Whether you want to bake a treat or buy one online to be delivered, we’ve found the best food gifts for Christmas that everyone on your list will enjoy.
When it comes to holiday gifts—or really, any type of gift—the way to a friend or family member's heart is usually through the stomach. Food gifts for Christmas are guaranteed to be a hit; after all, who doesn't love to eat? Go the extra mile by making homemade food Christmas gifts like cookies or candy (we've helped you out by gathering some of our best ideas here). But if you're short on time or kitchen skills, you can order a variety of Christmas food gifts online. Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? We've scoured sites and found some of the best food gifts for Christmas to be delivered so you don't have to. You can thank us later.
In This Article:
Studded with holiday-appropriate bright cranberries (fresh or frozen is fine), these extra-chocolatey brownies make perfect food gifts for Christmas. Stir cacao nibs into the batter and sprinkle extra nibs on top to add a little bit of crunch.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Cacao Nib Brownies
Looking to give out some homemade food Christmas gifts this year? These cinnamon-spiked shortbread cookies fit the bill. Cut them into pretty shapes and decorate with a drizzle of icing to make them holiday-ready. Best of all, they’re made with almond flour, so they’re perfect for that friend who’s going gluten-free.
Get the recipe: Glazed Almond Cinnamon Shortbread
There are plenty of ways to add a splash of red to your holiday treats; how about some green? Made with cocoa powder, these cookies get a nutty crunch from a cup of pistachios. Sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking to give them an extra shine.
Get the recipe: Chocolate-Pistachio Slice-and-Bake Cookies
These DIY Christmas food gifts are almost too pretty to eat, but they're surprisingly easy to make. Swirl melted white chocolate into a layer of bittersweet chocolate to create a decorative pattern, then sprinkle crushed mints on top for that festive holiday touch.
Get the recipe: Black and White Peppermint Bark
Who wouldn't love a tin bursting with these cheerful cookies? You'll make the dough in a food processor, which cuts the butter into the dry ingredients more evenly than a standard electric mixer. The addition of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses ensures these treats taste as delicious as they look.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Men
If you're planning to go the homemade gift route this year, these cookies make the best food gifts for Christmas. Irresistibly buttery cookies are dipped in decadent melted chocolate and garnished with crushed peppermints for the perfect holiday treat.
Get the recipe: Chocolate-Peppermint Wafers
Add ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles to make the ultimate Christmas food gifts for your favorite chocoholic. Liven up the batch by rolling them in a variety of toppings, like toasted shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or cacao nibs.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Truffles
You can’t go wrong with a tin filled with these classic Italian cookies. Chewy and nutty, tender and crunchy, these treats have a bit of orange zest which helps cut through the richness of the almond paste.
Get the recipe: Pine Nut Cookies
Know someone who loves gummy candies? They'll be blown away by a box of these chewy homemade sweets. Use any fresh citrus fruit you like, or mix it up with apple cider, mango, or pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Get the recipe: Citrus Gumdrops
Don’t feel like baking, but still want to make DIY Christmas food gifts? These crispy, airy treats made from honey, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract are unique and irresistibly good. To take them over the top, dip them into melted chocolate and let set before gifting.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Dipped Honeycomb
Homemade fudge made entirely in the microwave? Yes, it's possible—and delicious. White chocolate, nutmeg, and brandy (we wouldn't leave out the best part) taste just like your favorite holiday drink. And all it takes is a little bit of stirring on your part.
Get the recipe: Microwave Eggnog and Cherry Fudge
These adorable candies make ideal Christmas food gifts, and they don't require any baking. Just combine cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar with a dash of peppermint extract to add a little holiday flavor. They'll keep at room temperature for up to a week—though we doubt they'll last that long.
Get the recipe: Cream Cheese Mints
Your favorite foodie friend will love these sophisticated DIY Christmas food gifts. Sweetened dried citrus peels (you can use lemon and lime, too) get a coating of granulated sugar and a dip in chocolate. They’re the perfect sweet to enjoy with a cup of espresso at the end of a meal.
