Your search for the perfect granola ends here — I just know you’ll love it! It’s so easy, it makes a big batch, and it freezes well too! You can even give it as a unique holiday gift! (Don’t forget your FREE printable gift tags to go with it!

Recipe from my sister, Brigette. During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
This Homemade Granola has been my go-to for years!
I enjoy many different granola recipes, but this is my go-to recipe.
I received this recipe as a wedding gift from one of my very best friends (a handwritten cookbook is a great gift, by the way!) and I’ve only slightly tweaked it over the years.
It’s the perfect mix of crunchy and chunky and sweet and savory and everything you could possibly want in a bowl of granola.
In fact, I know people who “don’t like granola” yet get hooked on this recipe.
Eat a bowl as a breakfast treat, grab a handful of it for an afternoon pick-me-up, or sprinkle it on ice cream or yogurt for a late-night treat… yum!

This Homemade Granola with Honey makes a great frugal gift!
This delicious granola is also a great homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, and friends. In fact, certain family members and friends have come to expect (even demand!?) this granola from me every December.
Even though it works great as a gift, you’ll definitely want to make sure you save some for yourself. 😉
Get your free printable gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this homemade granola!

Homemade Granola Recipe Ingredients
DRY INGREDIENTS:
- 6 cups rolled oats
- 5 cups cornflakes cereal
- 1 cup wheat germ (or wheat bran, oat bran, etc. – something with a more “flour-like” consistency)
- 1 cup pecans
- ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
WET INGREDIENTS :
- ¾ cup oil (vegetable or coconut)
- 1 cup honey (use less if you don’t like your granola very sweet)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Granola
1. Preheat oven to 250ºF.
2. Grease a 10″ x 15″ baking dish and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients together.


4. Add wet ingredients to a medium saucepan and simmer over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Spread mixture evenly in baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.

7. After 2 hours, press the granola down firmly into the pan, turn your oven off, and put the pan back into the oven (with the oven door closed) until completely cool (this will take several hours but helps create a more crunchy granola, which I love).
If you happen to like chewier granola, let it cool on the counter instead of in the oven.
8. Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for later.

How to store Homemade Granola with Honey
After the granola cools completely, store it in an air-tight food storage container, a zip-top bag, or glass jars with tight-fitting lids.
How long does Homemade Granola Last?
It should stay fresh for a few weeks at room temperature and will last for months in the freezer.
Freezing Oatmeal Granola
It freezes wonderfully. Simply store it in a ziptop bag or airtight food storage container and it will stay fresh for months.
Easy Homemade Granola Serving Suggestions
This homemade granola is great severed over your favorite yogurt with a little fresh fruit, as a crunchy ice cream topping, or just in a bowl with milk.
You can also sprinkle it over banana bread or cinnamon bread batter BEFORE you bake it. It will give the bread a nice crunchy sweet topping.
Oatmeal Granola FAQs
Honestly, there’s a lot of sugar in granola, but it’s honey and maple syrup (natural sugar). Granola also has a fair amount of protein and fiber. It’s not something I’d eat for every meal, but it’s a highly nutritious treat.
Store-bought granola is extremely expensive, so even though some of the bulk ingredients in our homemade version can be a little spendy, I’m positive it’s still much cheaper than buying it from the store.
In order to get crispy granola, you must cook it slowly at a low temperature so it has plenty of time to dry out without burning. We also recommend turning off your oven after 2 hours and letting the granola sit in the oven until completely cooled. It takes a little extra time, but it really helps to produce crunch granola!
We suggest old-fashioned oats as they hold up better than quick oats and make “chunkier” granola.
We prefer the taste of real maple syrup, but you can substitute any syrup you have in your pantry.
You could try Rice Krispies, Bran Flakes, or even Frosted Flakes for a sweeter granola!
Yes. Feel free to make a double or triple batch — just make sure you use multiple pans or a very large pan so the granola can spread out (otherwise it will take forever to cook).

Easy Homemade Granola
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 6 cups rolled oats
- 5 cups cornflakes
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 1 cup pecans
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250ºF.
- Grease a 10″ x 15″ baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients together.
- Add wet ingredients to a medium saucepan and simmer over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.
- Spread mixture evenly in baking dish and bake in preheated oven for 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes.
- After 2 hours, press the granola down firmly into the pan, turn your oven off, and put the pan back into the oven (with the oven door closed) until completely cool (this will take several hours but helps create a more crunchy granola, which I love).
- Store cooled granola in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for later.
Notes
Nutrition
Love this recipe?
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Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies with Whole Wheat Flour (A Family Favorite!) + Free Printable Gift Tags
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies with Whole Wheat Flour (A Family Favorite!) + Free Printable Gift Tags
Is there anything better than soft, gooey chocolate chip cookies, fresh out of the oven? If you’re a sucker for delicious chocolate chip cookies, you absolutely must give this recipe a try! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to give these as a holiday gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

Recipe from my sister, Brigette. During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Soft Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies have been a staple over the years!
I’ve made a lot of chocolate chip cookies over the years.
I remember being 9 or 10 and feeling so excited the first time I made them all by myself. I quickly discovered that if you know how to bake a good cookie, you will always have friends!
When we lived overseas for two years, I was able to build many relationships with the local children as a result of chocolate chip cookies. After introducing them to this American staple, they were quickly hooked, so they obviously had to keep coming back to my house since it was the only way to get more!

This Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies recipe is our all-time fave!
This recipe is one of my all-time favorite cookie recipes. I’ve adapted it slightly from a recipe from one of my long-time friends (Thanks, Elsie!). It’s traveled the world with me and has consistently turned out in many different ovens.
These buttery gems are crispy on the edges and soft and gooey in the center. Not too puffy, and not too flat. Perfect.
It’s a pretty basic recipe with a couple of interesting additions. I don’t recommend making any substitutions or leaving anything out!
Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great Christmas gift idea!
Because this chocolate chip cookie recipe is SUCH a hit with everyone, it makes a great homemade and delicious holiday gift! Or use them in a Christmas Cookie Exchange!
Get your free printable gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for these cookies!

