Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes

I look forward to trying new homemade Christmas candy recipes, and sometimes, it's nice to take a break from baking Christmas cookies. The timeless Christmas candy recipes below come highly requested by my family each year.

I don't even know which recipe I like the best, because they are all so good.

1. Crock Pot Christmas Crack

Crockpot Christmas crack is a classic holiday treat that is totally fool-proof and beginner-friendly. Toss peanuts, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and almond bark in your crockpot, and let it do the rest.

2. Christmas Nougat

This 4-ingredient Christmas nougat has chewy chunks of gumdrop candy all throughout. It's the perfect candy for filling up goodie bags and gift baskets.

3. Christmas Crack

Unlike the crockpot Christmas crack above, this version is made with saltine crackers, giving it the perfect crunch. It's made with just 5 ingredients and tastes like a delicious toffee bar.

4. Divinity

Divinity is a light, airy, old-school candy that has truly stood the test of time. Pecans add a great crunchy texture, and the nutty flavor breaks up the sweetness just enough.

5. Chocolate Billionaires

From start to finish, chocolate billionaire candies only take about 30 minutes to prepare. They combine Rice Krispies, chocolate, caramel, and pecans for a chewy, crunchy treat.

6. Polar Bear Paws Candies (See’s Copycat)

My See's Candy copycat recipe for polar bear paws tastes just like the real thing! This homemade candy recipe is easy enough for the kids to help.

(My polar bear paw print cookies are another adorable favorite you can make with kids in the kitchen).

7. Christmas Fudge

This rich and chocolatey Christmas fudge is simple and can be customized with your favorite holiday sprinkles. Follow my guide on how to make fudge, and you can't mess it up.

If fudge is right up your alley when it comes to sweet treats, be sure to try all these fabulous Christmas fudge recipes.

8. Candied Orange Peel

Candied fruit peel makes an elegant and delicious addition to cocktails and baked goods, or you can eat it on its own. Orange peel is a classic choice, though I could really go for any candied fruit around Christmastime.

9. Mexican Pralines

Pecan pralines are a classic Mexican recipe that has become a Christmas staple in the South. They're rich, creamy, and ready to eat in just 10 minutes.

10. Reindeer Chow

Reindeer chow is a muddy buddy mix with red and green M&Ms for a festive twist. I portion it out to add to lunch boxes and gift bags through December.

11. Christmas Fruitcake Truffles

Chocolate-covered bite-sized balls of fruitcake? Yes, please! It's great for leftover holiday light fruitcake; you can even put a stick in them to make cake pops.

See all of the wonderful recipes using fruitcake mix right here.

12. Christmas Popcorn Balls

Popcorn balls are so easy to make and always a crowd favorite (plus they're great for gifting). All you need is popped popcorn, butter, red and green M&Ms, and marshmallows.

13. Buckeye Balls

Everyone knows chocolate and peanut butter is a winning flavor combination. These candies back it up with a creamy peanut butter center and rich chocolate coating.

14. Christmas Buttermints

These classic Christmas buttermints don't require any actual cooking and can easily be molded or cut into cute shapes. They're quick and easy to make but will need 24 hours to harden before you should serve them.

15. Homemade Marshmallows

These soft and chewy vanilla marshmallows will have you questioning why you ever bought marshmallows from the store in the first place. Nothing compares to a warm mug of hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows.

16. Caramels

Chewy homemade caramels are a personal favorite of mine and a labor of love. The wrapped caramel candies you remember from childhood are good, but homemade caramel candies taste so much better.

17. Pecan Logs

Pecan logs are a Southern favorite made popular by the convenience store Stuckey's. Light and chewy nougat and caramel are rolled out in longs and then coated in pecans for the perfect crunch.

18. Peppermint Brittle

Every year, I have to get my hands on some peppermint brittle at least once during the holiday season. It's super easy to make, and you can wrap it in colored cellophane and tie it with a bow for easy gifts.

19. Stained Glass Candy

Stained glass candy is a hard peppermint sugar candy that can be colored any color you like. It's crunchy and transparent like glass and can be enjoyed on its own or used to decorate your Christmas baked goods.

20. Cherry Cordials

These classic chocolate-covered cherries are a childhood favorite that my stepmother makes each year. Of course, I used to sit on my Grandpa Orville's lap and beg for them as a babe so I was already hooked!

💭 Tips For Making Christmas Candy

If you aren't familiar with making candy, I always recommend testing a recipe with a trial run before the holidays.

• Make a plan. Plan what kind of holiday candies you will make and write a list of ingredients and any special tools needed.
• Grab a candy thermometer. A candy thermometer is essential for making candies that require precise temperatures.
• Read through the recipe. Before you start, read the recipe carefully to understand the steps. Many candies require precise timing, so it's good to know what's coming.
• Measure everything. Use measuring cups and spoons to measure your ingredients precisely (no guessing). I have plenty of conversion guides here on BIWL, including grams of sugar to cups and converting teaspoons to tablespoons.
• Be organized. To work efficiently, assemble all your ingredients and tools before you start. That way, you aren't scrambling and can stay focused on your candy.

Is one of your favorite homemade Christmas candy recipes missing from this list? Tell me all about it in the comments so I can try it too.

📖 Recipe Card