Get the recipe: Chocolate-Dipped Candied Orange Peel
If you can’t decide between cookies and chocolate, this chocolate bark—with bits of crushed wafer cookies scattered throughout—is just the thing. A hint of peppermint extract adds a fresh, minty bite; you could also crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the top for an extra festive touch.
Get the recipe: Mint Swirl Wafer Cookie Bark
If you need food gift ideas for Christmas, look no further than this sophisticated homemade toffee. A layer of crunchy caramel and chocolate gets an elegant upgrade with toasty cacao nibs and salty pumpkin seeds, which balance out the candy’s sweetness.
Get the recipe: Cacao Nib and Pumpkin Seed Toffee
Know a displaced New Yorker who’s missing the Big Apple? A tin of these black and white cookies—a New York classic—is sure to be a hit. Soft, cake-like cookies are frosted with equal parts vanilla and chocolate icing. The only dilemma is which side to eat first.
Get the recipe: Black and White Cookies
Homemade food Christmas gifts don’t come any prettier than these Swedish cookies that are speckled with pistachios and boast a layer of deep red jam in the center. Cardamom adds a fragrant, earthy note that perfectly complements the sweet-tart lingonberry jam.
Get the recipe: Jam-Striped Pistachio Cardamom Icebox Cookies
Matcha is all the rage these days, so why not incorporate it into your DIY Christmas food gifts? The green tea powder adds healthy antioxidants and turns these cute little cookies into a seasonally appropriate color. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Get the recipe: Matcha Shortbread Cookies
If you want to give unusual food gifts for Christmas this year, these biscotti won’t disappoint. Made with tangy goat cheese, savory herbs, and a bit of sugar, these treats walk the line between dessert and appetizer. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine for a unique pre-dinner snack.
Get the recipe: Goat Cheese and Sage Biscotti
Homemade food Christmas gifts don’t have to take a lot of effort. You only need three ingredients—including a sheet of store-bought frozen puff pastry—to bake up these crispy, airy treats. Use dark maple syrup to get the deepest flavor, and finish with a sprinkle of maple sugar.
Get the recipe: Maple Twists
If you really want to impress, bake a batch of these classic Austrian treats; they take a little bit of effort, but the gorgeous results are well worth it. Toasted ground almonds in the dough add a nuttiness that plays well against the sweet raspberry jam.
Get the recipe: Raspberry-Almond Linzer Cookies
To make these food Christmas gifts even more holiday-appropriate, use food coloring to tint two of the layers red and green. The cookies look fancy but are easier to make than you think; you’ll whip up all three doughs in the food processor, so cleanup is a snap.
Get the recipe: Neopolitan Butter Cookies
Looking for savory food gift ideas for Christmas? These delicate cheese crackers are simple to make and happen to be gluten free, too. Your friend who loves to host parties will adore a box of these crisps: they’re the perfect snack to enjoy with an aperitif before a dinner party.
Get the recipe: Smoked Paprika Fricos
Your search for the perfect Christmas brownie ends right here with these party-ready sweets. We start with our favorite chocolate brownie recipe, using both cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate, and bake as usual. Once the brownies have cooled completely, the fun begins. First, dress them up with a layer of melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with chopped peppermint candies (leftover candy canes work great here, too) for a pretty holiday touch. When everything is set, cut into squares and enjoy. A rich, cakey brownie base topped off with smooth white chocolate and crunchy bits of peppermint goodness—who could resist?
Get the recipe: White Chocolate and Peppermint Brownies
Your favorite chewy spiced molasses cookies get a brilliant twist with the addition of cocoa powder to add a rich chocolatey flavor. Their crackly, craggy exteriors, enhanced with some coarse sugar, makes these treats utterly irresistible food gifts for Christmas.
Get the recipe: Cocoa-Molasses Cookies
Buttery, airy little teacakes make ideal homemade food Christmas gifts. Earthy matcha turns them a pretty green hue, and chopped pistachios sprinkled on each cake add a nutty crunch. Ground almonds in the batter ensure there’s a double dose of nuttiness in every bite.
