Delicious Last-Minute Baked Goods to Give as Gifts

By Lisa Cericola

Christmas is right around the corner—‘tis the season for last-minute gifts. Why join the crazy crowds at the mall when you can whip up easy homemade gifts right in your own kitchen? And we’ll bet money that anyone would rather have a batch of Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies or a loaf of Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread than yet another winter scarf. Baked goods and other edible gifts are always appreciated around the holidays and you can’t go wrong with any of these incredible options. We rounded up our favorite gift-worthy baked goods including coffee cakes, quick breads, muffins, cookies, scones, and more. Chances are, you already have all of the ingredients in your pantry. And all of these baked goods are sturdy enough for gift-giving—no delicate, fussy cookies here! Whether you’re shipping holiday treats across the country or surprising your next-door neighbor with something fresh-from-the-oven, you’ll love these super easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.

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Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Chocolate Peppermint Crackle Cookies

These dense, brownie-like cookies will be a hit with chocolate lovers. And they travel well, too.

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Apple-Pecan Streusel Muffins

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Apple-Pecan Streusel Muffins

These moist, tender muffins make a delicious breakfast. (They’ll be even more appreciated if given with some tea or coffee.)

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Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Make someone’s Christmas even sweeter by baking the cookie in a colorful skillet that they can keep—bonus present!

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Pecan Pie Bars

Helen Norman

Recipe: Pecan Pie Bars

Enjoy all the flavors of the classic holiday pie in a portable and easy-to-gift bar cookie.

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Chocolate Breakfast Wreath

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Chocolate Breakfast Wreath

This decadent pastry makes a beautiful centerpiece for a holiday brunch.

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Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Pumpkin-Honey-Beer Bread

This easy and delicious recipe makes six loaves of bread, perfect for when you have multiple gifts to give and not much time on your hands. (Always!)

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Gluten-Free Buttermilk-Pecan-Walnut Cake

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Gluten-Free Buttermilk-Pecan-Walnut Cake

Treat friends and family on gluten-free diets to a coffee cake that doesn’t taste gluten-free at all.

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Pecan Sandies

Recipe: Pecan Sandies

No one can resist this classic Southern cookie. The recipe makes seven dozen cookies but can be easily doubled if you are baking for a large crowd.

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Mini Banana-Cranberry-Nut Bread Loaves

Luca Trovato

Recipe: Mini Banana-Cranberry-Nut Bread Loaves

Cranberries add a splash of color and holiday flavor to a much-loved quick bread.

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Spinach Feta Scones

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Spinach Feta Scones

Feeling overloaded by holiday sweets? These scones will be a welcome savory treat.

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Any Flavor Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Recipe: Any Flavor Buttermilk Coffee Cake

Create a “custom” coffee cake for someone extra special. This delicious recipe is a blank canvas for all sorts of flavors.

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