Handmade comfort with local flavor from Colorado
By Kristen West
The holiday season in Colorado is the perfect time to celebrate local flavors through thoughtful, edible giving. From rich hot cocoa for cozy cabin nights to handcrafted charcuterie and classic confections, Denver-area residents have a wealth of unique, palatable options. Whether shopping for a hostess, a chocolate enthusiast or someone who loves to picnic in the mountains, these businesses deliver a taste of Colorado worth sharing.
Enstrom Candies
Few Colorado treats are as iconic as Enstrom’s almond toffee. Family-run since 1960 in Grand Junction, the company still crafts each batch by hand using the original recipe that made it famous. The toffee is buttery and rich, coated in smooth milk chocolate and finished with a dusting of finely ground almonds. Over time, Enstrom has expanded to include fine chocolates, truffles and nut mixes, each packaged elegantly in boxes sized for everything from business occasions to care packages sent out of state. The toffee has become a holiday tradition, often found on dessert tables or tucked into stockings as a gift. Visit the Cherry Creek shop at 201 University Blvd. #118 or order online at enstrom.com.
Yummy Lotus
Sweet heat defines Yummy Lotus, a brand specializing in artisanal pepper jams. Each jar blends fruit and spice to enhance cheese boards, roasted dishes or even a morning slice of toast. Available flavors, such as mango habanero, raspberry habanero and jalapeno chipotle, offer a versatile balance of sweet and spicy for holiday entertaining or gifting. Jams are locally made, vegan and gluten-free, and their vibrant packaging makes them a colorful addition to any holiday basket. Visit yummylotus.com or call 303-503-7690.
Wander Hot Cocoa
For those who spend winter days on Colorado’s slopes or trails, Wander Hot Cocoa offers comfort in a cup. Created by a couple unimpressed with standard, subpar hot cocoa during ski outings, the recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients with just-add-water ease. Lightweight packaging makes it easy to tuck into a backpack or basket, while the taste is rich enough for adults yet sweet enough for kids. The blends evoke a nostalgic warmth, turning cold evenings into cozy moments. Find Wander at wanderhotcocoa.com or at select retailers listed online.
Ornery Olive
Ornery Olive puts a savory spin on holiday fare with artistic charcuterie boards, snack boxes and custom spreads. Founder Lindsay DiDonna built her business on the idea that food should feel both beautiful and approachable, with options sized for couples or gatherings of a dozen or more. Larger charcuterie tables can transform a counter into a focal point, while smaller boxes, shaped like sushi trays, are ideal for picnics, ski trips or quick drop-offs. Visit orneryolive.com or call 702-256-1625.
Cooper’s Small Batch
Denver’s Cooper’s Small Batch caters to spice lovers with hot sauces made from clean ingredients and bold peppers. Free from additives and preservatives, the sauces showcase profiles ranging from smoky to sweet or savory. Versatile enough for tacos, marinades or Bloody Marys, they bring a lively kick to winter meals. Colorful branding and curated sets make them an easy choice for anyone who appreciates heat with flavor and wants a little extra punch under the tree. Visit cooperssmallbatch.com or call 720-864-0138.
Alice + Kate Bakery
In Castle Pines, Alice + Kate Bakery offers small-batch macarons, artisan chocolates, caramel confections and pastries that look as charming as they taste. The bakery is known for carefully assembled boxes and custom orders, with daily offerings intentionally limited for freshness. Seasonal specialties such as peppermint macarons or hand-painted truffles make their holiday lineup especially giftable. Check them out at 572 E. Castle Pines Parkway, Suite A5, call 303-873-4443 or visit aliceandkatebakery.com.
