Remember the smell of homemade Christmas candies filling the air when you were a kid?
Even if you don’t, there’s something special about spending time in the kitchen during the holidays, stirring chocolate or wrapping up little sweets.
Those are the memories that make the holiday season magical. If you’re looking to recreate that cozy, old-fashioned Christmas feeling you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve found the best recipes for homemade Christmas candies that are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying yourself.
Let’s make this holiday season the sweetest one yet. 😉
It’s time to bring back those cherished family traditions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned candy maker, you’ll find something delicious to make and share.
Tips for the Best Christmas Candy
Before we dive into the list, there are a few things to remember!
- Storage: Most candies last well in a cool, dry place. Some need to be kept in the fridge. Make sure to check each recipe for specific storage tips
- Special Supplies: Basics like a good pot, a candy thermometer, and measuring cups are often needed. Some recipes might call for molds or other special items
- Gifting: Presentation counts. Simple boxes, ribbons, or even clear bags make a big difference. A little effort here makes your homemade candies even more special.
Christmas Candy Twisting Wax Wrappers 700 Pieces Xmas Chocolate Caramel Wrapping Paper Candy Cane Striped Design Wrapper for Holiday Candies Caramels Sweets Baking Homemade Packaging 4.9Christmas Snowflake Cookie Treat Boxes – 12 Bakery Boxes – Holiday Party Supplies4 Pack Christmas Candy Molds Trays, YuCool Silicone Baking Chocolate Jelly Molds with Shapes of Snowman,Socks,Candy Stick,Gift Box,Cookie Man,Candy Cane,Stars,Bell,Santa Head,Christmas Tree-4 Types
Having the right supplies makes all the difference. Trying to make a recipe that calls for a mold or a candy thermometer without the right equipment is just plain frustrating.
Best Christmas Candies
Easy Crockpot Christmas Candy
An easy and festive way to make homemade candy, these slow cooker treats are delicious and not too sweet. You'll love the blend of chocolates in this recipe
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Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls (With Rice Krispies)
So easy to make, these sweet treats are perfect to gift at the holidays. A vintage favorite.
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Maple Nut Fudge
A super easy fudge recipe with a maple nut flavor you'll love. No candy thermometer, no fuss. Just pour and cut!
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homemade Toffee
With its crunchy texture and buttery flavor, homemade toffee takes your holiday treats to the next level. A sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness.
Classic Vanilla Fudge Recipe
Homemade vanilla fudge on the stovetop made with simple ingredients: in just an hour you can have candy-shop quality rich fudge.
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Grandma’s Old Fashioned Fudge {Classic Stovetop recipe}
How to make fudge the old fashioned way: just minutes of your time plus a few dollars of pantry ingredients gives you a candy shop quality homemade chocolate fudge perfect for gifting (or keeping!)
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Homemade Fireball Whiskey Caramels
Sweet buttery caramels with a cinnamon whiskey kick. These are easy to make and perfect for gifting.
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Peppermint Bark
White and dark chocolate meld with vibrant peppermint shards for a festive touch. Ideal for holiday parties or as a stocking stuffer.
Coconut Balls
These snow-like balls bring tropical flair to your holiday spread. Coconut lovers won’t be able to resist.
marshmallow treats
Puffed rice and gooey marshmallow combine for a comforting, nostalgic treat. A holiday twist on a childhood favorite.
Old-Fashioned Soft Stovetop Caramels
The best homemade soft and chewy caramel candies! With simple ingredients and a little patience, you'll be enjoying gourmet, buttery caramels.
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Divinity
Light as air but rich in flavor, divinity is a nougat-like candy that’s sure to impress. Perfect for sophisticated holiday gatherings.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The ideal blend of sweet and salty, these pretzels are dipped in luscious chocolate. A fun project for kids and adults alike.
Lemon Drops
These tangy, sugar-coated candies offer a burst of refreshing lemon flavor. A bright addition to any holiday candy dish.
Jelly Slices
Vibrant and fruity, these gelatin slices are as colorful as Christmas lights. Serve them up for a burst of citrusy sweetness.
Peanut Brittle
This crunchy, nutty brittle has a sugary snap that’s highly addictive. A traditional favorite that makes for a great gift.
Almond Bark
Melted white chocolate mixed with almonds creates a simple yet luxurious treat. Break into pieces for easy sharing.
White Chocolate Truffles
Creamy white chocolate centers coated in a delicate chocolate shell. A sumptuous treat for white chocolate aficionados.
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Rich dark chocolate enrobes velvety ganache centers. Elevate your holiday chocolate game with these decadent bites.
