Homemade gifts are always best, but especially when they are edible! Classic pecan bourbon balls, mini golden rum cakes, and buttery shortbread are some of the season’s best and most traditional eats.
Recently I had the opportunity to make some Christmas treats for my friends at HGTV.com. I even got to drop in on their ‘Friendsmas’ party photo shoot because I was close enough to deliver the goodies personally! My desserts were just one small part of the festivities, with a little corner set up for DIY ornaments and a HUGE spread of appetizers on the longest table I’ve ever seen!
You may already know that I love making bourbon balls for Christmas gifts and for entertaining. My usual recipe is made with walnuts, but this version is made with pecans making it even more southern (if that’s possible).
Get the recipe for Classic Pecan Bourbon Balls here, at HGTV.com.
These mini rum bundt cakes are all liquored up with rum and glazed with delicious cinnamon hard sauce. I used this mini Nordic Ware bundt pan, which makes the cakes the perfect size to package in little gusseted cellophane bags.
They’re also really pretty to display on a tiered dessert stand for entertaining. Just add a few cranberries and some sprigs of greenery for a little holiday color.
Get the recipe for Mini Rum Bundt Cakes here, at HGTV.com.
Who doesn’t love buttery shortbread? These cookies are given the royal treatment with an ornament shape and royal icing monograms. The cookie recipe is lovely on its own, but if you’re looking to get crafty then you’ll find the instructions for decorating and monogramming with the recipe.
Get the recipe for Monogrammed Shortbread Cookie Ornaments, here at HGTV.com.
The cookies make lovely favors, and because they are monogrammed you could use them as place card holders, too. But check out the cuteness in this photo! Turns out they can also be a stand-in for mistletoe. Who knew!?
I encourage you to go, go, GO, check out the entire Friendsmas celebration! There are so many great ideas for decorating, drinks, wrapping, and my favorite – EASY appetizers. I’ve already decided to bring the caprese salad skewers to my mom’s Christmas Eve party. Follow the link below to all the good things!
Just wanted to say happy holidays and how much I treasure your blog (and books and insta and etc lol)! =)
Aw, Maggie thank you so much! Happy holidays to you! xo-h
Merry Christmas Heather! Hope you enjoy your holiday season.