What are the Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies?
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats*
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½-2 cups chocolate chips
*You can use regular rolled oats if you prefer – just process them for several seconds in a blender first.
Can you substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour in this recipe? Is it a 1:1 swap?
Yes! If you’d rather use only all-purpose flour, just substitute an extra 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for the 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour.

How to make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies with Whole Wheat Flour
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Add vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs. Beat well.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flours, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the chocolate chips.

7. Drop by rounded tablespoons on an ungreased cookie sheet.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
9. Cool on wire racks.

How long to bake Chocolate Chip Cookies?
We recommend starting with the lowest time (10 minutes) and checking for doneness. If they need another minute or two, you can always add more time.
However, we feel chocolate chip cookies are always best slightly under-done than overdone!
Tips for making the best Soft Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are a few things that will help your cookies to be very soft and gooey…
- Make sure your butter is very soft (but not melted)
- Use the full amount of brown sugar (don’t skimp!)
- Don’t over-mix the batter or over-bake the cookies
- Make sure the oven is fully pre-heated before putting the cookies in.

How to Store Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keep your cookies in a tightly sealed container or bag at room temperature or in the freezer. Do not store them in the refrigerator as that will dry them out faster.
How Long do Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies last?
Cookies should stay fresh for roughly 3 days at room temperature. If you want to make them in advance, or make a triple batch for later, freeze the extras.
How to Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookies
After the cookies cool completely, place them in an air-tight food storage container with wax paper between each layer of cookies. Freeze for up to 6 months.
FAQs for Quick Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use lots of chocolate chips and don’t over-bake them.
Use softened butter,
Flat cookies could be caused by using too much butter (or melted butter), using too little flour, or if your baking soda/powder is expired. Your cookies could also be flat if your oven temperature isn’t hot enough.
Quick oats help to “bind” the dough together, absorbing moisture and building structure.
All-purpose flour will produce the lightest and fluffiest cookies, but adding a little whole wheat flour creates a nice texture and denseness with a small amount of extra nutrients.

Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats or regular oats processed in a blender
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½-2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla, lemon juice, and eggs. Beat well.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flours, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
Love this recipe?
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These cookies are so delicious.
If you’re on the lookout for a better chocolate chip cookie recipe, you must give this one a try!
What are your favorite cookies? I’d love to hear!
Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Brigette’s $133 Grocery Shopping Post and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
Brigette’s $133 Grocery Shopping Post and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

Aldi
1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $2.29
1 Pineapple – $1.69
1 large carton Organic Spring Mix – $4.89
1 head Cauliflower – $2.59
1 bunch Bananas $0.28/lb) – $0.54
1 bag frozen Riced Cauliflower – $1.99
4 pkgs frozen Broccoli Florets – $4.36
1 3-lb bag Carrots – $1.39
3 cans Green Beans – $1.89
1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $3.19
1 Seedless Cucumber – $0.95
1 bag Romaine Hearts – $2.69
2 Avocados – $0.98
1 bag Spinach – $1.49
1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $2.19
1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.29
2 gallons Whole Milk – $5.02
1 gallon Orange Juice – $5.99
1 pkg boneless Chicken Breasts ($2.29/lb) – $11.06
2 pkgs Kielbasa – $5.78
1 pkg Pepperoni – $2.49
1 32-oz carton Greek Yogurt – $3.25
2 1-lb boxes Butter Quarters – $3.98
4 8-oz blocks Cheese – $7.96
1 8-oz pkg Sliced Cheese – $1.75
4 dozen Eggs – $7.54
1 box Honey Wheat Puffs – $1.95
1 box Rice Squares – $2.39
1 box Crispy Rice – $1.69
2 boxes Crunchy Raisin Bran Granola – $5.28
1 5-lb bag Flour – $1.95
1 bag Rice Cakes – $2.09
1 box Golden Rounds Crackers – $2.15
2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1.00
1 pkg Hot Dog Buns, reduced – $0.50
1 bag Nacho Tortilla Chips – $2.39
1 bag Tortilla Chips – $1.95
Total: $112.18

Publix
2 Splenda Liquid Sweeteners (B1G1) – $4.69, used (2) $3/1 printables – $1.31 Money Maker after Coupons
5 pkgs Smithfield Deli Meat (B1G1) – $14.98, used $5/$25 Smithfield Publix digital coupon – $9.98 after coupon (this coupon comes off because it is $25 before B1G1)
2 4-ct pkgs Siggi’s Yogurts – $5.79, used $1/2 printable – $4.79 after coupon
~ Used $2/$10 Publix Digital Perk
Total: $11.46

Sawyer’s Produce
24 8-oz cartons Strawberries – $10
Total: $10
Grocery Total for the Week: $133.64
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit, Toast, Scrambled/Boiled/Fried Eggs, Oatmeal
Lunches
Deli Meat Sandwiches, Carrots, Strawberries x 2
Cheese and Crackers, Cucumbers/Peppers, Strawberries x 2
Leftovers x 3
Dinners
Grilled Hobo Packets, Tossed Salad
Meatloaf, Roasted Cauliflower, Baked Sweet Potatoes
Chicken Gravy over Rice, Biscuits, Green Beans
Spaghetti, Breadsticks, Green Beans
Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli, Tossed Salad
Build-Your-Own-Taco-Salad (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Salsa, Avocados, Chips, Chopped Onions, Rice)
Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Veggies

Psst! Want to cut your grocery budget? Go here and sign up (it’s free!) I’ll send you my 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By $50.
Did you do any grocery shopping this week? I’d love to hear what great deals you scored!
Homemade Movie Night Gift Basket Ideas + Free Printable Gift Tags!
Homemade Movie Night Gift Basket Ideas + Free Printable Gift Tags!
A family movie night basket might just be the perfect clutter-free, frugal, and fun gift for a bunch of people on your list this year! And be sure to grab some FREE printable gift tags to go with it to match!

During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
A few years ago, my sister-in-law gave our family a unique and fun gift that’s one of those you remember for a long time.
What was it?
It was the perfect gift because we could all use and enjoy it. It was also consumable (so it didn’t add toy clutter) and it was something we could do together as a family.
Family Movie Night Gift Basket Ideas — An Easy Last Minute Gift!
A Movie Night Gift Basket it’s a great gift for families, couples, or even individuals on your list who are hard to buy for, or who seem like they already “have everything”.
This is a very versatile gift idea as you can tailor it to the ages, preferences, and dietary restrictions of the recipient. And of course, you can tailor it to your budget — making it as big as you want, or scaling back if finances are a bit tight.
Movie Night Basket Printable Gift Tag
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this gift basket!

