Last Minute Homemade Christmas Treats
Last Minute Homemade Christmas Treats
Ran out of time? Been busy, and don't know where the time has gone, but you want to gift something homemade for the holidays? Look no further than my list of simple recipes. Some are no-bake (with no oven required), some go in the oven but are super quick to prepare. Some are sweet, and some are savoury. All things you can make on Christmas eve if need be.
What To Wrap Them In?
You can use lots of different things to house your food gifts. Unused baskets, of various sizes. Gift boxes you might have already from something else. You can buy little cellophane clear bags for sweets/candy, but you are in a hurry right? So an alternative is to use a plastic piping bag! Then just tie with some ribbon or string, whatever you have on hand. You can wrap the homemade goodies in baking/parchment paper, & then some tissue paper or even Christmas paper & add a bow.
Be sure to add a label or note of what each bundle contains & if they need to be stored in the fridge, or in an airtight container. Also include details like if there are any nut ingredients, just to be safe.
I have also used foil trays at last minute too – the disposable kind you can get in different sizes and shapes for using in the oven. Just line with some baking/parchment paper, tissue paper or even a holiday napkin.
Handmade Gift Boxes
Here’s a link to Great British Bake Off (Great British Baking Show) winner Nancy Birtwhistle’s video of her handmade gift boxes. An advocate for recycling & saving the planet, Nancy makes these with used paper/cardboard and Christmas paper.
Go to Nancy Birtwhistle’s Handmade Gift Box Video
She has also shared her tip for making gift tags from recycled Christmas cards. You can attach them with just some tape, string or ribbon.
On to the recipes
Last Minute Homemade Christmas Treats
SIMPLE FRUIT CAKE – No Hassle Boiled Fruit Cake For Afternoon Tea
This simple fruit cake, is perfect for an afternoon tea, and so easy to make. A popular classic British bake, it is enjoyed by all.
Cranberry Orange Madeira Cake Muffins
Easy cranberry and orange Madeira cake muffins, with fresh cranberries, that do not need any decorating. Make perfect food gifts.
Also works great for mini bundt cakes.
Cranberry Orange Madeira Muffins
CHRISTMAS DODGERS
Try my take on British biscuit/cookie Jammy Dodgers. Themed as a Christmas recipe, they are filled with a firmer buttercr eam, perfect for a sandwich cookie.
TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
Trust me when I say this is an authentic Scottish Shortbread recipe, with the delicate melt in the mouth texture – I am a Scot after all.
CHRISTMAS MINCEMEAT SLICES
Try this traybake, a great way to use up mincemeat from other Christmas recipes, or as an alternative to mince pies. “Christmas In A Slice!”
EASY GINGERBREAD CAKE OR MINI BUNDT CAKES
Go to Gingerbread Cake recipe
Go to Mini Gingerbread Bundt Cakes
CRANBERRY, ORANGE & PECAN SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
Try my Scottish Shortbread, this time flavoured with orange, and added nuts and cranberries. Not just pat of the Christmas recipes, these are a favourite year round.
GINGERBREAD CRINKLE COOKIES – Recipe Review
This is my review of Anna Olson’s recipe for Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies.
I was on the hunt for a new gingerbread cookie, that would not only bake off soft, but stay that way, as well have a nice chewy texture. Read on to hear my thoughts on this recipe by Anna Olson.
Go to Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies recipe review
CHOCOLATE & ORANGE SANDWICH COOKIES – Can Be Made Gluten Free Too
Here’s my ‘Oreo-style’ cookies, Chocolate & orange sandwich cookies, themed for any holiday and filled with an orange flavoured buttercream. Can be made with Gluten free flour too.
Go to my Chocolate & Orange Sandwich Cookies recipe.
FONDANT PENGUIN CHRISTMAS CAKE TUTORIAL
Here’s my easy step-by-step photo tutorial on how to make this cute fondant penguin cake topper. Create a snow scene for your Christmas Cake this holiday season.
Go to Fondant Penguin Christmas Cake
Need a traditional recipe for a British Christmas Cake? Try this one used in the photo above, and in our Bake-together.
BRANDY SNAPS – A Recipe Review
Here’s a review of Mary Berry’s Brandy Snaps recipe. A British classic!
ROASTED, SALTED SMOKED PAPRIKA ALMONDS
Try this great savoury snack, that’s perfect for parties and even as giving out as gifts at Christmas.
EASY PEASY SMOKIN’ CHEEZEE SQUARES
Love cheese? Then these you will love too and so easy to make and great for nibbles and gifting.
Binus recipe, a spicy version!
Go to CHEESPICY SMOKIN’ SQUARES
TURKISH SAVOURY BISCUITS
Try these super simple, savoury snacks from Turkey. My take on a Tuzlu Kurabiye, it it literally translates as ‘salty biscuit’. These are perfect for pairing with your favourite cheese, but equally good snacked on alone. They are very moreish…. you won’t be disappointed.
Can also be made with different shaped cookie cutters for a theme.
Or the cheese version below:
NO-BAKE
Tropical Cake Truffles
No bake recipe for these truffles using less-over fruit-cake and cookies and no need for cream-cheese or buttercream.
Cover in cocoa, coconut or chocolate and decorate for gifting.
‘PROTEIN POWER-BALL’ CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Try my easy no-baking required, Chocolate Truffles. Includes how to easily make ganache and these perfect gifting treats.
EASY MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE FUDGE
Easier, safer and quicker way to make chocolate fudge.
HONEYCOMB & CHOCOLATE DIPPED HONEYCOMB
New no-bake recipe, for honeycomb, that is ideal for food gifting this holiday season. Make with or without a chocolate coating.
PEANUT BRITTLE – Recipe Review
Read Mrs D’s review of this no-bake sweet treat, ideal for gifting.
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