Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Pinterest Twitter Instagram RSS Facebook
    Buy GO DAIRY FREE and EAT DAIRY FREE today!
    Go Dairy Free
    • Need to Know
      • Newbies Start Here!
      • Take the Challenge!
      • Dairy-Free FAQs
      • Latest News
      • Milk Allergies
      • Lactose Intolerance
      • Other Health Issues
      • Testimonials
      • Calcium Guide
      • Holidays & More
      • Best Books
      • The Community
    • Recipes
      • Recipes by Category
        • Alisa’s Recipes
        • Sarah’s Recipes
        • Appetizers
        • Beverages
        • Bread
        • Breakfast
        • Cheese Substitutes
        • Condiments & Dressings
        • Cream Substitutes
        • Desserts
        • Entrees
        • Kids Can Cook
        • Milk Substitutes
        • Pasta
        • Salad
        • Sandwiches
        • Sauces
        • Sides
        • Snacks
        • Soup
      • Full Dairy-Free Recipe Index
      • Gluten-Free Recipe Index
      • Vegan Recipe Index
    • Reviews
      • Dairy Substitutes
        • Butter
        • Cheese
        • Cream
        • Creamer
        • Dessert Toppings
        • Ice Cream
        • Ice Cream Novelties
        • Milk
        • Yogurt
        • More Kitchen Essentials
      • Sweets & Snacks
        • Protein Shakes
        • More Creamy Beverages
        • Snack & Protein Bars
        • More Snacks
        • Chocolate
        • Cookie Dough
        • Cookies & Brownies
        • Pies & Cakes
        • Pudding & Mousse
        • More Sweet Treats
      • Meal Makers
        • Baking Mixes
        • Bread Products
        • Breakfast Pastries
        • Cereal & Granola
        • Cheesy Pasta & Rice
        • Frozen Pizza
        • More Entrees
        • Dip and Spreads
        • Salad Dressing
        • Sauces
      • All Product Reviews
        • New Product Reviews!
        • Browse by Product Type
        • Full Review Index
        • Gluten-Free Review Index
        • Vegan Review Index
    • Grocery Guide
      • Alisa’s Dairy-Free Kitchen
      • Brands We Love
      • Dairy Substitutes
      • Dairy Ingredient List
      • Understanding Food Labels
      • No Dairy Product Lists
      • Ordering Specialty Foods
      • Best Grocery Stores
    • Eating Out
      • Fast Food Listings
      • Recommended Restaurants
    • My Books!
      • Go Dairy Free 2nd Edition (best seller!)
      • Eat Dairy Free 1st Edition (full color!)
      • eBooks & Printables
      • Book Supplements & Resources
    • About Us
      • Meet Us
      • Contact Us
      • Join Us
      • Work With Us
    Go Dairy Free
    You are at:Home»Food and Grocery»25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat

    8
    By Alisa Fleming on December 16, 2021 Food and Grocery, In The News, News, Popular Food Guides

    This might be the prime shopping season, but my favorite gifts to give and to receive are homemade treats. There is so much gratification in making something, and it feels so wonderful when you know someone took the time to whip up a goody from scratch. Not to mention, you don’t have to battle holiday mall crowds or traffic, and there are no order shipping deadlines to meet, when you make one of these wonderful dairy-free gifts from the kitchen.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat

    Get ready to head to the kitchen this weekend, or even on Christmas Eve! These dairy-free homemade food gifts are perfect for neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Many of them are also vegan, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. And technically this list contains more than 25 dairy-free gifts from the kitchen. I snuck in several bonus recipes in the writing!

    Peppermint Patties

    These have a wonderfully “fresh” minty flavor and a deliciously thick chocolate robe. The packaged variety doesn’t even compare. Plus, these are vegan, gluten-free, and top allergen-free.

    Homemade Dairy-Free Peppermint Patties - so easy, delicious, and naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, free of top allergens and vegan!

    Hot Cocoa Mix

    Who doesn’t love hot cocoa? This recipe includes an easy homemade vanilla sugar for two gifts in one! Tie a bag of marshmallows (vegan optional) to this mix for a perfectly complete “just add hot water” treat. Or, if you’re feeling a little extra-crafty, make these Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallow Sticks for a complement. They make amazing hot chocolate stir sticks! Megan’s Hot Cocoa Mix is similar to my recipe, but with one less ingredient and an “add your favorite milk beverage” instruction. And for sugar-free recipients, try this Keto Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe.

    Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe with quick Vanilla Sugar plus Spice, Mocha, and Mint Variations!

    Danish Butter Cookies

    Every where I turn during the holiday season, there is a tin of butter cookies. The store bought ones typically contain dairy, but these are vegan!

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Maple Cream Fudge

    You read that correctly. This is a wonderful maple cream fudge on a dairy-free gifts from the kitchen list. Believe it. The recipe is also vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly!

    Vegan Maple Cream Fudge Recipe that everyone loves! Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, but perfectly rich and purely maple in flavor.

    Chocolate Cherry Nut Bark

    Bark is so easy to make, and it always looks so festive. This cherry nut version is even vegan and paleo-friendly.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Candied Nuts

    We usually make pecans or almonds, but this recipe works with your favorite nuts, and possibly even seeds! The recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free, but includes a vegan option. You can fancy them up even more with this Gingerbread Candied Pecans Recipe.

    Dairy-Free Candied Pecans Recipe with Warm Winter Spices - These toasty glazed pecans are also gluten-free, grain-free, and soy-free with options for paleo, vegan, and egg-free

    Oreo Truffles

    A classic recipe made dairy-free, vegan, and even gluten-free! These dairy-free gifts from the kitchen definitely appeal to both adults and kids. These Gingersnap Truffles are a fun spin that’s equally easy and tasty.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Perfect Pumpkin Bread for All

    When I was a child, my mother made mini loaves of pumpkin bread every year for neighbors and my dad’s coworkers. So my list wouldn’t be complete without my own dairy-free version. This one happens to be vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free too, for all to enjoy. If you prefer a wheat-based recipe, check out my Popular Pumpkin Bread.

    Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe for All! (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and soy-free yet so tender, moist and perfect!)

    Irish Cream Liqueur

    You hopefully saw my post recently on dairy-free cream liqueurs. Well you can take it up a notch with this homemade vegan version of Bailey’s.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Cocoa Rum Balls

    This was a special treat that my stepfather loved receiving every year. His daughter-in-law always made them with extra rum, just for him! This recipe is more modestly spiked, dairy-free, and vegan, so every adult can enjoy them. If you prefer a little spice to your seasonal gifts, we also have Vegan Gingersnap Rum Balls!

    Dairy-Free Cocoa Rum Balls Recipe with Vegan and Gluten-Free Options. Perfect holiday treat. Great for make ahead and gifting.

    Snappy Molasses Cookies

    These perfect cookies are a perennial favorite. They have just the right flavor and texture to make any gingersnap fan swoon. If you prefer soft and chewy cookies, then make my Big Molasses Cookies Recipe. Both of my recipes have vegan options, but for a straight up vegan (and optionally gluten-free) recipe, try these Coconut Butter Gingersnaps.

    more snappy molasses cookies

    Cappuccino Mix

    Give them something special for that morning cup of Joe with this easy dairy-free and vegan mix.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Hot Chocolate Bombs

    Yes, making your own is still in vogue and we do have a great recipe with flavorful options.

    The Best Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Bombs Recipe with Tips and Ingredient Guides

    Homemade Simple Syrups

    Starbucks fans will love their own homemade syrups in pretty bottles for making specialty dairy-free lattes. We like the ginger and vanilla syrups, but you can also make a pumpkin sauce for pumpkin spice lattes. Be sure to include the recipes!

    Dairy-Free Gingerbread Latte Recipe - Starbucks Copycat that's spot on for the Original! Vegan and Allergy-Friendly Too

    Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti

    Coffeehouse fans will swoon over this typically off-limits treat. And I’ve included both recipe options and visuals for making these crunchy cookies vegan and gluten-free.

    Chocolate Dipped Dairy-Free Biscotti Recipe 4 Ways - Classic, Whole Wheat, Gluten-Free and Vegan

    Caramel Sauce

    Imagine their surprise when they spot a jar of dairy-free and vegan caramel sauce! This is best kept refrigerated, but it still travels well as you make your deliveries. Pair it with homemade Vegan Fudge Sauce for the ultimate foodie gift.

    Vegan Caramel Sauce Recipe - dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and ready in 10 minutes!

    Crispy White Chocolates

    Homemade dairy-free white chocolate is much easier than you think, and it doesn’t contain all the questionable ingredients that most dairy white chocolates do. Make it into shapes, or layer it with melted dairy-free chocolate to make a delicious Christmas bark!

