Preparing the table for Christmas has always been one of my favorite activities of the season. Granted, I’m a cookbook developer, and I love cooking, baking, and making candy. My love of the holiday goodies began in the kitchen with my mom and Grandma, though – whipping up Grandma’s award-winning white fudge recipe. It’s a Christmas tradition in our home, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, even if I am otherwise a bit of a health nut.
There’s always room for candy during the Christmas holiday season, and so many of our family members and friends love the special homemade treats we make. But if you’re not sure what to whip up this year, these Christmas candy recipes just might help you out. Enjoy!
Peppermint Meringues
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For a soft, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth moment this Christmas, try these peppermint meringues from Skinny Taste. They’re red and white for that beautiful Christmastime coloring and light and fluffy for a less guilty sensation. Inspired by the iconic peppermint candies, this recipe will keep you coming back for more.
Homemade Chocolate Turtles
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Chocolate turtles were one of my Dad’s favorite holiday treats. The gooey caramel, chocolate, and peanuts come together to create the perfect decadent delight – and they’re pretty easy to make!
Christmas Fudge
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No Christmas candy list is complete without an amazing fudge recipe. Easy, delicious, and wonderful. It may not be a completely no-fail recipe, but it’s pretty close. I’d add some fun bits as well, like nuts, peppermint crumbles (or broken candy canes), or even some English toffee bits.
Honey Walnut Brittle
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Two Christmases ago, I made peanut brittle for the first time. Now, since enjoying it homemade, I haven’t looked back – it’s so much better! And, thankfully, it’s pretty easy, too. But this honey walnut brittle is amazing. It takes the “usual” brittle recipe and ups its game by 100.
Chocolate Covered Cherries
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I don’t know about you, but in our household, chocolate-covered cherries are a must. Finding good ones at a reasonable price, though, isn’t always so easy. So, making up a batch at home with some of the most decadent and delicious fillings along with those bright red cherries – well, that’s a win!
Homemade Caramels
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Probably my absolute favorite “simple” candy of the season is chewy caramel. These sweet, gooey, homemade confections are so delicious and easy to make. You just need sugar, brown sugar, whipping cream, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla.
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
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Don’t tell my husband I found this recipe. It is all he’ll want for Christmas! For those of us, like my hubby, who adore Reese’s cups but love making candy at home, this recipe from the Taste of Home is the perfect solution. They’re super easy to make, quick, delicious, and just require a few baking ingredients you already likely have on hand! No special equipment is required, either, save for the mini foil cups for the candies.
Torrone (Nut & Nougat Candy)
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Nougat is already delightful – but making it at home adds so many more layers to the amazing flavor and delight. I love making nougat with pistachios and almonds, but whatever you choose, this recipe will do it for you. Tweak as desired for the perfect Christmasy candy bar.
Eggnog Creams
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I wouldn’t have even thought of making these delightfully rich, little balls of eggnog goodness! But here they are eggnog creams. These homemade candies are easy to make, absolutely delicious, and so pretty!
Chocolate and Mint Layered Candies
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If you love the minty flavor of Andie's candies or Thin Mints, you’ll love these layered mint and chocolate candies. They’re so easy and utterly mouth-wateringly smooth. They won’t last long, though, so better make a double batch!
Mulled Wine Jelly Candies
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These mulled wine jelly candies are the perfect way to use up any leftover mulled wine. They make a great hostess gift around the holidays, too. You just need mulled wine (the instructions include how to do this, as needed), fruit pectin, baking soda, and corn syrup.
Snickerdoodle Truffles
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For lovers of cinnamon sugar, these Snickerdoodle truffles are just the ticket. They’re coating with melting chocolate and so easy to make even the kids will get in on the candy-making action.
Peppermint Bark
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For a burst of flavor, this holiday treat features semisweet milk chocolate, white chocolate, and a hint of peppermint. This delicious peppermint bark recipe will be ready in 10 minutes! So if you're looking for an easy, homemade goody to bring to a last-minute holiday gathering, this is a festive, almost effortless treat option.
Spiced Candied Pecans
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Looking for something sweet and salty with a spicy twist? This spiced candied pecans recipe will satisfy whatever you're craving! You can experiment with this recipe as the type of spice you use is completely up to you. Raw pecans can be used but we do recommend toasting them for better flavor.
Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers
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With about 10 mins of prep time and only 4 ingredients, these candy cane marshmallow dippers are so easy and fun to make! This is even a festive activity for kids as they then can dip their creation into a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy the burst of flavors.
Reindeer Chow
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A kid-friendly, no-bake treat, reindeer chow only involves a little mixing of ingredients and some refrigeration time. You can use a variation of different ingredients but the most common is Chex cereal, Cheerios, red and green M&Ms, and pretzels. You top it off with white chocolate and festive sprinkles and let it set in the fridge.
Rolo Pretzel Buttons
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Another sweet and salty treat, these festive Rolo pretzel buttons take only 5 minutes to make! All you need is Rolo candies, Snaps pretzels, and M&Ms. This bite-sized snack is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be modified to fit any occasion.
Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
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Chocolate covered potato chips can be made in a variety of ways. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and even add a drizzle of white chocolate. Whatever your preference, you won't be able to eat just one of this sweet and salty treat!
Christmas Rice Krispie Treat Bites
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While Rice Krispie treats are a yummy, gooey treat any time of year, a little food coloring and festive sprinkles can make them the perfect Christmas dessert. This super easy recipe will be loved by guests of all ages!
Homemade Candy Canes
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Have you ever considered making your own version of a classic Christmas candy? While homemade candy canes take a lot of extra time, effort, and attention it could be a satisfying feat for avid bakers. Just be sure to read the steps carefully and prep everything you need beforehand.
Happy Christmas, from the Stove!
So many Christmas candy recipes are utterly delicious and so easy to make. I’m planning to whip up a collection of the Snickerdoodle truffles, honey walnut brittle, caramels, eggnog creams, and chocolate turtles to pass out as gifts to friends and family this season. I’m keeping the chocolate-covered cherries for myself!