Last Minute Homemade Food Gifts

Pressed for time and watching your budget? Last-minute homemade food gifts are the perfect solution - simple to make, beautifully personal and an affordable way to spread holiday cheer.  With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up thoughtful treats - like spiced nuts, flavored popcorn or cookie mixes in a jar - that look festive, taste amazing, and make the holidays feel extra special!


Check out our easy-to-follow recipes for some heartfelt ideas for the loved ones on your list. They also make great hostess gifts so make up an extra batch or two while you’re at it!

Infused Oils

Simple to make and elegant to give, infused oils add gourmet flavor to everyday cooking. By combining high-quality oil with herbs, spices or citrus, you can create custom blends perfect for drizzling, dipping or dressing. Simply add a ribbon and a label with the flavor and date.


2 cups neutral or lightly flavored oil (olive, grapeseed or sunflower)

3-4 sprigs fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil or oregano) or 2-3 tablespoons dried herbs/spices

Optional additions:

1- 2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed,

citrus peel from a lemon or orange

chili flakes or whole dried chilies for heat


Wash and thoroughly dry any fresh herbs or citrus peels. Moisture can cause spoilage so be sure everything is completely dry before use.


Warm the oil in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until it reaches about 180℉. Do not let it boil. Stir in your herbs, spices or aromatics. Let them steep in the warm oil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl to remove the solids. 


Pour the infused oil into a sterilized bottle or jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Flavor Profile Ingredients Best Use
Herb & garlic Rosemary + garlic Roasted veggies, bread
Citrus & chili Orange peel + chili flakes Grilled seafood, salads
Lemon Basil Lemon zest + basil Pasta, chicken dishes
Smoky Spice Smoked paprika + thyme Marinades, roasted potatoes

Cheddar Cheese Wafers

Savory, crispy and irresistibly cheesy, these cheddar cheese wafers from Farm Flavor make for flavorful wonderful holiday gifts that will have your loved ones wanting more. Get Recipe ->

Melting Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs

Here’s a gift the little ones will love! This recipe from American Dairy Association Mideast will have children squealing with delight when they see the snowmen melt in their mugs. Get Recipe ->

Candied Pecans

Farm Flavor’s sweet and salty nuts make a great gift! They are a terrific snack, a delicious, crunchy addition to salads or sprinkled on top of ice cream and more. Get Recipe ->

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix Jars

The perfect gift for anyone on your list because, after all, we’re talking chocolate chip cookies and who doesn’t love those? Premeasured dry ingredients are layered in a jar with a recipe card attached with the baking instructions on a ribbon around the lid. The gift recipient just has to add the wet ingredients, and bake for delicious homemade cookies in minutes. Get Recipe ->

White Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Bars

Chopped cranberries and pistachios sprinkled on dipped shortbread give this classic a festive holiday twist. Pack in a holiday tin for gift giving along with an assortment of teas. They'll think of you and your thoughtful gift on cold winter days when enjoying one of these delicious shortbread bars along with a hot cup of tea. Get Recipe ->

Fudgy Brownie Batter Truffles

These truffles from USA Pulses combine chickpeas, nut butter, maple syrup, chocolate chips and coconut flour, making them an ideal homemade gift for those on your list who might be gluten free, vegetarian or vegan. Get Recipe ->

Peppermint Chocolate Bark

There’s so many variations of bark, but peppermint seems to be the most popular during the holidays. With just 4 ingredients, this recipe (courtesy of Farm Flavor) is quick and easy to make ... a real bonus at this time of year! Get Recipe ->

Cream Caramels 

These homemade caramels from Farm Flavor are creamy and buttery, and make a wonderful gift any time of the year. They can be wrapped individually, if desired, and packed in a decorative box or tin. Get Recipe ->

Espresso Popcorn

Here’s the perfect gift and snack for coffee lovers! They’re sure to love this gourmet-flavored popcorn that takes you so little time to make. Pack in a festive holiday tin for gift giving. Get Recipe ->

Carmel Corn Crunch

Sweet, crunchy and totally addicting, it’s the perfect gift to spread holiday joy and satisfy any sweet tooth. Get Recipe ->

Eggnog Truffles

Rich, creamy eggnog is a favorite for many during the holidays. These truffles from McCormick® are rich and creamy too, but the eggnog flavor in these confectionery goodies actually comes from rum extract and ground nutmeg. Get Recipe ->

*Be aware of any dietary restrictions someone might have before you get started.

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