Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect hostess gift or simply want to bring a smile to a neighbor’s face, homemade gifts are always well received. You can bake the brittle or pralines you’re known for or create small containers filled with preserves, syrups, or pickles. Food is an important part of any Southern holiday, so food gifts make the perfect way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
No matter what type of treat you’re looking to make or which occasion you’re baking for, we’ve got the gift-worthy recipes you need. These Southern homemade food gifts, complete with charming packaging and thoughtful details, will put a smile on anyone’s face.
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Cracker Toffee
Buttery Saltine crackers, chocolate, and any festive topping you prefer make a delicious combination in this treat.
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Butter Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Classic cookie bites make for well-received packages, especially when delivered in an old-school cookie tin. These pecan-studded shortbread cookies are perfect for Christmas.
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Hot Chocolate Mix
Homemade hot chocolate mix is easy to make in a big batch and dole out to all of your friends and family. For individualized gifts, pair with a Christmas-themed mug.
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Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
These thumbprint Hershey’s kiss cookies will bring back memories of Grandma’s house from the very first bite. The recipe comes from our February 1986 issue.
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Cheese Straws
You can’t go wrong with these crunchy, cheesy bites. Anyone would be glad to have cheese straws around to snack on throughout the season.
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Apple-Pie Infused Bourbon
Turn a plain bottle of hooch into a top-shelf indulgence, infused with sweet autumn flavors. Make a batch in one big bottle, and you can then use mini jars or any other food-safe glass container with a lid to give portions to others.
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Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
This New Orleans classic is quite the special Christmas candy to bestow upon others. Just don’t make them on a rainy day!
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Southern Chowchow
Head on a canning adventure with this Southern condiment that goes with many holiday dishes. Pack it up in glass jar, and you’re set with food gifts!
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Jessica B. Harris’ Peanut Brittle
This version of peanut brittle is a refreshingly simple one. It doesn’t require cream of tartar, corn syrup, or even a candy thermometer—just butter, peanuts, sugar, a pinch of baking soda, and a cast-iron skillet.
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Hot Honey
Delicious drizzled over biscuits and fried chicken or whisked into a vinaigrette, this chile-infused honey will make a welcome addition to anyone’s pantry.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread
Each rich, buttery layer of this giftable loaf has a cap of crunchy, caramelized cinnamon sugar. Plus, it’s a very forgiving recipe.
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Fudgy Pecan Bourbon Balls
These decadent little delights are a cross between bourbon balls and chocolate truffles. Nestle each one in a mini baking cup, and place them in cardboard jewelry boxes wrapped in holiday paper before delivering.
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Bakeshop Blueberry Muffins
Bake several batches of these delightful bakery-worthy muffins, and wrap them up as a breakfast treat. For added flair, use festive muffin wrappers.
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Homemade Turtles
Chewy caramel and sweet chocolate with a crunch of toasted pecans are a trio made in heaven. Everyone will ask for the recipe.
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Christmas Morning Coffee Cake
Resolve to think beyond a ho-hum box of chocolates for a food gift. Instead, pass on this sweet treat, which is filled with delicious ingredients like dried tart cherries, pistachios, and cinnamon.
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Classic Hoppin’ John
Bestow good luck with a New Year’s Day dish of good-for-you peas shot through with smoky flavor.
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Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites
With just seven ingredients and 15 minutes of hands-on time, creating multiple jars ready for gifting will be easier than you think.