What to put in a Family Movie Night Gift Basket
- Movies: Purchase a DVD you think they would enjoy, give an Amazon gift card to stream a favorite movie, or include Redbox movie codes. You might also include a list of movie recommendations!
- Drinks: Provide one drink for each person — soda pop, sports drinks, hot cocoa, Izze’s, or sparkling waters are some ideas.
- Popcorn: Microwave popcorn packets, a bag of caramel corn, or other fun homemade popcorn mixes.
- Popcorn Boxes: To make it feel even more like a movie theater, we like using popcorn boxes!
- Snacks: Movie theater candy boxes, trail mix, chips, pretzels, gum, mints, etc.
- Gift Cards (optional): As an extra bonus, you might include gift cards for a local pizza delivery place or to buy ice cream for sundaes or root beer floats.
- Fun Extras (optional): If you’re creative you could include fake movie theater ticket stubs and a fun gift tag. You could also get as fancy as you want — including items like cozy socks, plush throw blankets, a scented candle, etc.

How to Make a Movie Night Gift Basket
1. Choose your container.
If you plan to make several gift baskets, start scouring local thrift stores for medium and large baskets with fun handles that could hold your gift items and also be useful for the recipient after the goodies are gone.
You could also use a simple cardboard box and cover it with fun gift wrap or brown craft paper. Diaper boxes work really well for a large gift basket as they have built-in handles, and the biggest Oxiclean boxes also have handles and could work well for a medium-sized movie “basket”.
2. Gather your supplies.
It’s nice to have a variety of snacks — sweet, salty, savory, sour, etc. and drinks for each person in the family. Use your best judgment, but try to include items you know the family enjoys (especially the kids) as this adds an extra-personal touch to the gift. And if you know the family is trying to stay away from too much sugar or has food sensitivities, there are still plenty of fun “treat” options if you do a little hunting!

3. Arrange items nicely in the box or basket.
Use crumpled newspaper, tissue paper, or any other “filling” medium to elevate some items and create an eye-catching presentation — putting bigger/taller items in the back and smaller/shorter items in the front.

4. Showcase the movie.
You can’t have a “Family Movie Night Gift Basket” without a movie! If you’re including an actual DVD, put it right up front so it’s the first thing they notice. Otherwise, put your Amazon/Redbox gift card front and center.
A $5 gift card is often plenty to rent one or two movies on Amazon… so this doesn’t need to cost a lot!
5. Add any extras.
This is totally optional, but you can definitely take your basket to the next level with additional dinner gift cards, comfy socks for the whole family, or even a really nice throw blanket to snuggle up in.
You could also stay low-budget and include handmade ticket stubs, a list of your family’s favorite movies, and a handmade gift tag — just little extra-personal touches.
6. Wrap it up!
To make sure nothing falls out (and to add a lot of charm to this gift) we love the idea of wrapping it in clear cellophane with a giant bow on top.
Of course, there are many other ways to wrap up this gift as well. You could even put the entire gift basket inside another large box and wrap the box to keep the gift a surprise.


Movie Night Basket
Materials
- Movies DVD, Amazon gift card, Redbox codes, etc.
- Drinks soda pop, sports drinks, hot cocoa, Izze’s, or sparkling waters
- Popcorn
- Popcorn Boxes
- Snacks movie theater candy boxes, trail mix, chips, pretzels, gum, mints, etc.
- Gift Cards optional — local pizza delivery
- Fun Extras optional — movie theater ticket stubs, cozy socks, plush throw blankets, a scented candle, etc.
Instructions
- Choose your container.
- Gather your supplies.
- Arrange items nicely in the box or basket.
- Showcase the movie.
- Add any extras.
- Wrap it up!
Love this craft?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!

What else would you add to a Movie Night Gift Basket?
Looking for more ideas for frugal family fun? Check out these Kid Date Ideas, Creative Ideas for Family Fun at Home, The Ultimate Checklist for Family Movie Night, and Inexpensive Ways to Have Fun at Home!
Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Apple Butter Recipe + Free Printable Gift Tags!
This homemade apple butter is so easy to make in your slow cooker! Make a huge batch, divide them into jars, and gift them this holiday with our free printable gift tags from the Homemade Christmas Gift Guide!

During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Crockpot Apple Butter (Better than store-bought!)
Years ago, I decided to try making homemade apple butter as an experimental do-it-yourself project.
I’m not typically that much of an apple butter fan, but I’m glad I didn’t let that deter me because, let me tell you, this homemade apple butter is fantastic — much, much better than any storebought stuff I’ve ever tried!
And if you use clearance bags of apples on markdown, this can be a very inexpensive recipe!
What is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a spreadable preserve made by slowly cooking apples and spices over low heat in order to concentrate the flavors. The cooked apples are pureed or blended to create apple butter’s signature smooth texture.
There’s not actually any butter in apple butter!
You’ll love this Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe
It’s such a delicious and versatile treat any time of year, but especially in the fall/winter when apples are ripe.
Plus, it’s SO easy to make in a slow cooker!
And other than the peeling and chopping process, which did take me a little while (though it was relaxing–especially since I listened to an audiobook at the same time!), the whole process was so simple.
Once the apples were peeled and sliced, the crockpot did the rest of the work!
This Apple Butter is a GREAT gift idea!
This apple butter is a yummy, unique gift idea to give during the holidays. And it’s SO easy to whip up a huge batch and divide into several jars for multiple gifts!
Download your free printable labels and gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this Apple Butter!
You can also click here to download and print labels to stick on the jars. (Note: We recommend using this sticker paper!)
Crock Pot Apple Butter Ingredients
- 6 pounds of apples
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups raw or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3-4 teaspoons cinnamon
What are the best apples for Apple Butter?
I used Jonathans, but any variety should work.
It’s often nice to have a variety of apples so you get a mixture of flavors. Also, if you get them from the orchard, ask for “seconds” as they are usually about half the price and it doesn’t matter if they have a few bruises as you’ll be cooking them down.
How to make Slow Cooker Apple Butter
1. Peel, core, and slice apples in fourths.
2. Put them in a large crockpot with vanilla and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir every few hours.
3. Once apples are very, very tender, mash with a potato masher and stir in sugar and spices.
4. Cook on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Cool and pour into jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Make sure you have a large enough slow cooker so the mixture doesn’t boil out (it’s a really sticky mess!) and give it enough time to properly thicken up.
How to Thicken Apple Butter
Apple butter tends to be naturally thick… but if you’d like it to be thicker, simply let it cook without the lid for another 1-2 hours on low (stirring occasionally) or until it reaches your desired thickness.

