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
Servings: 24 candies
Equipment
- 2.5 quart or larger slow cooker
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Large baking sheets
- Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lightly salted roasted peanuts
- 10 ounces 60% cocoa baking chocolate
- 4 ounces 48% cocoa baking chocolate
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate
- 10 ounces candy melts (vanilla flavored)
- holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients. In a 2.5-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the ingredients in this order: peanuts at the bottom, followed by the baking chocolates (60% and 48% cocoa), white chocolate, and candy melts on top. Then, break larger chocolate bars into smaller pieces for even melting.
- Cook in the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cover. Let the ingredients cook undisturbed for 1 hour. After the first hour, gently stir the mixture to combine the chocolates and peanuts. Then, continue cooking on LOW for 1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cool the mixture. Turn off the slow cooker and keep it covered for 30 minutes. This makes the mixture thicken slightly, making it easier to portion later.
- Prepare the baking sheets. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. This makes sure the candies won’t stick as they cool.
- Portion the candies. Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Space each candy about ½ inch apart to prevent sticking.
- Decorate with sprinkles. While the candies are still wet, sprinkle them generously with red, white, and green holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Set the candies. Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the candies are completely set and firm to the touch.
Notes
Make sure your peanuts are fresh and that your chocolate hasn’t been in the pantry too long. Old peanuts or chocolate can change the taste and texture of your candy.
The taste of the candy relies on the chocolate you choose. Go for good-quality baking chocolate,e, and candy melts for the best flavor and texture.
Measure everything out before you get started. Preparing your peanuts, chocolate, and sprinkles will make it much easier and more relaxing.
Break your chocolate into smaller pieces before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt more evenly and prevents it from clumping.
If you’re making this for special occasions, swap out the holiday sprinkles for colors that fit the theme (like Easter pastel or Halloween orange).
Add the sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet; otherwise, they won’t stick.
If you want to try something different, mix in small marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or toffee bits after the chocolate melts. These additions can give your candies a unique touch.
If you’d like less sweetness, use more dark chocolate and fewer candy melts. If you want it sweeter, add more white chocolate or milk chocolate.