Candied Pecans
Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix, these pecans are a crunchy and sweet snack. Ideal for snacking or topping holiday desserts.
Spiced Nuts
These nuts come alive with a dusting of holiday spices. A savory option for those who want a break from all the sugar.
Honeycomb Candy
This airy, golden treat shatters into sweet, crunchy bites. It’s a captivating and unique addition to your candy spread.
Homemade Candy Canes
Handmade candy canes bring nostalgic charm to the holiday season. Customize with your favorite flavors and colors.
Peanut Butter Fudge
This fudge marries the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate. A perfect union that’s hard to resist.
Saltwater Taffy
Chewy, flavorful taffy gives a nod to seaside holidays. Mix and match flavors for a customized treat.
Cinnamon rock candy
These spicy, shiny candies warm you with a hit of cinnamon. An old-fashioned favorite that still delights.
Peppermint Patties
Cool peppermint filling meets a dark chocolate shell. A homemade version that might just outshine the store-bought kind.
Almond Roca
Crunchy toffee coated with chocolate and almond bits. A sophisticated candy that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Gumdrops
These sugary, chewy bites come in a rainbow of flavors. A festive and fun treat for all ages
Butter Mints
These soft, melt-in-your-mouth mints offer a gentle hit of peppermint. They make an elegant end to any holiday feast.
Butterscotch Squares
These squares blend buttery goodness with brown sugar for a caramel-like treat, then they all get a nice dipping in chocolate.
Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Juicy cherries find themselves encased in a rich chocolate shell. A romantic and decadent choice for the holidays.
Licorice
Chewy, anise-flavored bites bring variety to your candy spread. Great for licorice lovers and those looking for something different.
Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows
Soft marshmallows take a dip in melted chocolate for a gooey delight. Best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa.
Lemon Coconut Balls
Tart lemon zest meets sweet coconut in these easy-to-make balls. A refreshing alternative to heavier holiday fare.
Oreo Truffles
Crushed Oreos mixed with cream cheese and dipped in chocolate. A simple, yet irresistibly indulgent treat.
Maple Candy
Delightful, sweet shapes. A treat that adds a rustic, natural touch to your candy selection.
Chocolate Peanut Clusters
Peanuts and chocolate combine for a classic and crunchy candy. A no-fail option that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Pecan Pralines
Creamy caramel and crunchy pecans make this Southern classic. A luxurious treat that’s perfect for gifting
Mint Chocolate Fudge
Creamy chocolate fudge gets a refreshing twist with mint flavor. A perfect palate cleanser among richer holiday treats.
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
Salty bacon gets a decadent chocolate coating. For those who believe everything is better with chocolate.
Tiramisu Truffles
These truffles capture the essence of the classic Italian dessert. Coffee, mascarpone, and a dash of cocoa unite in a bite-sized treat.
Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans
Crunchy espresso beans enrobed in dark chocolate provide a caffeinated kick. An adult-friendly choice for coffee lovers.
Turkish Delight
Soft, sugary cubes flavored with rosewater or fruit. An exotic treat that transports you to another place.
Rum Balls
Spiced rum infuses these chocolatey balls for a boozy delight. A classic with strong rum flavor.
Raspberry Jellies
Soft, fruity jellies offer a burst of raspberry goodness. A juicy break from all the chocolate and nuts.
Marzipan
This almond paste candy can be shaped into fruits or festive designs. A European classic that adds sophistication.
hard Candy
Do a mix of colors of colors and flavors for a beautiful display to add your candy table!
Gingerbread Truffles
These truffles capture the spicy, molasses-rich flavor of gingerbread. A bite-sized version of the holiday classic.
Malted Milk Balls
Crunchy centers coated in milk chocolate capture a classic flavor. A nostalgic treat that never gets old.
Apple Cider Caramels
These caramels are infused with the warm spices of apple cider. A cozy and unique candy choice.
Lemon Truffles
Tangy lemon centers are coated in a sweet shell. A zesty finish to your holiday candy selection.
More Homemade Christmas Goodies
There’s so much you can make this time of year that feels special and seasonal. Here are some of our favorites.
- Best-Ever Christmas Bundt Cakes
- Homemade Christmas Treat Bags
- Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies
- Christmas Baking with Kids
Whether you’re looking to relive cherished family traditions or start new ones, these recipes have something for everyone. Remember, the best part isn’t just the tasty result—it’s the joy and warmth from spending time in the kitchen with loved ones. So go ahead, grab those mixing bowls, and let the magic begin. Wishing you a sweet and joyful holiday season. ❤️
