Best Xmas baked/cooked goodies for presents?

[SelltyReaper]

Hi all!

I'm finding myself flat broke this year leading up to Xmas (usually I've bought all the presents by now) after a crazy crazy year, so I am looking to bake up a storm and divide the baked goodies into pretty little boxes all tied up with ribbon. So guys, hit me with your best ever baked goodies to put in my little parcels. I'm looking for;
- cookies
- candy
- cupcakes
- anything else that can fit in a medium sized gift box that I can bake/make

Thanks in advance for any replies!

[Shirl (J) 831]

well not to brag LOL but my Soft Molasses cookies are HIGH rated but not only that they do make a great Christmas gift.

http://www.food.com/recipe/soft-molasses-cookies-63981


Soft Molasses Cookies

[SelltyReaper]

OH my god yes I have that recipe! Nice one btw, I'll definately make them!

Anyone else got any ideas?

[Prince Pear]

I have a brownie recipe that puts tasters into a chocolate coma... hence "Comatose brownies"... They make great gifts.

http://www.food.com/recipe/comatose-brownies-488390

[duonyte]

We did a cookie exchange a couple of years ago, and there were a lot of terrific suggestions, http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=315882

[La Dilettante]

Everyone Ioves chewy date balls---Grandma's Date Balls (X'mas Cookies) is identical to the one I use. They stay moist forever (not that there will be many left to test this theory:)), and are more of a candy than a cookie.

And remember, some prefer salty to sweet---why not find a really high-rated crispy cheese straw/cookie to tuck in the gift boxes, as well? Let us know what you end up including!

[Dee514]

Painted Gingerbread Cookies - King Arthur Flour



Mixes (hot chocolate, soups, quick breads, etc) are also nice gifts....you can usually find inexpensive jars at the dollar store. Put a pretty bow on the jar, attach a tag with the directions for use.

Mom's Hot Chocolate Mix

Soup Mix in a Jar

Rainbow Bean Soup Mix in a Quart Jar

Gift Brownie Mix - in a Jar

more "Mix in a Jar" recipes

[Rose is Rose]

For jars, I think the cheapest option is to buy a case of canning jars. decorate them with pieces of fabric cut in circles to fit (use pinking shears), ribbon, bits of tulle or anything else that grabs your attention. Cardboard gift boxes for food like they sell at the Container Store can be expensive. I like the Ziploc containers and you can "fancy" them up with bows & trim. And there is nothing wrong with using recycled containers, like oatmeal boxes, pringles cans, etc. Even a paper holiday plate with cookies and simply covered with plastic wrap will be appreciated. Also, don't forget thrift shops and garage sales for useful containers and plates. You can find baskets dirt cheap and they can be spray painted to freshen them up. I think wine glasses would be so cute with something tucked in them and wrapped up. Don't forget re-gifting. I don't drink due to a medical condition and somebody almost always gives us wine. One year, I made a cheese ball, a loaf of pumpkin bread, put it in a basket with some boxes of crackers and the re-gifted wine and it looked amazing. If your recipients can use the tub, bath salts make a good gift also. You get a lot of mileage out of cheese balls, because you can make them smaller. If you have a Sam's or Costco membership, those are good places to get your ingredients and crackers cheaper. Almost forgot, everybody loves the Hello Dollies! Carmel corn would be a good choice too. This has been a bad year for us as well, so I feel your pain.