Gift Tip

For extra “wow,” drizzle a little melted dark chocolate on top before chilling.

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2) Christmas Chocolate-Covered Pretzels (The Sweet-Salty Favorite)

Ingredients

• 4 cups mini pretzels (twists or rings)

• 12 oz (340 g) milk or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate, chopped (optional for contrast)

• Christmas sprinkles, sanding sugar, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

2. Melt your chocolate (microwave in bursts or on a double boiler), stirring until smooth.

3. Dip pretzels halfway, or fully coat them using a fork to lift and tap off excess.

4. Place on parchment and immediately add sprinkles/toppings before chocolate sets.

5. Let set at room temp or chill 10–15 minutes.

Pro Results

• If chocolate seems thick, add 1/2 tsp coconut oil to help it melt silky.

• Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped to drizzle white chocolate stripes on dark pretzels.

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3) Buttery Holiday Shortbread Coins (Classic, Elegant, Easy)

These cookies are perfect for gifting because they stay tender for days and don’t crumble into dust during transport.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup (80 g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, orange zest, or chopped nuts

• Optional finish: melted chocolate for dipping, sprinkles, coarse sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.

2. Cream butter + powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (2 minutes).

3. Mix in vanilla and salt.

4. Add flour and mix just until dough forms. Don’t overmix.

5. Shape dough into a log about 2 inches wide, wrap, and chill 20–30 minutes (helps slicing cleanly).

6. Slice into 1/4-inch coins and place on baking sheet.

7. Bake 12–15 minutes, just until the bottoms barely turn golden.

8. Cool completely. Dip edges in melted chocolate if you want a fancy finish.

Make Them Look “Gift Shop” Pretty

• Dip half in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

• Or brush warm cookies lightly with melted butter and dust with sanding sugar.

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How to Assemble the Perfect Gift Tin (So It Looks Professional)

What you need

• Holiday tin or gift box

• Parchment paper or cupcake liners

• Optional: small treat bags + ribbon + labels

Assembly steps

1. Line the tin with parchment or a festive napkin.

2. Create sections using cupcake liners or folded parchment “walls.”

3. Add bark pieces in one corner, pretzels in another, shortbread stacked neatly in the center.

4. Fill gaps with extra sprinkles, mini candies, or wrapped chocolates (optional).

5. Close and tag with: “Homemade with love — enjoy!” plus a “best by” date.

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Make-Ahead Plan (Stress-Free Holiday Baking)

• Day 1: Bake shortbread, cool, dip in chocolate if desired.

• Day 2: Make bark + dipped pretzels. Assemble tins.

• Gifting day: Add label, ribbon, and deliver.

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Storage & Shelf Life (Important for Gifting)

• Shortbread: 7–10 days in an airtight container.

• Chocolate pretzels: 7 days airtight (cool, dry place).

• Peppermint bark: 10–14 days airtight (best cool room temp).

• Avoid heat/sunlight so the chocolate doesn’t bloom or soften.

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Conclusion

Homemade treats are the kind of gift people remember—because they’re personal, practical, and made with real effort. This Holiday Treat Tin Trio gives you the best of everything: the festive crunch of peppermint bark, the irresistible sweet-salty bite of chocolate pretzels, and the buttery comfort of classic shortbread. It’s a complete edible gift that feels abundant and special, without requiring advanced baking skills or hours of complicated prep.