What to Do With Apple Butter
There are SO many possibilities for how to use apple butter:
- Apple Butter tastes amazing on toast, bagels, and English muffins.
- Or stir it into your oatmeal.
- It’s also a great topping for pancakes and waffles (instead of syrup.)
- It tastes delicious slathered on chicken and pork.
And you can use Apple Butter in place of applesauce in many baking recipes (like these Apple Butter Muffins!)
Storing Crock Pot Apple Butter
You can store apple butter in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You can also freeze jars of apple butter for a year.
Or, you can process the jars in a hot water bath with proper canning lids and rings and store at room temperature almost indefinitely.
How long does Apple Butter last?
Depending on which storage method you choose above, you could store it almost indefinitely! But easily at least for a month or year!

Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups raw or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3-4 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples in fourths.
- Put them in a large crockpot with vanilla and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir every few hours.
- Once apples are very, very tender, mash with a potato masher and stir in sugar and spices.
- Cook on low for another 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and pour into jars or airtight containers and refrigerate.
Notes
Love this recipe?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Gretchen’s $13.49 Walgreens Pickup Order (Plus, Received $5.35 in Walgreens Cash!)
Gretchen’s $13.49 Walgreens Pickup Order (Plus, Received $5.35 in Walgreens Cash!)

Looking to save money without actually shopping in-store? With several kids in tow, I can’t usually shop the drugstore deals in-store, but have come to love doing pickup orders. I always place my order online using my Walgreens app and within 10 minutes it is ready for pickup at my closest store. The best part? I don’t even have to get out of my car as they bring it out to me!
Here’s what I bought:
3 Nivea Men’s Bodywash – $5 each
Buy 3, Get $5 in Walgreens cash
Used promo code NIVEA ($5 off $15)1 Burt’s Bees Kid’s Toothpaste – $3.50
Used $2/1 digital coupon5 packs Walgreens Batteries – $1 each (I ordered 5 but they substituted one 8-pack for two of them because they were out.)
3 Hallmark Christmas Gift Bags – 3/$5.98
Used $4/2 digital coupon
And used $2/1 digital coupon1 Nivea Men’s Shaving Foam – $3.49
Used $2.50/1 digital couponUsed $4 in Walgreens Cash
Total before coupons, cash, and code: $32.97
Total after coupons, cash, and code: $13.49, Plus received $5.35 in Walgreens Cash
Brigette’s $15.06 Walgreens Shopping Trip ($6 Money Maker after Rebates!)
Brigette’s $15.06 Walgreens Shopping Trip ($6 Money Maker after Rebates!)
Love drug store shopping each week? Don’t miss these GREAT deals Brigette grabbed this week at Walgreens!

Walgreens
All of my coupons are from the Walgreens app. I highly recommend downloading it if you haven’t already. You can clip both Manufacturer’s and Store coupons and stack them together on the same item.
What I Bought:
2 Clairol Hair Color, marked down – $9.58
Receive $4 Walgreens Cash when you buy 2
Used $6/2 Clairol Walgreens digital manufacturer’s coupon
= $3.58 for 2 total out of pocket ($0.42 money maker for 2 after $4 Walgreens Cash!)
2 pkgs Olay Make Up Wipes Remover (B1G1 40%) – $10.48
Used $5/2 Olay Walgreens digital manufacturer’s coupon
= $5.48 for 2 total out of pocket
1 Colgate Toothbrush and 1 Colgate Toothpaste – $9
Receive $3 Register Rewards when you buy 2
Used $2.50/1 Colgate Toothpaste Walgreens digital manufacturer’s coupon
Used $2.50/1 Colgate Toothbrush Walgreens digital manufacturer’s coupon
= $4 for 2 total out of pocket ($1 for 2 after Register Rewards!)
6 boxes Nice! Bags (B1G2) – $5.58
= $5.58 for 6 out of pocket
2 Oreo Ice Cream – $6
Receive (2) $2/1 Ibotta Oreo rebates
= $6 for 2 out of pocket ($2 for 2 after rebates!)
Totals:
Total: $24.64 plus tax
Used $10/$40 Any Purchase Walgreens digital booster coupon
Paid with $12 Register Rewards from previous weeks
Total Paid Out Of Pocket: $15.06, plus I received $3 Register Rewards, $14.34 Walgreens Cash, and $4 Ibotta Rebates!

Psst! Want to cut your grocery budget? Go here and sign up (it’s free!) I’ll send you my 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By $50.
Holiday Spice Sugar Scrub + Free Printable Gift Tags
This Holiday Spice Sugar Scrub is such a lovely homemade gift idea! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to go with this gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

Guest post from Stacy of No Fuss Natural. During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Homemade Sugar Scrub makes a Quick & Easy Gift!
Sugar scrubs are one of my favorite homemade gifts to give because even though they are so simple to make, they still convey thoughtfulness and care.
Plus, sugar scrub recipes are easy to double, triple, or quadruple so you can make gifts for a lot of people in just a few minutes!
Homemade Body Sugar Scrub Gift Tag Printable
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this Holiday Spice Sugar Scrub!
Homemade Sugar Body Scrub Recipe
Making sugar scrub is quick and easy — measure the ingredients, stir to combine, and you are good to go! It will probably take longer to label the jar than it will to make the scrub.
The following recipe creates a sugar scrub that smells just like the holidays. It is a treat for tired hands and feet and would be a wonderful gift on any occasion.

