61 Christmas Candy Recipes to Sweeten Your Holiday
Holiday season is upon us, which means it’s finally time to drink eggnog, bake Christmas cookies, and make our favorite Christmas candy recipes. Holiday baking is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends and family, but don’t sleep on candymaking. Besides being great for snacking and satisfying your sweet tooth, homemade confections also make thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. It’s rumored that a choirmaster created and gave out candy canes so children would remain quiet during church service, and since then candy canes—and other confections—have become a mainstay during holiday season. Candy canes may be the most popular Christmas candy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy other holiday treats. Gather friends and family to help you dip, portion, and wrap your homemade candies and soon your kitchen will feel like Santa’s workshop. From simple no-bake sweets to recipes that are more involved, we’ve tried to include a little something for everyone. Below you’ll find the best Christmas candy recipes, including chocolate truffles, fluffy marshmallows, peppermint bark, and more.
Photo by Sarah Kieffer1/61Triple Chocolate Peppermint Bark
This peppermint bark is made with not one, but three kinds of chocolate: milk, bittersweet, and white. It's one of the most festive Christmas candy recipes you could make for yourself and loved ones during holiday season. If you don't have candy canes, crushed peppermint candies would work well, too.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Anna Hampton7/61Chocolate, Pistachio, and Tahini Truffles
These two-bite chocolate truffles are the perfect party treat. They can easily be made ahead of time and are a wonderful accompaniment to a glass of bubbly. In this easy recipe, tahini lends a rich, nutty flavor. Feel free to play around with toppings; dried fruit, other nuts, and even toffee bits would be delicious here.
Photo by Alex Lau8/61Sour Candied Citrus Peels
With just a little sugar and citric acid, you can turn leftover citrus rinds into delicious confections, perfect for adding to cookies or topping dark chocolate mendiants.
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling: Susan Spungen9/61Chocolate Fudge With Bourbon Sugar
Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling: Susan Spungen11/61Blood Orange and Coconut Marshmallows
The key to even, distinct layers is to smooth them out with an oiled offset spatula. Patience is key—allow your first layer to cool completely before adding the next one. Intimidated by homemade marshmallows? Read our guide on how to make light and fluffy marshmallows every time.