Get the recipe: Pistachio Matcha Financiers
Are they cookies or are they candies? Who cares when they’re this delicious? These DIY Christmas food gifts are like the cookie version of peanut brittle, and they’re just as addictive. Thin, crunchy, and full of nuts, they’re sure to delight your nuttiest friend or family member.
Get the recipe: Peanut Crackle Cookies
If you’re searching for unique food gift ideas for Christmas, look no further—this adorable monkey bread is just the thing. It’s baked right in a terra cotta pot that’s perfect for gifting (genius!). And with the addition of dried herbs, olives, and Parmesan, this savory bread tastes just like pizza.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Olive and Herb Flower Pot Monkey Bread
These nutty treats are fairly simple but oh-so-good. You’ll mix toasted ground pecans into the buttery dough and form into balls. Once baked and cooled, roll in confectioners’ sugar to coat. The lucky recipient of these Christmas food gifts won’t be able to stop at just one.
Get the recipe: Sugared Pecan Balls
Chewy, gooey, marshmallowy popcorn balls make fun food gifts for Christmas—especially when they’re studded with chocolate M&Ms (use peanut if you want to jazz them up even more). They’re a breeze to make and a great hands-on project for kids, too.
Get the recipe: M&M Popcorn Balls
Christmas food gift ideas usually involve cookies. Why not mix it up with some homemade granola instead? This version includes pumpkin seeds, honey, and dried cherries for just the right the balance of sweet and savory. Package the granola in a clear cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.
Get the recipe: Olive Oil Granola
If you’d rather give savory Christmas food gifts than sweet, bake a batch of these super-easy bread sticks. You’ll start with store-bought pizza dough, which you’ll shape into sticks. Sprinkle with salt and caraway seeds and bake until golden brown, and you’re ready to start gifting.
Get the recipe: Caraway Bread Sticks
A beautifully wrapped loaf of this seasonal quick bread makes a thoughtful present. Bright cranberries have a gorgeous holiday hue, while chopped toasted hazelnuts lend a nutty crunch. A bit of grated orange zest stirred into the batter adds a hint of citrus that brightens up the moist, tender loaf.
Get the recipe: Cranberry-Hazelnut Bread
Your gluten-free friends will love you forever if you give them loaves of these tasty homemade food Christmas gifts. The recipe calls for gluten-free flour, along with a mashed ripe banana and sour cream to keep the bread moist and fluffy.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Coconut Bread
How do you make crunchy, peanut-y brittle even better? Add a dash of cayenne pepper and a little cinnamon to spice things up, of course. Once the candy has cooled, break it into shards and place into cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for the ultimate Christmas food gifts.
Get the recipe: Spicy Peanut Brittle
Get the recipe: Billionaire Bars
Get the recipe: Buttery Gingerbread Maple Muffins
Get the recipe: Brown Butter Cookies and Cream Rice Krispie Treats
Get the recipe: Raspberry Pistachio Teacakes
Similar to dulce de leche, but made with tangy goat’s milk instead of cow’s, cajeta is a rich, luscious sauce that’s delicious drizzled over just about anything—ice cream, yogurt, cake, or toast. Package it in jars and add pretty labels for delectable and unusual Christmas food gifts.
Get the recipe: Cajeta
Get the recipe: Honey Lemon Curd
Know someone who’s always on the go? These granola bars are chock-full of goodness and make thoughtful food gifts for Christmas for your busiest friends and family members. Cranberries, almonds, and chia seeds provide a boost of nutrition, while chocolate chips make them extra delicious.
Get the recipe: Homemade Granola Bars
Get the recipe: Banana Bread Granola
Cheddar, butter, salt, and red pepper flakes? We’re sold. These crisp cheese sticks, with a slightly spicy kick, make fantastic Christmas food gifts for your friends who love to snack. Just make sure you don’t eat them all yourself first!