Holiday Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup oil (olive, sweet almond, or walnut oil)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom (optional)

How to Make Homemade Body Scrub Sugar – Holiday Spice Edition!
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and spices.
- Add oil and stir to combine.
- Scoop into jars or containers.
- Download your FREE gift tags to attach.
- Your gift is complete and ready to give!

Homemade Body Sugar Scrub Recipe Tips
Take the time to mix your ingredients thoroughly.
Feel free to alter the spices to whatever you have in the house, or whatever your favorite holiday scents are!
Also, use your best judgement to create the right consistency — if it feel dry, add a bit more oil; if it feels oily, add a bit more sugar.
And make sure your storage containers have tight-fitting lids so the contents stay fresh as long as possible.
Homemade Sugar Scrub Storage:
How long does homemade sugar scrub last?
Homemade sugar scrub should last up to 2-3 months if stored in a clean, airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place.
Does homemade body scrub need to be refrigerated?
No, it does not need to be refrigerated. As long as you store it in an air-tight jar or container and put the lid on tight after each use, it will stay fresh!
Sugar Scrub Homemade Recipe FAQs
We prefer olive oil, sweet almond oil, or walnut oil. However, you could also use grapeseed oil or coconut oil.
If you want your scrub to be thicker, go with coconut oil as it solidifies at room temperature. However, if you prefer more of a thiner consistency (or you don’t like the smell of coconut) then olive oil would be the better choice.
If you use coconut oil and your home is colder than 75º, your scrub will be much harder as coconut oil doesn’t liquify until 76º.
The simple solution would be to stir it up before each use. You can also use an emulsifying wax to keep the oil from separating.
You don’t need to (we don’t) but if you want it to last longer, or if you plan to store it in a wet place (like the shower) where mold and bacteria can grow, you can add preservatives.
Don’t use sugar scrubs if you have very sensitive skin as it may irritate it. Also, we don’t recommend using a scrub on sunburned skin or an open wound. This body scrub should not be used on pets or young babies.

Sugar Scrub (Homemade)
Materials
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground all spice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup oil (olive, sweet almond, or walnut oil)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and spices.
- Add oil and stir to combine.
- Scoop into jars or containers.
- Label and gift!
Love this craft?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
Stacy is a homeschooling mom to three kids and wife to a preacher. She has a slight obsession with all things homemade, and especially enjoys making her own skin care products. Stacy believes home is where hearts are shaped for eternity. She encourages mothers along the journey and shares lots of natural living tips at No Fuss Natural. You can also find more scrub recipes in her eBooks.
Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists Recipe + Free Printable Gift Tags!
These Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists are one of our family’s all-time favorite recipes! And homemade breads are a great gift idea during the holidays! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to go with this gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Brown Sugar Biscuit Recipe (One of our family favorites!)
This recipe is one of our family’s very favorite recipes. I originally adapted it from an old, falling-apart Better Homes and Gardens bread cookbook my mom had when we were growing up.
I’ve made these countless times and they are so easy to do and so yummy!
This is a great holiday gift idea!
Homemade bread is a great holiday gift idea and these sugar twists are so unique and different from probably any other homemade goody people will get this time of year.
Download your free printable gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for these Biscuit Twists!


Twister Biscuit Ingredients
Biscuit dough:
- 3 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
Filling:
- 4 Tablespoons melted butter
- 6 Tablespoons brown sugar
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- a few teaspoons of milk (enough to make a runny glaze)

How to make Sugar Twists
1. Preheat oven to 450ºF.
2. In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients for the biscuit dough.
3. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add milk. Stir just until moistened.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.

6. Roll dough out into a rectangle (approximately 1/4-inch thick).
7. Stir together 4 Tablespoons melted butter and 6 Tablespoons brown sugar and evenly spread filling over rectangle.
8. Fold rectangle in half and cut into about 1-inch strips.

9. Twist strips and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.

10. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.

11. While baking, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a few teaspoons milk (enough to make the mixture of drizzling consistency).
12. Drizzle glaze over biscuit twists as soon as they come out of the oven.

Tools Used for Making Sugar Twists
There are very few tools needed for this delicious recipe — just a bowl, a knife, and your hands. However, there are a few others that will make the process a bit easier.
- Large mixing bowl
- Pastry blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large rolling pin
- Sharpe knife
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Cooling racks

Fun Ways to Serve this Sugar Biscuit Recipe
We like to serve these fresh out of the oven on Christmas morning (or really any morning!)
They are also great paired with an Egg, Ham, and Cheese casserole and fruit for a simple Christmas brunch.
These could make a fancy-looking dessert or a really fun after-school snack. They might also be a special birthday treat.
Storing Sugar Twists
If, for some reason, you don’t eat them all immediately, you can store them in a tightly sealed food storage container (after they are fully cooled) at room temperature for a few days.
Or, you can freeze them for 3 months.
NOTE: you can freeze them before or after baking.

Twisted Biscuit FAQs
The most likely answer is baking them at too low of a temperature. A higher heat will generate more caramelization from the butter on top of the biscuits, leaving you with a beautifully golden crust — so make sure your oven is at least 450ºF.
Since brown sugar has molasses in it, it naturally adds more moisture to baked goods — making them nice and chewy.

Brown Sugar Twister Biscuit
Ingredients
Biscuit dough:
- 3 cups flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
Filling:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 6 tbsp brown sugar
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- a few teaspoons of milk enough to make a runny glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450ºF.
- In a large bowl, stir together dry ingredients for the biscuit dough.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add milk. Stir just until moistened.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
- Roll dough out into a rectangle (approximately 1/4-inch thick).
- Stir together 4 Tablespoons melted butter and 6 Tablespoons brown sugar and evenly spread filling over rectangle.
- Fold rectangle in half and cut into about 1-inch strips.
- Twist strips and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
- While baking, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a few teaspoons milk (enough to make the mixture of drizzling consistency).
- Drizzle glaze over biscuit twists as soon as they come out of the oven.
Nutrition
Love this recipe?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Brigette’s $150.60 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Meal Plan for 6
Brigette’s $150.60 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Meal Plan for 6
My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

