The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and nothing quite captures the spirit of Christmas like homemade candy. From chocolate-covered goodies to festive candies, these delightful recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring joy to your celebrations. Whether you’re looking to create gifts, decorate your holiday table, or simply enjoy a treat at home, here are 21 of the best Christmas candy recipes to make this season memorable.
1. Peppermint Bark
A classic holiday treat, peppermint bark combines layers of dark and white chocolate with crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing crunch.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 8 oz white chocolate
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- Melt the dark chocolate and spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the white chocolate and pour it over the dark chocolate, swirling slightly.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint on top and refrigerate until set. Break into pieces.
2. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
These sweet and salty treats are easy to make and perfect for sharing!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzel rods
- 12 oz chocolate (milk or dark)
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
- Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the chocolate and let the excess drip off.
- Roll in sprinkles or nuts, then place on parchment paper to set.
3. Homemade Fudge
Rich and creamy fudge is a holiday favorite that can be customized with different flavors and mix-ins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into a greased dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
4. Chocolate Truffles
These decadent bites are perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for rolling
Instructions:
- Heat the cream until it simmers, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until firm, then scoop and roll into balls.
- Roll in cocoa powder or nuts and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Pecan Pralines
This Southern classic features crunchy pecans and a buttery caramel flavor that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, and butter. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in pecans and drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Let cool until set.
6. Christmas Cookie Bark
Combine your favorite holiday cookies into a delicious chocolate bark for a unique treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz chocolate (milk or dark)
- 1 cup crushed holiday cookies (like gingerbread or sugar cookies)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate and spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed cookies on top and add sprinkles.
- Let set in the refrigerator before breaking into pieces.
7. Marshmallow Treats
A twist on the classic Rice Krispies treat, these marshmallow bites can be customized with festive colors and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup butter
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter and marshmallows in a saucepan. Stir until smooth and add food coloring if desired.
- Remove from heat and stir in Rice Krispies.
- Press into a greased dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
8. Peanut Butter Blossoms
These cookies feature a rich peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss—perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 24 chocolate kisses
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix peanut butter, sugars, and egg until combined. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie. Let cool.
9. Toffee Chocolate Pretzel Bark
Sweet, salty, and crunchy, this bark combines the best of all worlds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange pretzels on the baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt brown sugar and butter until bubbly, then pour over pretzels.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, remove, and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let melt, then spread evenly.
10. White Chocolate Cranberry Clusters
These sweet and tart clusters are a festive addition to any candy platter.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup nuts (almonds or pecans)
Instructions:
- Melt white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
- Stir in cranberries and nuts until well coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool until set.
11. Gingerbread Caramels
These chewy caramels are infused with gingerbread spices for a holiday twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and cream. Cook over medium heat until it reaches 245°F (118°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in spices. Pour into a greased dish and let cool before cutting into squares.
12. Chocolate-Covered Cherries
These delightful candies are perfect for chocolate lovers and can be made ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
- 12 oz chocolate (dark or milk)
- 1/2 cup almond bark (optional for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Drain cherries and pat dry. Place them on parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and dip each cherry, placing them back on the paper.
- If desired, melt almond bark and drizzle over the chocolate-covered cherries. Let set.
13. Coconut Snowballs
These no-bake treats are easy to make and taste like a tropical holiday.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- Form into small balls and refrigerate until set.
14. Candy Cane Cookies
These festive cookies are not only delicious but also fun to decorate!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add flour until combined. Form dough into small ropes and twist to shape into candy canes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and sprinkle with crushed candy canes while warm.
15. Spiced Orange Peel Candies
These candies combine the sweetness of sugar with the tartness of orange, creating a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Remove the peel from oranges, leaving the white pith. Cut into strips.
- Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Add orange peel and simmer until translucent. Drain and let cool.
16. Nutty Brittle
This crunchy candy is packed with nuts and makes a great snack or gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 cups mixed nuts
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (150°C).
- Stir in nuts and pour onto a greased baking sheet. Let cool and break into pieces.
17. Maple Pecan Candy
This candy highlights the rich flavors of maple and pecans for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, maple syrup, and butter. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in pecans and drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Let cool until set.
18. Chocolate-Covered Almonds
These simple treats are perfect for gifting and make a great snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almonds
- 12 oz chocolate (dark or milk)
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate and dip each almond, letting the excess drip off.
- Place on parchment paper and let cool until set.
19. Butterscotch Haystacks
These no-bake candies are quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup peanuts
Instructions:
- Melt butterscotch chips in a microwave or double boiler.
- Stir in noodles and peanuts until well combined.
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let cool until set.
20. Cinnamon Roll Fudge
This unique fudge combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with creamy fudge.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour into a greased dish and let cool before cutting.
21. Sugar Cookie Candies
These festive treats combine the flavors of sugar cookies with a sweet, candy-like finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together sugar and butter. Add egg and mix well.
- Gradually add flour until combined. Roll into balls and flatten on a baking sheet.
- Top with sprinkles and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Conclusion
Making Christmas candy is a delightful way to celebrate the season, whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends and family, or gifting to loved ones. With these 21 best Christmas candy recipes, you’ll have plenty of options to spread joy and sweetness this holiday season. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some delicious treats that everyone will love! Happy Holidays!
