Instead of buying a pre-packaged gift set off the shelf, why not present your loved ones with something extra special this Christmas? Homemade treats like cookies and cakes you made yourself are always appreciated, and they’re cost-efficient too.
Here are three tips to take note of before you begin:
TIP 1: Plan your time well when it comes to baking, as some recipes require a longer time. You can also bake some gifts ahead of time, as certain bakes like biscuits and cookies can be kept fresh for a few days in a sealed jar.
TIP 2: Presentation is key. Pack your bakes in pretty plastic wrappings or in nice little jars, and decorate them with ribbons, coloured strings or little ornaments. Be sure to include a small personalised note with each to complete your special gift.
TIP 3: Always prepare and pack some extra gifts, in case you have extra guests turning up last minute or if someone brings a plus one. You can also plan some party games and give these baked gifts to the winners.
We’ve got 15 yummy recipes to inspire you, check them out below:
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Text: Sean Tan & Elizabeth Liew
Inspired by bauble decorations, a dozen of these rum balls take just 15 minutes to make and will make a precious gift for friends and family.
Who can resist these adorable gingerbread cookies?! Get the kids involved with making and decorating these fragrant treats that are perfect for Christmas-time.
Make your regular brownies even more irresistible by decorating them to look like reindeers. Best give them out as soon as possible or risk devouring them all yourself.
Whether you want to serve this up at your Christmas dinner party or slice it up and package them as gifts, this delicious fruitcake offers maximum taste with half the effort.
Essentially cupcakes topped with bright green buttercream frosting to look like Christmas trees, a batch of 24 takes just half an hour to make.
These large cookies are unique as they have a pretzel baked in it, kids will love them equally too. Pack them in plastic wrappings and tie with a string.
A healthy, sweet and pretty treat. Wrap each in a coloured cloth and tie a knot at the top with a small personalised note – perfect!
These are delicious and also fun to make! Get little jars to store them in and give them out as gifts.
This spiced, buttery pastry is best baked on the day itself so it’s still fresh-tasting when your guests receive them. It is best to get a small box to contain them so the tart stays intact.
How cute are these little pear cakes? Your guests will certainly love them; pack in little boxes or wrap each individually in nice plastic wrap tied with a ribbon.
These yummy sweets are nostalgic and something the kids will enjoy too. Pack into jars with matching red linen cloth and ribbons.
Butter cookies are festive staples, and this more decadent version will prove to be popular. Pack them in a pretty jar as your door gift.
These rich chocolaty treats are simply irresistible. Pack individually in a plastic bag; decorate your greeting on a piece of thin cardboard; staple it over the plastic bag – you have a retro-style bake shop gift!
Another bake which will surprise your guests, these yummy, tangy sweets go best with a cup of tea. It’s best to pack these in small boxes to prevent the passionfruit cream from smearing.
Make extra to serve and for guests to take away at the end of the party. If you have the time, you can also do two or three different versions with cherries and raisins in place of the plum.