This is more than I usually spend, but I bought extra of a few staples. We were also running low on things after not doing regular shopping the week of Thanksgiving.
Aldi
1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $3.29
1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $2.55
2 gallons Milk – $5.06
2 bags frozen steamable California Medley Vegetables – $2.18
2 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $2.18
1 large carton Organic Spring Mix – $4.89
1 3-lb bag Sweet Potatoes – $1.99
1 3-head pkg Garlic – $1.49
1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.49
1 bag Romaine Hearts – $2.69
2 cans Green Beans – $1.26
4 cans Organic Black Beans – $3.96
4 cans Tomatoes – $3.52
1 jar Salsa – $2.19
1 Cabbage – $1.56
1 3-lb bag Pears – $2.99
2 Butternut Squash $0.69/lb) – $5.04
1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $2.79
1 family-size box Honey Nuts Crisp Oats – $2.95
1 box Rice Squares – $2.55
1 family-size box Frosty Flakes – $3.29
1 box Honey Crunch’n Oat – $2.45
1 box Raisin Bran – $2.19
1 pkg boneless Chicken Breasts ($2.29/lb) – $11.68
1 40-oz jar Peanut Butter – $3.95
1 bag Flour Tortillas – $1.95
1 bag Rice Cakes – $2.49
1 bag Nacho Chips – $2.39
1 bag Sweet Potato Chips – $2.39
1 bag Organic Blue Corn Chips – $2.19
1 box Clubhouse Crackers – $2.55
6 Greek Yogurts – $3.54
1 8-oz pkg Deli Sliced Cheese – $1.69
1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $3.99
4 dozen Eggs – $5.26
1 bag Pretzels – $1.78
1 pkg Hotdog Buns – $1.09
1-lb box Butter Quarters – $2.95
Total: $116.46

Lidl
2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1
2 bags Mini Sweet Peppers – $3.98
2 Avocados – $1.18
2 pkgs Mini Cucumbers – $2.98
10 hars Pasta Sauce – $10
9 8-oz blocks Cheese (missing one in this picture because it was already half gone :)) – $15
Total: $34.14
Grocery Total for the Week: $150.60
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Cereal, Oatmeal, Fruit, Smoothies, Eggs, Yogurt, Veggie Omelets, Toast
Lunches
Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Peppers/Cucumbers, Chips, Applesauce
PB and Honey on Rice Cakes, Peppers/Cucumbers, Chips, Apples
Leftovers x 4
Dinners
Hamburger Vegetable Soup (using Venison Sausage), Crackers, Shredded Cheese
Build-Your-Own-Burrito/Taco Salad (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Romaine, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Onions, Chips, Tortillas, Salsa, Avocados, Rice)
Venison Meatloaf, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables
Chili, Crackers, Shredded Cheese, Honey Cornbread
Chicken Gravy over Rice, Biscuits, Tossed Salad, Green Beans
Venison Taco Meat over Baked Potatoes, Broccoli, Shredded Cheese
Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Broccoli

Psst! Want to cut your grocery budget? Go here and sign up (it’s free!) I’ll send you my 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By $50.
Did you do any grocery shopping this week? I’d love to hear what great deals you scored!
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Click here to download!Homemade Lavender Bath Salts + Free Printable Gift Tags!
These Homemade Lavender Bath Salts are a beautiful homemade gift idea! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to go with this gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Homemade Bath Salts Recipe: Great Gift Idea!
I made this recipe years ago after having it on a list of do-it-yourself ideas to try. I remember being so pleasantly surprised by how easy it was and wondered why I’d waited so long to try it!
This recipe is SO simple and fun to make, and you could try using different essential oils and food coloring colors to change things up.
Download your free printable gift tags!
These bath salts make a wonderful frugal gift idea for so many people on your list, too!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for these bath salts!
Ingredients for Lavender Bath Salts
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4-8 drops food coloring, optional

How to Make Homemade Lavender Bath Salts
1. In a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients until well blended.

2. Transfer to an airtight container and let rest for a few days to allow time for the oil to infuse the salts.

3. Use in your own bath or give as a gift.

To Use: Add 4 to 6 Tablespoons of Lavender Bath Salt to warm running bath water. Enjoy a refreshing and relaxing bath soak!


Lavender Bath Salts
Materials
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup sea salt
- 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4-8 drops food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients until well blended.
- Transfer to an airtight container and let rest for a few days to allow time for the oil to infuse the salts.
- To Use: Add 4 to 6 Tablespoons of Lavender Bath Salt to warm running bath water. Enjoy a refreshing and relaxing bath soak!
Love this craft?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!

Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe + Free Printable Gift Tags!
If you’re looking for a delicious pumpkin bread recipe this season, don’t miss this one with a unique flavor twist! It’s also great to give as a gift because it’s delicious and beautiful! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to go with this gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

Recipe by Olivia from the MoneySavingMom team. During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
The best Pumpkin Bread with a yummy, chocolatey twist!
It’s my favorite time of year — when you can pull out your leggings and sweaters and are in the mood to cook and bake all things pumpkin!
My sister, Olivia, concocted this incredible recipe for freezer-friendly White Chocolate Pumpkin Bread. It’s a fun twist on traditional pumpkin bread and would be perfect to bake for snack or dessert (or you could even eat it for breakfast, you know!)
This would be a great recipe to bake ahead and then have on hand to share with friends or to serve at fall or holiday get-togethers! Yum! -Crystal
Pumpkin Bread is a great gift idea!
You can also make a several loaves of this bread ahead of time and give them as yummy homemade holiday treats!
Download your free printable gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for this pumpkin bread!

White Chocolate Pumpkin Bread Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups canola oil
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 packages (3 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix (I used 1 5.25 ounce package.)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, optional
How to make Pumpkin Bread
1. Preheat oven to 325º F. Grease two 8″ x 4″ loaf pans and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add canola oil and pumpkin; beat until smooth.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 75-80 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the loave for 10 minutes before loosening edges with a knife and removing bread to wire racks to cool completely.

8. If desired, microwave white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 15 seconds until melted and smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.

