Edible Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make 
(That People Actually Want)

The best Christmas presents are the ones that are made with love. A tin of homemade biscuits for a favourite teacher. A ribbon-tied stack of blondies for Grandma. A box of star-shaped shortbread for the neighbours who always wave.

These homemade edible Christmas gifts are easy enough for children to bake (mostly) by themselves, and lovely enough to give with pride. There's no plastic tat in sight, just something delicious that's been made especially for them.

So pop the oven on, find the ribbon, and let's get baking.

Ingredients

• 150g plain flour, plus extra for rolling
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 50g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• Optional: the zest of 1 orange, or 50g white chocolate for dipping

Method

1. Cream. Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until smooth and pale. Add the orange zest now if you're using it.
   
   
2. Mix. Sift in the flour and stir, then use your hands to squish everything into a soft ball of dough. Little hands are perfect for this.
   
   
3. Chill. Wrap the dough and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes, so the stars keep their points.
   
   
4. Roll and cut. Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan, gas mark 3). Roll the dough out to about 1cm thick on a floured surface and cut out stars.
   
   
5. Bake. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes, until just pale golden at the edges. Shortbread should stay light, not brown.
   
   
6. Sprinkle and cool. Sprinkle with caster sugar while still warm. Leave on the tray for 10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
   
   
7. Dip (optional). Melt the white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave (a grown-up job) and dip one point of each star. Leave to set on baking paper.

Little-hands job: the star cutting and the sugar sprinkling. Wonky points add character.

Our tip: shortbread keeps for up to a week in an airtight tin, so it's a great one to bake ahead.

More Homemade Christmas Food Gifts to Bake

Once the shortbread is done, why stop there? These bakes all travel well and look lovely wrapped up.

How to Wrap Your Edible Christmas Gifts

The wrapping is half the fun, and it's another job the children can lead.

• Jars: layer shortbread stars in a clean jam jar, then top the lid with a circle of festive fabric and a ribbon.
  
  
• Tins and boxes: line with baking paper and pack biscuits snugly so they don't rattle around.
  
  
• Paper bags: fold over the top, punch two holes and thread through a ribbon or a candy cane.
  
  
• Handmade tags: let the children draw on brown card and write "Baked by…" with their name. It's the bit people keep.

Who to give them to

• Teachers and nursery staff: a box of shortbread or blondies is always a hit.
  
  
• Grandparents: name biscuits or mini loaf cakes, with a photo of the baking in progress.
  
  
• Neighbours and friends: cupcakes in a box, delivered with a festive knock on the door.

Tips for Baking Christmas Gifts Ahead

Plan your bake day. Shortbread and biscuits keep for up to a week in an airtight tin; blondies, loaf cakes and cupcakes are best within 3 days.

Cool completely before wrapping. Even a little warmth makes bakes go soft in a bag or jar.

Add a label. Include the bake date and the main allergens (most of these contain wheat, egg and milk), so everyone can enjoy their gift safely.

Bake one extra. For the bakers, obviously.

A Gift They Can Bake Themselves

Sometimes the best edible gift is the baking itself. Our Christmas bake and craft kits come with everything measured out, plus a festive craft, so they make a lovely present for little bakers, godchildren and friends. Browse all of our bake and craft kits to find their favourite.

For a gift that lasts well beyond Christmas, Crumbs Club delivers a new bake and craft adventure every month.

Buying for a team or clients? Take a look at our corporate gifting.

Happy baking (and gifting)!

Kate & Louise xx