Homemade Christmas Candies are the perfect festive treat that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. These candies are not only simple to make, but they’re also highly customizable to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking to surprise loved ones with goody bags or add a special touch to your holiday dessert table, these delightful confections will surely impress.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 48
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 80mg
Why Make Homemade Christmas Candies
Making homemade Christmas candies is a heartwarming tradition that brings families together. The joy of creating these sweet treats is not just in the process but also in sharing them with others. Plus, you can control the ingredients, making them a bit healthier than store-bought options. With endless variations, you can easily tailor these candies to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
How to Make Homemade Christmas Candies Step by Step
Ingredients
3 cups pecans halves
11 ounces caramels, 38 individually wrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
12 ounces milk chocolate chips
1 to 2 tablespoons sea salt, optional
sprinkles, optional
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon heavy cream
3 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into pats
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups salted dry roasted peanuts
3 cups milk chocolate candy wafer melts
1 to 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light corn syrup
1 teaspoon sea salt
24 ounces evaporated milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tablespoons light/clear corn syrup
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 to 5 cups powdered sugar, divided
6 drops green liquid food coloring
6 drops red liquid food coloring
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon coconut extract
4 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting/shaping candies
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
60 whole almonds
23 ounces milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 box Ritz crackers
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup chocolate chips
pinch sea salt, optional
Directions
- For Turtles, preheat oven to 350°F. Melt caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth. Pour over pecans placed on wax paper, top with melted chocolate, and sprinkle with salt if desired. Cool until set.
- For Salted Peanut Caramel, melt caramels with heavy cream and butter in a saucepan. Mix in peanuts and spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top with chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to cool and set.
- For Caramels, combine sugars, butter, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in evaporated milk and bring to boil until it reaches a soft ball stage. Pour into a greased pan. Once cooled, cut into squares.
- For Mints, combine sugar, cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, and peppermint extract. Gradually add powdered sugar to form a dough. Shape into coins and tint with food coloring. Chill until firm.
- For Almond Joy, mix cream cheese, butter, and coconut extract. Add powdered sugar and coconut. Shape into balls, insert almonds, chill, and then dip in melted chocolate.
- For Ritz Crackers Toffee, layer Ritz crackers in a pan. Boil butter and brown sugar for 3 minutes. Pour over crackers and bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate chips, let melt, then spread evenly. Cool and break into pieces.
How to Serve Homemade Christmas Candies
These candies make delightful gifts or festive treats during holiday gatherings. Try pairing them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat. They can also be served with a light fruit salad or a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.
How to Store Homemade Christmas Candies
Store your homemade candies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for a week, or you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life. For freezing, wrap candies tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw before serving.
Expert Tips for Cooking Homemade Christmas Candies
- Use high-quality chocolate for better melting and taste results.
- Be patient when boiling sugar mixtures; reaching the right temperature is key to the candy’s texture.
- Experiment with different extracts to create unique flavor profiles.
Delicious Variations of Homemade Christmas Candies
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to your chocolate mixture.
- For a citrus twist, incorporate orange or lemon zest into your mints.
- Substitute the chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter flavor in your Almond Joy candies.
Homemade Christmas Candies are a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season. With their rich flavors and charming presentation, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give them a try and spread some sweetness this holiday season!