How to tell if Pumpkin Bread is done
This bread is dense and takes a long time to fully bake. You can tell when it’s fully cooked through if you slide a toothpick in the center of the loaf and it comes out clean.
If there are still bits of gooey pumpkin batter left on the toothpick, you should put it back in the oven for at least 5-10 more minutes and then check again.
What to serve with Pumpkin Bread
This bread is so rich, it could easily be served as a dessert (even topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!)
It would also be a fantastic addition to any brunch menu — served with an egg dish, breakfast meat, and fresh fruit.

What to put on Pumpkin Bread
If you put the white chocolate drizzle on the bread, you hardly need anything else.
However, softened butter always tastes wonderful on fresh pumpkin bread.
How to store Pumpkin Bread
Once the bread is completely cooled to room temperature, you should put in in an air-tight food storage container or zip-top bag to keep it fresh.
How long does Pumpkin Bread last?
Pumpkin bread can be stored at room temperature for 3 or 4 days, but if you’re going to store it longer than that, we’d recommend freezing it. You can even slice it before freezing and simply defrost a few slices at a time.
Should pumpkin bread be refrigerated after baking?
Refrigeration tends to dry out baked goods, so keeping it tightly sealed at room temperature is best. If you live in a very warm or humid climate, you may need to refrigerate the bread to help it last longer.
How to freeze Pumpkin Bread
To freeze whole loaves, wrap the bread in a layer of plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. Label and freeze.
If you’d prefer to slice the bread ahead of time, then place the sliced bread in an air-tight food storage container to freeze. This way, it’s easier to quickly defrost a slice or two.
How long can you freeze Pumpkin Bread?
If properly packaged, pumpkin bread should be fine in the freezer for 6 months.

Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe FAQs
This is most likely because you over-mixed the batter, causing excess gluten to develop. We recommend mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and quickly combining them with a rubber spatula.
This might just be a taste preference — or even what is most readily available at your local grocery stores. Just make sure you use canned pumpkin puree and NOT canned pumpkin pie filling!

Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Canned Pumpkin
Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups canola oil
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 pkgs. instant vanilla pudding mix 3 ounces each (or one 5.25 ounce package)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325º F. Grease two 8″ x 4″ loaf pans and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add canola oil and pumpkin; beat until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, pudding mix, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually beat flour mixture into pumpkin mixture.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in preheated oven for 75-80 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loave for 10 minutes before loosening edges with a knife and removing bread to wire racks to cool completely.
- If desired, microwave white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 15 seconds until melted and smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Nutrition
Love this recipe?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
REAL TALK: When It’s Hard to Prioritize Your Marriage

This year has been stretching for our marriage. We’ve had some really hard and spark-less days. In fact, at the beginning of the summer, I looked into Jesse’s eyes and said: “This isn’t working. Something needs to change.”
We talked about how we felt like we’d been running on empty in our marriage, that we’d been trying to tap into any reserves we had but we were now hitting the bottom of the barrel.
Maybe some of you who have walked through challenging seasons can relate?
It wasn’t any one thing. We still loved each other. We just were tired and worn down and our marriage was getting the leftovers — and truthfully it felt like there really hadn’t even been many leftovers to spare in recent months.
We knew something needed to change, so here were two things we did:
HONESTY: we said out loud what we were feeling. We didn’t blame the other person. We took personal responsibility. It’s sometimes easy to stuff down our feelings — but that only makes things worse over time as they eventually explode out in dysfunctional responses (and usually in anger). We also got honest with God — asking for His help and wisdom — and with few trusted friends in our life. We listened to their wise counsel and took their advice.
PRIORITY: we started prioritizing our marriage again — even when it was super challenging to do with 3 teens and 3-4 younger ones. I realized that I’d been putting the kids’ needs above Jesse. I would always view their needs as more urgent and put him on the back burner. I didn’t mean to do this, but it just sort of started happening — and it hurt our relationship. So I began asking them to wait sometimes so that I could talk to him/kiss him/greet him first. We committed to look into each others’ eyes more. To kiss more. To look for little ways to express our love throughout the day. And to make time for dates by ourselves — even if it was just 45 minutes.
Love is often built and nurtured in the little tiny choices day in and day out. We’d lost sight of that this year and the impact was significant.
But little bit, by little bit, in our choosing to make each other the most important priority next to God again, the sparks are coming back!
In this week’s episode of the podcast, Jesse and I share more about this year, the challenges our marriage has faced, and how we’re fighting through and fighting for each other… and learning from our mistakes.
I hope this honest and vulnerable conversation encourages you. Plus, like usual, we share some family updates and I talk about a sweatshirt I’m loving and an audiobook I’ve been listening to!
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In This Episode
[3:19] – We’re getting honest about marriage today!
[6:22] – I have been listening to Three Sisters by Heather Morris.
[11:32] – A sweatshirt I’ve been loving and a free Christmas gift guide!
[13:52] – Reflecting on almost 21 years of marriage.
[17:02] – Both of us felt like there was not enough space in our lives to handle everything.
[19:29] – In the midst of a lot of unknown, unexpected, and interruptions, this year’s emotional toll strained our marriage.
[25:51] – We eventually admitted the need for change in our marriage, emphasizing honesty and shared responsibility without blame.
[29:07] – Confronting the danger of drifting apart, committing to creative solutions and honest communication.
[32:37] – Prioritizing each other, teaching our kids patience, and planning intentional dates.
[36:46] – Jesse adds that recognizing issues and being open to honest communication is crucial for marital understanding.
Links & Resources
- Crystal Paine
- FREE Homemade Gift Guide
- Oversized Sweatshirt
- Episode: Why I’m Saying No
- Three Sisters: A Novel by Heather Morris
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
Butterhhorn Rolls Recipe + Free Printable Gift Tags!
Our family has been making these Butterhorn Rolls for as long as I can remember! And homemade breads are a great gift idea during the holidays! (Plus, get FREE printable gift tags to go with this gift when you download our FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!)

During the months of November and December, we’ll be highlighting some of our favorite homemade gifts! Download our FREE Homemade Gifts Guide to get recipes to 15+ easy-to-make gifts, plus printable gift tags to go with each gift!
Butterhorn Rolls — The Most Delicious Dinner Rolls Ever!
These are pretty much hands-down the most-delicious dinner rolls you’ll ever eat. And best of all? You can make up a batch or a double-batch ahead of time and then just pull out, thaw, and bake as many as you need for dinner. (They can be baked right away too if you prefer!)
This is one of our family’s very favorite recipes and these are served at least a few times per month at our family gatherings.

