Everyone knows to leave a plate of Christmas cookies for Santa, but what you might not realize is that he'd also appreciate some homemade Christmas candy, too! In fact, candy is a great way to spread holiday cheer to just about all your friends and family this year. Whether it's a peppermint treat, homemade truffles, or chocolate bark, you can't go wrong with one of these Christmas candy recipes. Even our very own Ree Drummond likes to switch up her holiday treats with a boxed variety. "The more color and texture, the better," she says. Wrap them up in cellophane and ribbon for homemade food gifts.
Here, you'll find homemade fudge recipes, candied orange peel, and the cutest reindeer pops inspired by everyone's favorite red-nosed Rudolph. Not sure where to begin? Chocolate lovers will go crazy for the homemade truffles or chocolate-covered Christmas Chex Mix. Otherwise, you can opt for something different like Ree's pretzel turtles and candied nuts (both of which are delicious salty-sweet pecan recipes) or Crock-Pot candy decorated with festive Christmas sprinkles. If you're feeling really ambitious, make a dozen different kinds! The whole family will love a Christmas candy calendar to count down the days till December 25. No matter which candy recipe you choose, the best way to celebrate this holiday season is to snack on all kinds of Christmas desserts while watching your favorite Hallmark movie.
1
Sugar Cookie Fudge
This colorful candy is loaded with holiday flavor, but the best part is that it's great for making ahead of time! You can stash the fudge in the fridge for up to two weeks to snack on throughout the holiday season.
Get the Sugar Cookie Fudge recipe.
2
Christmas Cracker Candy
This treat is sweet, salty, and so easy to prepare! It all starts with a saltine cracker base that's covered in crunchy homemade toffee and melted chocolate and Nutella. Then, you can get creative with the toppings!
Get the Christmas Cracker Candy recipe.
3
Reindeer Pops
These Rudolph-inspired treats are made with salty peanut butter-filled Ritz crackers that are dipped in melted chocolate. Then, there's candy eyeballs, pretzels for antlers, and red M&M's for the signature red nose.
Get the Reindeer Pops recipe.
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4
Peppermint Fudge
You only need two ingredients to make this holiday-inspired fudge! It really doesn't get easier than that! In fact, you won't even need a candy thermometer or special equipment to make it.
Get Ree's Peppermint Fudge recipe.
5
Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn with Bacon
Salted peanut butter caramel is the most decadent coating for freshly popped popcorn. Go ahead and add crispy bacon and honey roasted peanuts, and your life will never be the same.
Get the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn with Bacon recipe.
6
Crock-Pot Candy
These big chocolate clusters are filled with sweet and salty mix-ins like peanuts, potato chips, pretzels, and M&Ms. You can also add red and green sprinkles for that holiday flare.
Get the Crock-Pot Candy recipe.
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7
Brittle
This toffee-like candy is always impressive, but it's easier than you might think! Just be sure to have a candy thermometer ready and some pretty Christmas tins for gift packaging.
Get the Brittle recipe.
8
Homemade Marshmallows
Once you try homemade marshmallows, you'll never go back to the bagged variety again. Okay, maybe you will when you're in a pinch, but these big, fluffy beauties are definitely worth a try.
Get the Homemade Marshmallows recipe.
9
Rum Balls
The base for these boozy candies is ground vanilla wafers, pecans, cocoa, and dark rum. Then, you can get creative with the toppings—anything from shredded coconut to sprinkles will work.
Get the Rum Balls recipe.
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10
Peppermint Bark
You only need three ingredients to make this festive, peppermint-flavored candy. Even your kids will be able to help you make and break the chocolate into a classic homemade bark.
Get Ree's Peppermint Bark recipe.
11
Candied Orange Peel
This sugar-coated is a labor of love. It takes a little time and three ingredients (four, if you're dipping in chocolate) but the end result is a citrusy treat that everyone will love!
Get the Candied Orange Peel recipe.
12
Buckeyes
These chocolate-covered peanut butter balls have been around since the 1960's. They're easy to customize with different color sprinkles and they can even be made a week ahead. It's no wonder they're so popular!
Get the Buckeyes recipe.
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13
Pecan Pralines
This Southern candy is known for its buttery flavor and nutty crunch. What you might not know is how easy they are to make at home.
Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.
14
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
A year-round favorite, if you ask us! These chocolate covered peanut butter cups are even better than the store-bought kind. That's because you can use rich, dark chocolate and flaky sea salt to finish.
Get the Homemade Peanut Butter Cups recipe.
15
Hot Chocolate Bombs
These trendy treats are filled with actual hot chocolate mix so all you have to do is add warm milk. They make for a fun present when wrapped in ribbon or gifted with a festive Christmas mug.
Get the Hot Chocolate Bombs recipe.
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16
Puppy Chow
Sit Fred, this puppy chow is for humans only! You're going to want to eat this chocolate-covered Chex mix by the handful.
Get the Puppy Chow recipe.
17
Peanut Butter Fudge
These are sweet and salty fudge bars you will want to make each year! No-bake desserts are always a lifesaver, but especially on Christmas.
Get the Peanut Butter Fudge recipe.
18
Pretzel Turtles
These crunchy candies are delicious any time of year, but during the holidays, they're great for wrapping up in cellophane and giving out as gifts.
Get Ree's Pretzel Turtles recipe.
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19
Christmas Chex Mix
A bowl of this sweet and salty mix is a welcome addition to any holiday party—whether it's a Christmas cookie swap or a holiday potluck. You can even make bags of the Christmas mix to give out as stocking stuffers.
Get Ree's Christmas Chex Mix recipe.
20
Oreo Truffles
With only four ingredients and no baking required, these sweet treats are a breeze to make. Top them with nonpareils or a mixture of holiday sprinkles.
Get Ree's Oreo Truffles recipe.
