. 😍

Get the Oreo Cookie Balls recipe.

PARKER FEIERBACH

Everything Ritz Crackers

When you're craving a bagel STAT, everything bagel-seasoned Ritz are here to save you! Ready in well under an hour, they'll curb your craving until you've got time to whip up a real homemade bagel.

Get the Everything Ritz Crackers recipe.

LAURA REGE

Best Brownies

Everyone needs a staple, crowd-pleasing brownie recipe to keep in their back pocket—we think these moist, extra-chocolatey brownies should be your new go-to. If you normally reach for the boxed mix, trust us—make this easy, homemade recipe one time, and you'll ditch the boxed mix for good.

Get the Best Brownies recipe.

PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

M&M Cookie Bars

These have all the comfort of a chocolate chip cookie, with the added crunch of M&M's and the heft of a bar shape, making for a delicious treat that's impossible to put down. Try them with seasonal M&M's to switch them up for holidays too.

Get the M&M Cookie Bars recipe.

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Challah Rolls

These rolls are a great alternative to challah bread. Turn them into sandwiches, smother them with butter, or even make them into challah French toast. This dough is a bit on the sweeter side, so it lends beautifully for a pre-dinner roll or for pulling apart and eating on its own too.

Get the Challah Rolls recipe.

Andrew bui

Apple Pie Moonshine

The prohibition may be over, but we still plan on making our moonshine. This fall-flavored version will make you forget all about Pumpkin Spice Lattes because...Well…grain alcohol. Not to mention, you'll finally have the chance to drink your favorite fall dessert—apple pie.

Get the Apple Pie Moonshine recipe.

Emily Hlavac Green

Homemade Apple Jam

Got a lot of apples and don't know what to do with them? If homemade apple pie seems like too much of an undertaking, this jam is just the thing to prolong the delicious fall fruit.

Get the Homemade Apple Jam recipe.

Parker Feierbach

Millionaire Shortbread

Treat your friends like a million bucks and gift them these sweet bars. With a buttery shortbread cookie crust, caramel middle, and thick chocolate top, it doesn't get much richer than this.

Get the Millionaire Shortbread recipe.

PARKER FEIERBACH

Dulce De Leche

Homemade caramel is delicious, but it isn't the easiest recipe to make. If only there was a recipe that required no stirring, almost no work and gave you a consistent, luscious topping every time? Oh, here it is: Dulce De Leche!

Get the Dulce De Leche recipe.

Park Feierbach

Bacon Chocolate Roses

Bacon + chocolate is one of our favorite unexpected combinations of all time. To make the roses, we rolled up each slice of bacon and secured with toothpicks. Then we brushed them with maple syrup and topped them with good amount of freshly ground pepper for a little kick.

Get the Bacon Chocolate Roses recipe.

Brad Holland

Sticky Buns

These are absolutely perfect—the buns are fluffy and buttery, the cinnamon swirls tightly wound, and the glaze as sticky as possible. Bonus: They make your kitchen smell INCREDIBLE.

Get the Perfect Sticky Buns recipe.

Parker feierbach

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is so simple to make, and that's just one of the reasons it's so beloved and perfect for serving to guests. Sour cream and buttermilk make this one moist and tender (and it will stay that way for days, which is great for gifts!).

Get the Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe.

PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

You Might Also Like

---