Homemade chocolate gifts recipes for 5 chocolate gifts to make at home

Want to impress your friends and family with delicious, thoughtful gifts? Homemade chocolate treats are a perfect way to show you care. In this article, we’ll share five easy and delightful chocolate gifts you can make at home. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these homemade chocolate treats are sure to make anyone happy. Get ready to dive into chocolate crafting and create some memorable, mouth-watering presents for your family, friends and loved ones.

Why make homemade chocolate gifts?

Homemade chocolate gifts offer a personal touch that store-bought treats simply can’t match. Also, homemade chocolate gifts are a great choice because you can tailor each gift to suit the recipient’s tastes and preferences, adding a unique, thoughtful touch. By making chocolate treats at home, you can also ensure the use of high-quality ingredients, free from preservatives and artificial additives. There’s nothing worse than waxy, bland chocolate!  Let’s get started…

What are the basic Ingredients and tools needed for making homemade chocolate gifts?

Basic Ingredients

• Chocolate (the most important ingredient!!)
• Butter or heavy cream
• Sweetener
• Flavorings (cocoa powder, extracts, oils, etc.)
• Nuts, dried fruits, or candies
• Spices (salt, vanilla, chili, etc.) 
• Caramel 

Equipment

• Refrigerator or a cool room
• Microwave 
• Double boiler or heat proof bowls 
• Silicone spatula
• Candy thermometer
• Piping bags or plastic wrap
• Parchment or wax paper 
• Chocolate molds
• Baking sheets
• Knife 
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Bench scraper 

Dark Chocolate Truffles with Almonds 

Ingredients

• 8 oz (227g) dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (36g) almonds (chopped)

Method

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
3. Pour hot cream over the chopped chocolate, cover with plastic wrap and let rest. After two minutes, stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Stir in the chopped almonds.
5. Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours or until firm.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the chocolate mixture into balls.
7. Roll the truffles in more chopped almonds or cocoa powder (optional).
8. Place the truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Place the truffles in a beautiful chocolate box for a stunning gift that any chocolate lover will adore. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of rich dark chocolate with crunchy almonds.

Chocolate Bark with Pretzels and Caramel

Ingredients:

• 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 1 cup (100g) of pretzels
• 1/2 cup (120ml) of caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Sea salt (optional)

Method:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make it easier to remove the bark once it’s set.
2. Melt and temper the chocolate. 
3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer with a spatula.
4. Gently press the broken pretzel pieces into the melted chocolate. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate, making sure to create a marbled effect by swirling it gently with a knife or a toothpick.
5. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bark to enhance the flavor contrast.
6. Refrigerate the chocolate bark for about 1-2 hours, or until it is completely set and hardened.
7. Once the bark is set, break it into pieces of your desired size.
8. Place the chocolate bark in a cute, gift box or store in an airtight container at room temperature for later use.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (226g) high-quality chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) cocoa butter (substitute vegetable or coconut oil)

Method:

• Combine the chocolate and cocoa butter in a heatproof bowl.
• Temper the chocolate. 
• Dip strawberries into the chocolate, making sure to coat them evenly.  If you washed your strawberries, make sure they are completely dry before dipping.
• Once the strawberries are fully coated, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also add toppings such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt while the chocolate is still melted.
• Let the chocolate cool and harden at room temperature until it is firm.

Chocolate Fudge Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113g)unsalted butter
• ⅔ cup (160ml) evaporated milk
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 12 oz of your favorite dark chocolate chopped into bits)
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Method

1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.

3. Once the mixture is boiling, continue stirring constantly for about 5 minutes. The mixture should reach a temperature of 234°F (112°C) on a candy thermometer or until it reaches the “softball” stage.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract

6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it is completely set and firm.

8. Once the fudge is set, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper or cut it into squares directly in the pan.

9. Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Hot Chocolate Mix 

Yields two jars.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (150g) powdered milk
• 1/2 cup (75g) chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate (optional for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup (50g) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows 

Method: 

It’s easiest if you set up a small assembly line.  Line up your jars and all the ingredients.  You’ll be layering each ingredient one by one so a couple people can work on different layers at the same time.  Also, feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste preference.  And you can always spice things up with some added treats like mini candy canes.  

Layering the Ingredients:

1. Milk powder: Start with a layer of milk powder at the bottom of the jar.  Add the salt here as well (this helps ensure that you won’t confuse salt and sugar by accident!).
2. Cocoa powder: Next, add a layer of the unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Sugar: Follow with a layer of sugar.
4. Chocolate Chips: Drop in the chocolate chips.
5. Marshmallows: Top it off with a layer of marshmallows.

The aim is to create a visually appealing layering effect with each ingredient, ensuring the jar looks both attractive and organized. This homemade hot chocolate mix makes a perfect, thoughtful gift for friends and family!

For more great articles and recipes, check out the rest of our CocoTerra blog. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us through our social media channels.  We are @cocoterra_co on Instagram and Pinterest and @cocoterraco on X (aka Twitter) and Facebook.