When it comes to Christmas time, there’s only so many pairs of socks and cute mugs you can hand out.
Why not try something more personal, and delicious, and bake your friends and family some homemade edible goodies? We’ve pulled together a selection of our favourite recipes, from cookies and cupcakes, to truffle balls and macarons – all you need is some clear cellophane and ribbon to wrap them up.
Just watch your loved ones’ faces light up when you give them their gifts…
White Christmas
White Christmas A classic festive dessert, this beautiful white chocolate Christmas slice is packed full of the sweetness of dried fruit and the crunch of fresh nuts. Wrap in coloured cellophane for a thoughtful gift.
Chocolate drambuie fruit cakes
Chocolate drambuie fruit cakes Drambuie is a whisky-based liqueur infused with honey, spices and herbs. Soaking the fruit in the liqueur adds depth and richness to these divine cakes.
Christmas stollens
Christmas stollens Get the kids busy in the kitchen this Christmas with these fun and fruity creations.
Jam shortbread snowflakes
Jam shortbread snowflakes We used black cherry, raspberry and apricot jam to make these shortbread snowflakes, but you can use any flavour you like. If you don’t have a set of snowflake cutters, stars are very pretty too.
Coconut ice
Coconut ice Just like grandma used to make it, delicious coconut ice for a pretty tea party. Coconut ice is traditionally made with copha, but this version uses condensed milk, which is lower in fat and produces just-as-tasty results.
Sugar-free chocolate superfood bark
Sugar-free chocolate superfood bark This delicious treat looks makes a wonderful Christmas or Easter gift for family and friends. And it’s gluten-free and dairy-free too!
Cinnamon holly biscuits
Cinnamon holly biscuits Enlist the children’s help to make and decorate these simple festive biscuits. Make for the family, or wrap to give as gifts.
Giant father christmas cookies
Giant Father Christmas cookies nothing like Father Christmas heads to get you in the spirit.
Mince pies
Cranberry and nut nougat
Cranberry and nut nougat Nougat recipes often require candy thermometers and exact cooking temperatures; this cranberry and nut version is much simpler. It also has a pretty stained glass effect and makes a lovely gift.
Christmas tree shortbreads
Christmas tree shortbreads Get the kids involved in making these Christmas tree shortbreads. Those who can’t yet manage the cutting out will still have lots of (possibly very messy) fun decorating them.
Christmas wreath cupcakes
The perfect way to bring the Christmas decorating to the table!
Cinnamon eggnog macarons
Cinnamon eggnog macarons What a delightful way to enjoy the flavour of eggnog. These macarons are the perfect, light accompaniment to Christmas dinner, and would make a unique and thoughtful gift for your host.