Get the recipe: Cheese Straws
Get the recipe: Roasted Tomato and Corn Salsa
Know a health nut who still loves sweets? This rich, creamy fudge is actually good for you, and it only requires four ingredients. It’s made with unsweetened coconut, coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter, and tastes just as decadent as the real thing.
Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge
Give these classic light, airy little cakes a holiday twist by adding dark cocoa powder and mint extract to the batter. Tender and fluffy, they practically melt in your mouth. They may look fancy, but all you need is a madeleine mold to create their elegant fluted shapes.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Peppermint French Madeleines
Get the recipe: Holiday Pretzel Bites
Get the recipe: Candied Pecans
True lovers of the pink stuff say “yes way rosé” even in the middle of winter. This blushing trio—Billsboro Rosé of Pinot Noir, Matthiasson Rosé from Napa, and a sparkling dry apple cider with pomegranate and hibiscus—will please any fan, along with four stemless glasses for elegant sipping.
To buy: $103.50; mouth.com.
High-quality, handcrafted salami make delicious food gifts for Christmas. Your meat-loving friend will receive an Italian finocchiona with fennel and black pepper; a Spanish-style chorizo with sweet and smoked paprika; and loukanika, a Greek salami with garlic, cumin, and orange zest.
To buy: $30, food52.com.
Need unique food gifts for Christmas to be delivered? Send a box of these unusual small-batch chocolate bars to your favorite adventurous chocoholic. The set includes a decadent coconut and salted caramel bar; a salty-sweet combo with pretzels, peanut butter, and caramel; and a riff on PB&J.
To buy: $66.50, mouth.com.
You’ll often find nuts in Christmas food gift baskets, but we bet you’ve never seen an assortment like this before. Shipped in a beautiful wooden keepsake box, the set includes two pounds of Sriricha peanuts, coffee stout cashews, and smoked whiskey almonds.
To buy: $55, food52.com.
Most Christmas food gift baskets are so generic—crackers, a hunk of cheese, a box of cookies. Send someone this thoughtfully curated package of everything she’ll need for a lazy Sunday at home: pancake mix, maple syrup, granola, coffee, and of course, that all-important bloody Mary mix.
To buy: $128.50, mouth.com.
Looking for charming food gifts for Christmas to be delivered? You won’t find anything sweeter than this sleek tin bursting with colorful candies. Your lucky recipient won’t know where to start first—the gummy peaches or the jelly beans? Napoleon sours or gummy lobsters? So many options.
To buy: $49, deandeluca.com.
Finding unique food gifts for Christmas is always a challenge. If you know someone who’s obsessed with Mexican food (who doesn’t?), this trio of authentic moles is sure to please. Fire-roasted green, smoked Oaxacan, and dried chilaca red sauces will liven up enchiladas, chicken, pork, and more.
To buy: $36, food52.com.
To buy: $36, deandeluca.com.
Skip the Christmas food gift baskets and send a tote full of tasty goodies instead. It’s loaded with both sweet and savory treats, including BBQ kettle chips, spicy crispy chickpeas, peanut butter cookies, and cotton candy marshmallows. Your favorite nosher will thank you.
To buy: $68.50, mouth.com.
’Tis the season for warm, boozy beverages. So when it come to food and drink Christmas gifts, this hot toddy kit is just what the holidays ordered. You’ll get a bottle of rye, a ginger liqueur, and a fruity applejack—perfect for adding to hot tea with a cinnamon stick.
To buy: $149.50, mouth.com.
To buy: $42, deandeluca.com.
After tasting these flavorful, handcrafted sauces, you’ll never buy generic supermarket brands again. This set includes two jars of smoked tomato sauce with eggplant and garlic and two jars of good-for-you sauce made with tomatoes, basil, kale, and Swiss chard.
To buy: $36, food52.com.
If you’re looking for colorful food gift ideas for Christmas, look no further. This kit comes with everything you need to make adorable multi-hued pancakes, down to the luscious glaze and the rainbow sprinkles. There’s no food coloring needed—the included dyes are natural and chemical-free.
To buy: $19, foodstirs.com.
To buy: $24, food52.com.
