[Photographs: Alexandra Penfold and Pam Parrella]

Perhaps this year you've decided to make more gifts or maybe you have that company cookie swap just around the corner. Either way, homemade edible gifts really can't be beat. Here are my favorite American Classics that travel well for gift giving or sharing.

Go Straight to the Recipes

Moon Pies
Homemade Cranberry Newtons
Benne Wafers
Scotcheroos
Kitchen Sink Bars
Stained Glass Windows
Iced Lemon Loaf
Mrs. Wakefield's Chocolate Chip Cookies

About the author: Alexandra Penfold is mild-mannered children's book editor by day, food ninja by night. Never one to skip dessert she's the Brownie half of Blondie & Brownie and a Midtown Lunch contributor. You can follow her on Twitter at @blondiebrownie.