Easy Candy Recipes That Make the Holidays Sweeter

Updated on Sep. 27, 2024

When you need special treats for family gatherings, an open house or to give as gifts, these easy candy recipes make you look like a hero. (No one needs to know how simple they were to make.)

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Peanut Butter Snowballs

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These creamy treats are a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combination. I once prepared them for a bake sale at my granddaughter's school, and I've also put them in gift boxes to share with neighbors at Christmas. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan
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Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee

Total Time 40 min
Servings 32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
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Layered Mint Candies

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 2 pounds (about 9-1/2 dozen)
From the Recipe Creator: These incredible melt-in-your-mouth candies have the perfect amount of mint nestled between layers of mild chocolate. Even when I make a double batch for everyone to enjoy, the supply never lasts long at Christmas! —Rhonda Vauble, Sac City, Iowa
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Truffle Cherries

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Chocolate is popular at our house, especially during the holidays, so these double chocolate gems never last long! —Anne Drouin, Dunnville, Ontario
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Pistachio Cranberry Bark

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator: I picked up this bark recipe at a Christmas sweets swap hosted by a woman in my Bible study group. My family, friends and I think it's just divine. Even my dad, who's not big on candy, loves it. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
6/33

Creamy Orange Caramels

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 2-1/2 pounds (80 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
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Spiced Rum-Nut Brittle

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator: Seasoned with cayenne pepper and cinnamon, this spicy microwave brittle packs its own heat and warms up holiday visitors. It also makes a superb stocking stuffer! —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
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Rudolph Treats

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These adorable goodies are a fun treat for kids, neighbors and friends. Get the little ones involved and let them help you create a new holiday tradition. —Abigail Vandersaul, Saint Paul, Missouri
9/33

Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: My "crispers" are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any treats you like. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
10/33

Peanut Butter Cups

Total Time 20 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
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Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles

Total Time 40 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
12/33

Cinnamon Almond Brittle

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: It simply wouldn't be Christmas at our house without this old-time favorite twist on peanut brittle. No one believes how easy it is to make! —Lynette Kleinschmidt, Litchfield, Minnesota

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Fudge

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6-3/4 pounds (19-1/2 dozen pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate fudge! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan

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Coconut Joys

Total Time 20 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
15/33

Almond Cherry Fudge

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator: Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
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Cashew Clusters

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I make this recipe for many bake sales at the local community college where I work. They are always the first to sell out.—Betsy Grantier, Charlottesville, Virginia
17/33

Saltine Toffee

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone loves these salty-sweet treasures—their flavor is simply irresistible. The bark is like brittle, but better. Get ready for a new family favorite! —Laura Cox, Brewster, Massachusetts
18/33

Coconut Yule Trees

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: People say they love my coconut macaroon-like Christmas trees because they look so festive. Once decorated, these trees light up a room—just like the real thing. —Michelle Retterer, Marysville, Ohio
19/33

Rocky Road Fudge

Total Time 20 min
Servings about 2-1/2 pounds (48 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: We make rocky road-style fudge every Christmas, but why wait until the holidays for a recipe this good? —Ashley Berry, Montgomery Village, Maryland
20/33

Crunchy Chocolate Mint Balls

Total Time 50 min
Servings 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Get a jump on the holidays by making these four-ingredient truffles and tucking them away in the freezer to save for gift-giving. Present them in mini cupcake holders for an extra-special touch. —Amanda Triff, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
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Cream Cheese Candies

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These homemade mints make a perfect last-minute addition to holiday treat trays. Pretty much everyone in my neighborhood has this recipe now! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota
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Kahlua Truffles

Total Time 20 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I discovered this recipe tucked away in a box of my mother's things. It's such a sweet way to remember her at Christmastime. —Betsy King, Duluth, Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
23/33

Butterscotch Candy

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: I love making this classic butterscotch recipe. We think these irresistible bites are better than the store-bought variety... and they sure don't last long! —Darlene Smithers, Elkhart, Indiana
24/33

White Chocolate Bark

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: This speedy candy recipe can be varied depending on the type of fruit or nuts you have on hand. Since we have a walnut tree, I use walnuts, but pecans could also be substituted, as well as dried cherries in place of the cranberries. —Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado
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Christmas Fudge

Total Time 25 min
Servings 96 pieces (5-3/4 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator: This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won't believe it. I've searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it.—Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy

Total Time 10 min
Servings about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: With only three ingredients, these chocolate-swirl treats take just moments to whip up! If you have little ones visiting for the holidays, have them help you with the stirring. —Holly Demers, Abbotsford, British Columbia

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Rich Pistachio Brittle

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a fun twist on traditional brittle. Pistachios not only add wonderful taste to the rich, buttery candy, but delicious texture. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
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Chocolate-Topped Marshmallow Sticks

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I like to use all sorts of different marshmallow shapes and flavors to mix things up. These chocolate-dunked pops are always a hit at local bake sales. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats

Total Time 10 min
Servings 15 treats
From the Recipe Creator: Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska
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Potato Chip Clusters

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
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White Chocolate Fudge

Total Time 25 min
Servings about 3 pounds (117 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: When December arrives, friends and family eagerly await my creamy white fudge. It's a little something different from the traditional chocolate. —Gioviana Buser, Riverside, California
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Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Kids of all ages enjoy making and eating these fun treats. The decorated pretzels are a pretty gift in a cellophane bag or a glass jar. —Kay Waters, Benld, Illinois