When the festive season rolls around, nothing captures the spirit of celebration quite like homemade treats. Christmas Candy Recipes are a beloved holiday tradition, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, nostalgia, and joy. Whether you’re crafting edible gifts, preparing your dessert table, or simply indulging in the magic of the season, these Christmas Candy Recipes are sure to impress. In this guide, we’ve gathered twelve of the most delightful and easy-to-follow Christmas Candy Recipes that you can make at home.
Each recipe includes a full list of ingredients and detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure success in your holiday kitchen. From classic peppermint bark to creative treats like Grinch-themed green candy hearts, there’s something here for every sweet tooth and skill level. If you’re looking for festive inspiration or starting a new family tradition, these Christmas Candy Recipes are the perfect place to start. With a focus on simplicity and flavor, our collection of Christmas Candy will help you create memorable holiday moments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, our Candy Recipes guide is your go-to resource for holiday cheer.
Table of Contents
Peppermint Bark

Ingredients:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Instructions
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method). Stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread evenly. Refrigerate until firm.
- Melt white chocolate using the same method. Stir in peppermint extract.
- Spread the white chocolate over the hardened dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and press lightly.
- Chill until set, then break into pieces.
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add peanuts and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and baking soda quickly.
- Pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread thin.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Ingredients:
- 1 bag pretzel rods
- 8 oz semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- Sprinkles or crushed nuts for topping
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Dip each pretzel rod halfway into melted chocolate.
- Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with decorations before chocolate sets.
- Let cool until firm.
Christmas Candy Recipes: Christmas Nougat Candy

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup red and green gumdrops, chopped
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and white chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once smooth, fold in marshmallows and stir until just melted.
- Add gumdrops and mix.
- Pour into pan and press evenly.
- Chill for 2 hours, then cut into squares.
Christmas Candy Recipes: Homemade Caramels

Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, and salt. Warm over low heat.
- In a separate saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook without stirring until golden (around 320°F).
- Slowly add warm cream mixture to caramelized sugar, stirring constantly.
- Cook until it reaches 245°F.
- Pour into pan and cool for several hours.
- Cut into pieces and wrap in wax paper.
Christmas Candy Recipes: White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Ingredients:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine white chocolate and condensed milk. Melt over low heat.
- Stir in vanilla, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Chill until set, then cut into squares.
Christmas Candy Recipes: Snowman Truffles

Ingredients:
- 1 package vanilla sandwich cookies
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz white chocolate, melted
- Decorative icing for snowman faces
Instructions:
- Crush cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
- Mix with cream cheese until smooth.
- Roll into balls and chill.
- Dip each ball into melted white chocolate.
- Let set, then decorate with icing.
Christmas Candy Recipes: Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops

Ingredients:
- Large marshmallows
- Mini candy canes
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
- Stick a mini candy cane into each marshmallow as a handle.
- Dip marshmallows into melted chocolate.
- Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Set on parchment paper to cool.
Spiced Chocolate Bark with Pistachios and Dried Cherries

Ingredients:
- 12 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and stir in cinnamon and chili powder.
- Spread on parchment in a thin layer.
- Sprinkle pistachios and cherries on top.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
Coconut Snowballs

Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
- Roll into small balls.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Grinch-Themed Green Candy Hearts

Ingredients:
- 1 box lime-flavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- Red heart sprinkles
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine gelatin, water, and corn syrup.
- Heat until dissolved.
- Pour into a silicone heart mold.
- Add one red sprinkle to each heart.
- Chill until set.
Salted Chocolate Toffee Crack (“Christmas Crack”)

Ingredients:
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- Sea salt for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and layer crackers.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Boil for 3 minutes.
- Pour over crackers and spread evenly.
- Bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then spread melted chocolate evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill until set, then break into pieces.
If you’re looking for even more festive ideas, check out these classic holiday candy recipes you can try from Taste of Home.
You can also try our related recipes
- Recipe for Christmas Crack
- Christmas Punch Recipe
- Christmas Jam Recipe: A Festive Homemade Gift Packed with Flavor
- Christmas Jam Recipe
- Christmas Bark Recipe
- Christmas Margarita Recipe – The Ultimate Holiday Cocktail
- Christmas Fudge Recipes
- Christmas Cocktail Recipes: Festive Drinks to Celebrate the Season