    Homemade Dairy-Free White Chocolate Crispy Bars - yes, from scratch! The recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, easy, and SO yummy!

    Christmas Mincemeat

    Mincemeat is usually dairy-free, but homemade is SO much better than store-bought. Make this vegan version and tie on a tag with delicious ways to enjoy it – the post includes these tips!

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Gingerbread Granola

    This recipe is all the rage this holiday season, but everyone has a different version. The one shown here is spiked with all types of nuts, seeds, chocolate, and dried fruit add ins. My Gingerbread Granola Recipe is a touch simpler with coconut and cashews (can be nut-free) and a rich molasses infusion. And this simple Spice Cookie Granola lets all of the sweet spices take center stage, not just ginger.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Peppermint Fudge Bites

    Each perfectly portioned piece of fudge is ready for enjoyment. The recipe is easy, and believe me, no one will guess that this homemade gift is vegan, gluten-free, and food allergy-friendly!

    Complete Recipe List, Chapters, and Allergen Chart for the 2nd Edition of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook (over 250 recipes!)

    Gingerbread Cookie Butter

    Take cookie butter to the next level with this easy spread recipe. It can even be vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly, if you wish.

    Gingerbread Cookie Butter

    Salted Toffee Caramels

    If you don’t like your caramel too sweet, then this vegan, paleo-friendly recipe is just what you are looking for. It has a deeper flavor thanks to the coconut sugar sweetener. And these individually wrapped treats (in parchment paper!) make such a pretty, organic-style gift.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Reindeer Brownies

    In my town, the baking aisles have been ravaged. BUT, every store has googly eyes left! I guess people only reach for this funny decor around Halloween, but they make fun reindeer bites, too.

    Dairy-Free Reindeer Brownies Recipe - Fun, easy, brownie bites made dairy-free! Includes gluten-free and other special diet options.

    Old-Fashioned Kettle Corn

    Those big tins of popcorn might be filled with dairy-based seasonings, but this kettle corn is deliciously dairy free. Make it a trio with Sweet Peanut Butter Popcorn (nut-free optional!) and Cheesy Popcorn.

    25 Dairy-Free Gifts from the Kitchen that are a Real Homemade Treat (Sweet Recipes with Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free Options!)

    Holiday Sandwich Cookies

    This is one of my favorite “cheat” recipes. Homemade or store-bought dairy-free cookies (I use the latter!) sandwich delicious, easy, homemade fillings. It’s perfect for kids to make, too, and the recipe includes Mint Chocolate Chip, Lemon-Iced Gingerbread, Berry Sugars, and Maple-Doodle varieties.

    Easy Holiday Sandwich Cookies: Mint Chocolate Chip, Lemon-Iced Gingerbread, Berry Sugars, and Maple-Doodle Recipes (all are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan & top allergen-free!)

    Classic Vegan Truffles

    These grown-up chocolate treats are oh-so rich and flavorful. For another flavor spin, try these Cranberry Crunch Dark Chocolate Truffles or Chocolate Orange Hazelnut Truffles. And for a healthier twist, make these raw Chocolate Almond Date Truffles or these Keto-Friendly Chocolate Avocado Truffles.

    Vegan Chocolate Truffles Recipe - easy, dairy-free, optionally nut-free, and optionally soy-free. Decadent for parties, holidays, and gifts.

    Classic Peanut Brittle

    This nostalgic holiday treat rarely gets talked about anymore. But when someone pulls out a tin, it’s always devoured. Some store-bought brands are dairy free, but many contain milk or butter. Fortunately, it’s fun and relatively easy to make at home.

    Classic Dairy-Free Peanut Brittle Recipe - A vegan friendly favorite with foolproof tips.

    Classic Sugar Cookies

    These are slightly soft, tender cookies that kids and adults love. You can even have fun dressing them up as Melting Snowman Cookies! If you need a vegan recipe, enjoy this Vegan Roll & Cut Sugar Cookie Recipe. And for a delicious twist (pun intended), try these Prize-Winning Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies – they’re vegan and gluten-free!

    Classic Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies Recipe - A family favorite for holiday, birthday, and school parties (nut-free and soy-free)

    Reindeer Pops

    These dairy-free gifts from the kitchen are so fun to make with kids! And the chocolate-marshmallow-pretzel combination is surprisingly addictive.

