While I would be thrilled with many of these choices, the germophobes in my office would (sadly) not eat a home made treat.

Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate (melted chocolate chips) hardened in fridge. Super easy and they look decadent and expensive and hard to make, but they are not. I can't cook and I make these all the time.

I'm a second oatmeal chocolate chip!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wondered how this would become controversial

I, the OP, am a woman, the boss. My team will not be offended by a homemade treat, they will think it's nice, not stereotypical or sexist

I don't want to spend the $$ or time to have a "bar" - though that'd be fun for a larger event

I think i'll just go with cookies, chocolate chip & blueberry (found a new recipe that looks yummy, like muffin tops)

I am just impressed that you are going to go out of your way to thank your people for doing a great job. That is probably why they are working so hard for you. Good job!

Used to work for someone who was a complete ass but did superficial things like bringing treats to the office. She is still an ass even with her stupid treats.

Anonymous wrote:I wondered how this would become controversial

I, the OP, am a woman, the boss. My team will not be offended by a homemade treat, they will think it's nice, not stereotypical or sexist

I don't want to spend the $$ or time to have a "bar" - though that'd be fun for a larger event

I think i'll just go with cookies, chocolate chip & blueberry (found a new recipe that looks yummy, like muffin tops)

I am just impressed that you are going to go out of your way to thank your people for doing a great job. That is probably why they are working so hard for you. Good job!

I wondered how this would become controversial

I, the OP, am a woman, the boss. My team will not be offended by a homemade treat, they will think it's nice, not stereotypical or sexist

I don't want to spend the $$ or time to have a "bar" - though that'd be fun for a larger event

I think i'll just go with cookies, chocolate chip & blueberry (found a new recipe that looks yummy, like muffin tops)

You have never brought in snacks for the office???

Wow - I bring in stuff all the time - homemade, store bought. Lots of people do.

I think a good "treat" would be to buy lunch - pizza, chinese, etc

http://mycakies.com/2010/03/diy-cupcake-in-a-jar/

I found this and made them to give out at christmas, such a huge hit! The recipe was easy (the site said she used Paula Deen's recipe, which I liked but would add more chocolate next time )

really easier than it looks and people really loved the idea!

I made brownies once where you put the cream cheese and raspberry jam in the middle of the batter. They were a-maz-ing and super easy

Mmmm, ice cream bar- good idea.

Signed,
Pregnant woman who would love it if someone brought delicious ice cream to work

Mini pumpkin muffins WITH chocolate chips.
Scones with Nutella spread!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the replies - keep them coming!

(Except the celery ones, that just isn't "treat" enough

I am not a baker, so I heartily subscribe to the view that women should not bring homemade treats to the office if they want to get ahead
I would bring several high-end flavors of ice-cream.
Ben & Jerry has flavors with funny names, if you need a conversation starter.

oh great, now because I am a professional woman I am not allowed to enjoy baking because you think it's stereotypical.

My (male) boss and (male) coworkers bring in home-baked goods all the time. Baked by them. So I think you are the the one with an issue here.

Just because I mentioned this view, does not mean that you personally should stop baking. If you take an anonymous internet post this seriously, you are the one with the issue.

"No cookies in the office" is a well-known stance covered by Forbes and a variety of other resources. Some authorities believe that it is not longer relevant, but it really depends on the woman and the office environment.
I subscribe to this view, chiefly because it is convenient: I am lazy and try to eat as few carbs as possible. I rarely, if ever, bake for my family even (while being an excellent cook otherwise). I usually reward my teammates in different ways that do not involve food, just because of the situation in this office - dietary restrictions, both cultural and health-related.

Ok...if we are going down the "bar" road, you could do...

Popcorn bar
Hot chocolate bar
Decorate your own cookie/cupcake bar
Candy bar (different types of fun/nostalgic candy that people can take)
Snow cone bar (although it is probably to cold for that)
Pancake bar (different flavored batters like red velvet, gingerbread, lemon, choc. Chip, blueberry, etc.)

We have done all of these where I work, and they have all been hits!

I love the ice cream sundae bar idea. You can have healthy versions too (frozen Greek yogurt ice cream or sorbet) and healthy toppings like fresh fruit, nuts and coconut shreds. Then the good stuff too

Breakfast burritos. Yum! One of my (male) coworkers would occasionally do this. Another guy friend would sometimes bring in rice crispy treats.