Edible homemade gifts are so special to receive because of the time and thought it takes to make and package them. Purchased gifts, no matter how lavish they are, can never match the meaning of a homemade offering. If your gift giving plans include baked goods or candies, you’ll find the new Hallmark treat box line of interest. Cheaper than tins and recyclable after use, the line includes this gable-topped gingerbread house motif box as well as a flat boxes that will hold cupcakes, candies or slab cakes.
I love getting homemade gifts from my friends but I’m always careful with them since my hubby has a nut allergy. And, when I’ve tried to give edible gifts myself, I’ve found the wrapping and labeling a bit of a hassle since not all cookies and treats – especially ones with soft frostings – pack that well. So, I’ve developed a few fantastic-looking tricks for making it easier to package cookies:
• Top warm-from-the-oven cookies with shaved chocolate or finely chopped soft caramel pieces. They’ll melt quickly and then set as the cookies cool to make a yummy topping.
• Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and then sprinkles, nuts or dragées to create glam effects quickly.
• Roll icebox cookie dough into logs. Roll each log in sprinkles, chopped nuts or candy cane bits before refrigerating. When dough is firm, slice and bake. The finished cookies will have an attractive (and yummy!) border.
• To pipe lines of frosting on cookies easily, place frosting in a heavy-duty zip top bag. Make a small cut in one corner and then squeeze the frosting through the hole. When finished, simply toss the used bag in the trash.
Do you often give edible, homemade gifts? If so, how have you coped with packaging challenges like staling and breaking? Share your tips below if you have a few moments.