Butterhorn Roll ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons dry yeast, heaping
- 1/3 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
- 9 cups flour, divided (you can use any mixture of white or whole-wheat flour you’d like)
- 2 cups warm milk (110-115 degrees)
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar (we substituted sucanat)
- 6 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3-4 Tablespoons butter, melted

How to make Butterhorns
1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.

2. To the yeast, add 4 cups flour, milk, 1 cup melted butter, sugar, eggs and salt and use and beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth.

3. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

4. Turn onto floured board and knead lightly. (Or, knead in mixer until sides of bowl are clean, then knead two more minutes.)
5. Form dough into a tight ball and place in a greased bowl, turning dough once to grease top.

6. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1-3 hours).
7. After dough has risen, punch it down and divide into four equal parts.
8. Roll each of the 4 parts into a 12-inch “circular disk” and brush with melted butter.
9. Cut each disk into 8 pie-shaped wedges.

10. Roll up each wedge from the wide (outside) edge to the tip of dough and pinch to seal.

11. Place rolls, top down, on baking sheets and freeze.
12. When frozen, place in freezer bags and keep frozen until needed.
TO BAKE:
1. Take out as many frozen rolls as you’ll need and place them on a greased baking sheet.
2. Thaw for five hours or until doubled in size.

3. Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes).

4. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

5. Serve immediately or cool on wire racks.

What to serve with this Butterhorns Recipe
Well honestly, you could serve just about anything with these delicious rolls!
They are a great side dish for beef, chicken, pork, and certainly any type of soup or stew.
Butterhorns are also a great addition to any lunch menu as they are delicious with deli meats and cheese, or even various dips and spreads.

Butter Horns Recipe Storage
If you happen to have any rolls leftover, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight food storage container or in a zip-top bag. Store them at room temperature or freeze them for later.
This Butterhorn Rolls recipe is a great gift idea!
If you’re looking for an easy homemade gift idea during the holidays, you can’t go wrong with homemade bread. And most people give sweet dessert breads, so this switches things up and is a great way to give a unique bread recipe to someone!
Download your free printable gift tags!
Want to add on Christmas gift tags to gift this to someone this holiday season? Go HERE to download printable gift tags designed for these Butterhorn Rolls!

Butter Horns Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbs dry yeast heaping
- 1/3 cup warm water 110-115 degrees
- 9 cups flour (use any mixture of white or whole-wheat flour)
- 2 cups warm milk 110-115 degrees
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 tsp salt
- 3-4 tbs butter melted
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
- To the yeast, add 4 cups flour, 2 cups milk, 1 cup melted butter, sugar, eggs, and salt and use and beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth.
- Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto floured board and knead lightly. (Or, knead in mixer until sides of bowl are clean, then knead two more minutes.)
- Form dough into a tight ball and place in a greased bowl, turning dough once to grease top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1-3 hours).
- After dough has risen, punch it down and divide into four equal parts.
- Roll each of the 4 parts into a 12-inch “circle”disk” and brush with melted butter.
- Cut each disk into 8 pie-shaped wedges.
- Roll up each wedge from the wide (outside) edge to the tip of dough and pinch to seal.
- Place rolls, top down, on baking sheets and freeze.
- When frozen, place in freezer bags and keep frozen until needed.
TO BAKE:
- Take out as many frozen rolls as you’ll need and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Thaw for five hours or until doubled in size.
- Bake at 375 degrees until lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes).
- Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve immediately or cool on wire racks.
Nutrition
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Get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
If you’re looking for ways to simplify gift giving this year, we have just the solution for you! Download our brand new FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide! When you sign up, you’ll get:
- 15+ DIY recipes for unforgettable gift ideas (we’ve included something for everyone on your list!)
- Step-by-step instructions for ridiculously easy homemade gifts that anyone can make!
- Customizable, ready-to-print gift tags to go with each homemade gift!
This FREE guide was designed to help you have a more peaceful, intentional holiday season. Our hope is that it reduces stress, helps you save more money and spend less on your gift budget, and simplifies things so you can focus on what matters most this season!
Click here to get your FREE Homemade Christmas Gifts Guide!
Important: Tree Hut Scam and an apology
Earlier today, we posted a really hot Tree Hut sugar scrub deal. The deal was only up for a short while as we discovered that it wasn’t a legit site. We wanted to alert you to this and let you know what to do if you tried to get the deal.
What Happened
The deal we posted was on a site that looked identical to the real Tree Hut site and even had a believable URL, so it slipped past our usually very keen eyes. These types of sites that mirror a legit site are becoming more and more prevalent. We try our hardest to always do our due diligence to make sure what we post here is 100% legitimate, but this site didn’t have the usual red flags (weird URL, misspelled words on the home page, offers too good to be true, etc.) so we missed that it wasn’t legit.
The deal was only up for a short while before we realized something was off when a reader messaged to say their order wasn’t going through. Upon further investigation, we discovered it was not legit. We immediately deleted the post off of the blog and Facebook. We value your trust as our readers, so we wanted to be honest and upfront about what happened and let you know.
What You Should Do About It
If you gave your credit card info to the “Tree Hut” site today, please immediately call your bank and request to cancel your card and get a new one. We don’t know for sure what the scam site was doing and/or if they were stealing bank information, but to be on the safe side, that is what we suggest you do.
The majority of people who we heard from who tried to get the deal weren’t able to get their card to go through, but we still feel like it would be wise to cancel your card. If you have further information on what happened if you tried to order and/or if your card was charged or anything else weird happens, please let us know.
What We Are Doing About It
We are so sorry we messed up and didn’t catch that this wasn’t a legit site before posting. As always, we vigilantly research every deal we post and would never intentionally post anything that is not 100% legitimate. We talked as a team today about having even more in-depth processes in place to catch something like this in the future.
At the end of the day, we are only humans behind this screen and sometimes we mess up. Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting us. And thank you for your grace!
















