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54 Heartwarming Christmas Candies Just Like Grandma Made

Remember the smell of homemade Christmas candies filling the air when you were a kid? Me neither. But it’s something I want my kids to remember, so it’s worth the trouble.

Those are the memories that make the holiday season magical. If you want to recreate that cozy, old-fashioned Christmas feeling, youโ€™ve come to the right place.

Iโ€™ve found the best recipes for homemade Christmas candies that are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying yourself. Letโ€™s make this holiday season the sweetest one yet. ๐Ÿ˜‰

A grid of six holiday treats, including creamy fudge, spiced nuts, red gumdrops, chocolate-covered cherries, coconut-covered truffles, and festive chocolate bonbons in a plaid tin.

Itโ€™s time to bring back those cherished family traditions. Whether youโ€™re a beginner or a seasoned candy maker, youโ€™ll find something delicious to make and share.

Tips for the Best Christmas Candy

  • 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.
tin of homemade christmas crockpot candy.

Easy Crockpot Christmas Candy

An easy and festive way to make homemade candy, these slow cooker treats are delicious and not too sweet. Youโ€™ll love the blend of chocolates in this recipe.

peanut butter balls with rice krispies on plate.

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls (With Rice Krispies)

It is so easy to make, and these sweet treats are perfect to give on the holidays. A vintage favorite.

parchment paper with fudge.

Maple Nut Fudge

A super easy fudge recipe with a maple nut flavor youโ€™ll love. No candy thermometer, no fuss. Just pour and cut!

stack of homemade tofee

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 rich candy-shop-quality fudge.

Grandmaโ€™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 that is perfect for gifting (or keeping!).

close up view of square candy.

Homemade Fireball Whiskey Caramels

Sweet buttery caramels with a cinnamon whiskey kick. These are easy to make and perfect for gifting.

peppermint bark with white and dark chocolate.

Peppermint Bark

White and dark chocolate meld with vibrant peppermint shards for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday parties or as a stocking stuffer.

coconut balls in dish.

Coconut Balls

These snow-like balls bring tropical flair to your holiday spread. Coconut lovers wonโ€™t be able to resist.

red, white, and green rice krispie treats

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! You’ll enjoy gourmet buttery caramels with simple ingredients and a little patience.

Divinity

Light as air but rich in flavor, divinity is a nougat-like candy sure to impress. Perfect for sophisticated holiday gatherings.

chocolate covered pretzels on table,

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

The perfect blend of sweet and salty, these pretzels are dipped in luscious chocolate. A fun project for kids and adults alike.

lemon drop candy in silver bowl.

Lemon Drops

These tangy, sugar-coated candies offer a burst of refreshing lemon flavor. A bright addition to any holiday candy dish.

squares of homemade jelly slices.

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 in winter table scene.

Peanut Brittle

This crunchy, nutty brittle has a sugary snap thatโ€™s highly addictive. A traditional favorite that makes for a great gift.

almond bark in white chocolate.

Almond Bark

Melted white chocolate mixed with almonds creates a simple yet luxurious treat. Break into pieces for easy sharing.

white chocolate truffles.

White Chocolate Truffles

Creamy white chocolate centers coated in a delicate chocolate shell. A sumptuous treat for white chocolate aficionados.

chocolate truffles stacked on plate.

Dark Chocolate Truffles

Rich dark chocolate enrobes velvety ganache centers. Improve your holiday chocolate game with these decadent bites.

spiced pecans in christmas setting.

Candied Pecans

Coated in a cinnamon-sugar mix, these pecans are a crunchy and sweet snack. Perfect for snacking or topping holiday desserts.

spiced nuts in metal dish,

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. Itโ€™s a captivating and unique addition to your candy spread.

pile of red and white candy canes.

Homemade Candy Canes

Handmade candy canes bring nostalgic charm to the holiday season. Customize with your favorite flavors and colors.

squares of homemade peanut butter fudge stacked up.

Peanut Butter Fudge

This fudge marries the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate. A perfect union thatโ€™s hard to resist.

saltwater taffy wrapped up in pieces.

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 hint of cinnamon. An old-fashioned favorite that still delights.

round peppermint patties in front of holly.

Peppermint Patties

Cool peppermint filling meets a dark chocolate shell. A homemade version that might outshine the store-bought kind.

squares of almond roca next whole nuts.

Almond Roca

Crunchy toffee coated with chocolate and almond bits. A sophisticated candy thatโ€™s surprisingly easy to make.

homemade gumdrops in bowl on table.

Gumdrops

These sugary, chewy bites come in a rainbow of flavors. A festive and fun treat for all ages

squares of homemade butter mints next to mint leaves.

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, and then they all get a nice dipping in chocolate.

bowl of chocolate covered cherries.

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.

stack of chocolate covered marshmallows.

Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows

Soft marshmallows take a dip in melted chocolate for a gooey delight. Best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa.

lemon zest and coconut candy balls.

Lemon Coconut Balls

Tart lemon zest meets sweet coconut in these easy-to-make balls. A refreshing alternative to heavier holiday fare.

pile of oreo truffles with bite missing from one.

Oreo Truffles

Crushed Oreos mixed with cream cheese and dipped in chocolate. A simple yet irresistibly indulgent treat.

homemade maple candy on wooden board.

Maple Candy

Delicious, 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 thatโ€™s always a crowd-pleaser.

Pecan Pralines

Creamy caramel and crunchy pecans make this Southern classic. A luxurious treat thatโ€™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 a 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 to your candy table!

Gingerbread Truffles

These truffles capture the spicy, molasses-rich flavor of gingerbread. A bite-sized version of the holiday classic.

Mocha Fudge

Chocolate fudge gets a coffee kick. A treat that coffee lovers will adore.

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.

 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 4.9 Christmas Snowflake Cookie Treat Boxes – 12 Bakery Boxes – Holiday Party Supplies 4 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 frustrating. (And sometimes impossible!)

More Homemade Christmas Goodies

Thereโ€™s so much you can make this time of year that feels special and seasonal. Here are some of our favorites.

Whether youโ€™re looking to relive cherished family traditions or start new ones, these recipes have something for everyone. Remember, the best part isnโ€™t just the tasty resultโ€”itโ€™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. โค๏ธ

picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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2 Comments

  1. wonderful recipes. my grandmother always made divinity during the holidays. Sweet memories and I have her recipe