    Dairy-Free Reindeer Pops Recipe - Fun to Make & Allergy-Friendly for All - includes vegan, gluten-free, and top food allergy-friendly options. Kid-friendly holiday treat that kids can make!

    Chocolate Peppermint Creme Cookies

    Move over Oreo! Those packaged wafers don’t hold a candle to the fresh taste of these homemade vegan spritz cookies with sweet candy cane filling.

    Vegan Chocolate Spritz Cookies with Candy Cane Creme Filling (also known as Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Creme Sandwich Cookies) - also nut-free and soy-free

    Gingerbread Cookie Mix

    Don’t waste money on mixes at the store. This homemade mix is pretty, less expensive, and so easy to make! Include the directions for “just dairy free” or vegan, if you wish.

    Gingerbread Cookie Mix Recipe (giftable with preparation instructions - dairy-free, vegan optional)

    For More Dairy-Free Recipes & Subs, Get Go Dairy Free!

    Go Dairy Free 2nd Edition - The Ultimate Guide and Cookbook for Dairy-Free Living with Over 250 Recipes!

    Alisa Fleming
    • Website

    Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

    Related Posts

    Dairy-Free Cinnabon Recipe - Copycat for those famous Cinnamon Rolls! Also nut-free and soy-free

    Dairy-Free Cinnabon Copycat for Tender, Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

    East Side Mario's is an Italian restaurant chain in Canada with a full food allergy guide and gluten-free menu.

    East Side Mario’s offers Many Options to Build Your Own Dairy-Free Pasta

    TCBY Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Vegan Options

    TCBY adds Oat Milk Froyo Flavors to this Extensive Dairy-Free Menu

    8 Comments

    1. Stephanie on December 29, 2022 8:43 pm

      love these ideas!

      Reply
    2. Healthy Kitchen 101 on December 24, 2018 7:55 pm

      Great list! I particularly love every chocolate recipes as a chocolate addict xD Feeling so sweet with this collection 🙂 Merry Christmas Alisa ❤
      – Natalie

      Reply
    3. Cassidy @ Cassidys Craveable Creations on December 19, 2018 3:57 pm

      I LOVE your roundup Alisa, so many yummy things to try! …and thank you for including my Keto Hot Chocolate Mix ?

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on December 19, 2018 5:29 pm

        Thank you Cassidy! And I can’t wait to try your mix. I haven’t done a lot with sugar-free blends in the past.

        Reply
    4. Nicole Dawson on December 19, 2018 1:31 pm

      Alisa, you put together a delicious collection of homemade Christmas gift ideas. I love that most of these cater to food allergies too! Now I just have to narrow down which ones I’ll make first.

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on December 19, 2018 5:29 pm

        Thank you Nicole! I have to admit, it was almost pure luck that so many of them were allergy-friendly too!

        Reply
    5. Dianne on December 19, 2018 12:33 pm

      Gifts from the kitchen are always the best! Thank you for including my truffles!

      Reply
      • Alisa Fleming on December 19, 2018 5:30 pm

        Of course! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe Dianne.

        Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Go Dairy Free - The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance and Casein-Free Living
    Strawberry Love Muffins - Vegan Strawberry Muffins Recipe that's sweet, simple, and naturally dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free.

    Strawberry Love Muffins are a Simply Sweet Vegan Treat

    Free Food Journal! With detailed symptom tracker. Electronic - you can fill, save, and email it on your phone, tablet or computer! Or print it out! Great for Elimination Diets, Health Goals, Doctor and Dietitian Appointments, and More.

    The FREE Food Journal that You and Your Doctor will Love

    Enjoy Life FoodsFames Chocolates. From Brooklyn with loveEat dairy free bookChocolate Emporium
    Go Dairy Free is the leading website for information on the dairy-free diet. We share dairy-free recipes, product reviews, news, recommendations and health guides to aide those with milk allergies, lactose intolerance or a general need or desire to live without dairy. Dairy-free does include milk-free, lactose-free, casein-free and whey-free, too! We also offer ample resources for gluten-free, soy-free, food allergy, vegan and paleo diets. Please note that ingredients, processes and products are subject to change by a manufacturer at any time. All foods and products should be considered at risk for cross-contamination with milk and other allergens. Always contact the manufacturer prior to consumption. Disclaimer - All Rights Reserved - Privacy Policy Go Dairy Free © 2005-2022 Fleming Marrs Inc.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.