What should I make for my friends for Christmas?

Christians.

No, really, the reason why cookies are so good is that they last, so no one feels like they need to eat them at the same time that everyone else is loading each other with edibles. So, no cookies...

I seriously doubt the crowd who will like monkey bread muffins would go for fruitcake. Still, I have to say the muffins go bad/stale in a day, so you're forcing them to eat it when you give it to them, or toss it later (and, really, what's the use of all that work if they're going to toss them?).

What about fudge or some kind of candy? Bourbon balls? Brittle? How about an ATYPICAL cookie? I know I probably sound like a 90 year old to you, but there is a reason people don't give muffins as gifts on a day when every table in every home is laden with food--unless you plan on delivering them the minute your friends wake up. My mother makes this stuff called Kringle at christmas that is very good and keeps fresh a little longer than muffins, but not as long as cookies. There are recipes online. They're a fair amount of work, though...

CHOCOLATE CHIP LOAF CAKE

2 c. sifted all-purpose flour

1 c. brown sugar

1/2 c. white sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. soda

1/2 c. shortening

1 c. milk

3 eggs

1/2 c. chocolate chips, finely chopped

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. Measure flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, salt, soda, shortening, and milk in a bowl. Add eggs, chocolate chips, and vanilla. Beat 1/2 minute at low speed. Beat at high speed for 3 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cool cake about 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely. Frost cake with your favorite frosting.

cookies are way to simple and typical.. you should make banana breads or gingerbread cookies or maybe even little chocolate morsels. my friends always expect me to make something great for them because i bake, so these are just a few ideas for you to do! hope this helped!

Why not do a mixed treat box?

Brownies

Rice Krispie Treats

Fudge

Mini loafs of Pumpkin and/or Banana Bread

Chocolate covered Pretzels,Strawberries,Cherries,Peanuts etc.

Well a nice brown sugar cured ham is nice, but if you want some other ideas here:

Pumpkin cinamon coffee cake. Make sure its moist, and its DELICIOUS.

Lemon chicken >:)

Little red velvet cupcakes with a sweet vanilla icing is nice too ^_^

I agree with Elnora R , if using this method, it can give your friends not only the delicious food, but also a big surprise! I suggest if your friend is a boy, Hermes belt is better.

How about some miniature carrot cakes with lots of cream cheese frosting on it..yum..=)