To buy: $65, deandeluca.com.
Finding Christmas food gifts for your favorite bakers just got a lot easier. Send them this DIY cake pop kit, which includes organic vanilla cake mix, natural dye packets, and the rest of the supplies you’ll need to make these cute treats (including the lollipop sticks).
To buy: $19, foodstirs.com.
Christmas food gift baskets don’t come any hotter than this one. Your spiciest friend will get fired up about these five bottles of hot sauce from around the world, with flavors ranging from sweet to spicy to smoky to searing.
To buy: $45, igourmet.com.
Ghirardelli’s peppermint chocolate squares make thoughtful Christmas food gifts for friends who need some holiday cheer. Packaged in a keepsake red-and-white striped tin, these little chocolates are the perfect pick-me-up when you’re looking for a sweet taste of the season.
To buy: $23, ghiraardelli.com.
Need Christmas food gift ideas for an aspiring little baker? This kit is perfect for kids who want to create fun, tasty cupcakes. They’ll use the cake mix and frosting, then decorate with marshmallows and yellow sparkling sugar. Of course, the striped baking cups are included, too.
To buy: $19, foodstirs.com.
We all know someone who loves bacon, right? Well, these three types of bacon will be the ultimate food gifts for Christmas: hickory-smoked Virginia bacon, Vermont bacon brined in maple syrup, and Kentucky bacon that’s been dry-rubbed so there’s less shrinkage in the pan.
To buy: $50, igourmet.com.
Antioxidant-rich green tea is everywhere these days. Make it official by gifting this box of five different green teas in flavors like spearmint, ginger-lemon, rose, and strawberry. The included tea infuser will make brewing up a pot a snap.
To buy: $34, us-en.kusmitea.com.
We’re guessing most people don’t have time to make homemade croissants from scratch. That’s why these pre-made frozen pastries make ideal Christmas food gifts. Crafted by a master pastry chef using lots of butter and layers of dough, these chocolate croissants rise overnight, then get baked in the oven.
To buy: $40, williams-sonoma.com.
Searching for food gift ideas for Christmas that are off the beaten path? This set of five international mustards—plus a mini olive wood spatula—will please all the condiment lovers in your life. The mustards range from smooth to grainy and sweet to hot, but all are delicious.
To buy: $57, gourmet.com.
See’s has been around since 1921, and they’re still churning out quality chocolates and candies. Boxes of their best-selling items make great food gifts for Christmas, and this set has it all: assorted filled chocolates, peanut brittle, hard candies, and more.
To buy: $52, sees.com.
Making fresh popcorn is nearly as easy as using your microwave, and it tastes much better, too. This box includes three varieties of non-GMO corn kernels, plus canola oil and salt—all you need to provide is the pot. Let the Netflix-bingeing begin!
To buy: $40, williams-sonoma.com.
When it comes to cheese, you can never go wrong with France. Send these three cheeses as Christmas food gifts to a fromage lover, and he’ll be thanking you all year long. The set includes a triple-crème cow’s milk cheese, a washed-rind cheese, and a raw cow’s milk cheese.
To buy: $60, williams-sonoma.com.
Know someone who’s a big fan of The Nutcracker? These gorgeous edible works of art will make the best food gifts for Christmas for your ballet lover. The set includes 18 hand-iced sugar cookies, including a nutcracker, mouse king, Clara, Christmas tree, and ballet slippers.
To buy: $75, elenis.com.
Your gluten-free friends still deserve to eat baked goods, right? Send them these Christmas food gifts to let them know you feel their pain. They’ll get five bakery favorites, including buttery Viennese tea cookies, triple-chocolate truffle brownies, and coconut lemon squares.
To buy: $100, williams-sonoma.com.
Give food gifts for Christmas to prepare your loved ones for the long winter ahead—like this cozy basket from Stonewall Kitchen. It includes an assortment of goodies for an evening of comfort food such as cornbread mix, chili starter, and New England corn chowder mix.
To buy: $50, stonewallkitchen.com.
If you’re looking for luxurious food gift ideas for Christmas, consider these decadent truffles from Paris’ iconic chocolate shop. Handcrafted from house-blended chocolates sourced from around the world, the truffles come in three flavors: caramel toffee, black currant, and citrus fruit.
To buy: $65, williams-sonoma.com.
It’s everything you need for an Italian night in: angel hair pasta, basil garlic tomato sauce, and a bottle of red wine. Food and drink Christmas gifts don’t get more thoughtful than this; it’s a great way to treat someone who usually turns to take-out.
To buy: $80, harryanddavid.com.
Blueberry season might be months away, but we’ll keep dreaming with this crateful of blueberry-flavored treats—think wild Maine blueberry jam, blueberry scone mix, and maple blueberry syrup. Even the gift crate is themed: It’s an authentic wooden box that was once used to harvest berries in Maine.
To buy: $125, stonewallkitchen.com.
Dog and cat lovers will adore this paw-themed basket of treats (for human consumption only). But we bet that won’t stop Fido from trying to steal some of the goodies inside, like the peanut butter butter cookies, caramel popcorn, and peanut butter pretzels.
To buy: $50, harryanddavid.com.
Is this the most addictive popcorn in the world? Quite possibly. Made in Chicago since 1949, the special Garrett mix combines cheesy Cheddar popcorn with buttery caramel popcorn. It might sound odd, but the blend of savory and sweet is completely brilliant.
To buy: $33 for one gallon, garrettpopcorn.com.
These chocolate mini cakes make adorable—and tasty—Christmas food gifts. Each petit four boasts layers of cake and frosting covered in smooth chocolate, along with a charming holiday decoration. Perfect for holiday parties or nibbling on after Christmas dinner.
To buy: $30, harryanddavid.com.
To buy: $79, chelseamarketbasket.com.
Let’s face it—buying organic can get expensive. So USDA certified organic apples, pears, and oranges make thoughtful Christmas food gifts for someone on a budget who wants to eat clean. The Fruit Company has been in business since the 1940s, selling high-quality fruit grown in Oregon.
To buy: $49, thefruitcompany.com.
To buy: $69, chelseamarketbasket.com.
Make entertaining a breeze for your friend who hates to cook with these food gifts for Christmas. The box includes tree types of spreads and two varieties of crackers, meaning all she has to do is open some bottles of wine to get the party started.
To buy: $40, harryanddavid.com.
Whether homemade or store-bought, brownies are always much-appreciated food Christmas gifts. This whimsical assortment from New York City-based Fat Witch bakery includes the original moist, rich chocolate brownie, brownies with walnuts, and blondies with chocolate chips.
To buy: $49, chelseamarketbasket.com.
Know someone who’s missing New York City? Send him a taste of the Big Apple with themed goodies featuring favorite New York brands and images. There’s a Statue of Liberty lollipop, Tate’s chocolate chip cookies, classic bagel crisps, and lots more. It’s charmingly packed in vintage New York postcard boxes.
To buy: $59, chelseamarketbasket.com.
Small and sweet sums up this sophisticated little gift perfectly. Your foodie friend will receive two infused chocolate bars and a jar of chocolate fleur de sel—a unique finishing touch on cookies, brownies, ice cream, and more.
To buy: $25, themeadow.com.
To buy: $58, markethallfoods.com.
Let your foodie friend add a little bit of luxury to every meal with this truffle-themed gift. She’ll get a jar of truffle honey, chopped truffle carpaccio, and black truffle salt. The sky’s the limit: drizzling over cheese, stirring into risotto, seasoning scrambled eggs, or sprinkling over popcorn.
To buy: $24, markethallfoods.com.
To buy: $25, themeadow.com.
To buy: $19, chelseamarketbasket.com.
We hope your gluten-free friend doesn’t mind sharing, because everyone will want to get their hands on this box of treats. There’s a nice mix of sweet and savory snacks, such as oat and seed crackers, banana chips, coconut macaroons, and kale chips.
To buy: $80, markethallfoods.com.
