Get ready to fill your home with the sweet aroma of the holidays! These 25 easy Christmas, Thanksgiving and any other holiday candy recipes are perfect for creating festive treats that delight family, friends, and guests alike. From classic peppermint bark and creamy fudge to chocolate-covered pretzels and buttery toffee, each recipe captures the joy and flavor of the season.
Simple to make and fun to share, these homemade sweets are guaranteed to bring extra sparkle and cheer to your holiday (Christmas, New Year, Easter) celebrations.
1. Peppermint Bark
To make this festive Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe, start by melting dark chocolate and spreading it evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it set slightly before adding a layer of melted white chocolate on top. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the surface.
Once fully hardened, break the bark into irregular pieces. The contrast between creamy chocolate and crunchy mint creates a classic holiday treat that’s perfect for gift boxes or dessert trays. Store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp and fresh throughout the season.
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
For this creamy Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe, combine butter, sugar, and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract, then quickly mix in powdered sugar until smooth. Press the mixture into a lined pan to set.
Let the fudge cool completely before cutting it into squares. The result is a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth candy with a rich balance of peanut butter and sweetness — ideal for holiday platters or thoughtful edible gifts.
3. Homemade Toffee
Making Toffee begins with melting butter and sugar together until the mixture reaches a golden-brown caramel stage. Carefully pour it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top so they melt into a smooth coating.
Once the chocolate has melted, spread it evenly and sprinkle chopped nuts over it for extra crunch. After cooling, break the toffee into bite-sized shards. It’s a buttery, crisp, and chocolatey treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
4. Candy Cane Kisses
https://thisdelicioushouse.com
To make Candy Cane Kiss Cookies, cream butter and sugar together before adding eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and crushed candy canes for that signature holiday crunch. Shape the dough into small balls and bake until slightly golden.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center. The warmth slightly softens the chocolate, creating a delicious contrast with the minty crunch. Let cool completely before storing or gifting.
5. Chocolate Truffles
https://www.cookingclassy.com
This Chocolate Truffle Recipe starts with heating heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pouring it over finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth to form a ganache. Chill the mixture until firm enough to scoop.
Scoop small portions and roll them into balls, then coat in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate. These rich, bite-sized truffles make elegant gifts or indulgent desserts to accompany coffee or wine.
6. No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
To make these No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil for about a minute before removing from heat. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and quick oats until evenly combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and let them cool until firm. These chewy, chocolaty cookies require no oven time — perfect for quick, kid-friendly holiday treats.
7. Salted Caramel Chocolates
This Salted Caramel Recipe begins by melting sugar until it becomes a golden liquid, then whisking in butter and heavy cream to create smooth caramel. Let it cool slightly before adding a touch of sea salt.
Once cooled, spoon small portions into chocolate molds or coat with melted dark chocolate. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top for the perfect sweet-salty balance. These chocolates make a gourmet addition to any Christmas candy box.
8. Butterscotch Candy
For this Butterscotch Candy Recipe, cook butter, sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
Once ready, pour the mixture into a buttered pan or candy molds and let it harden. Break or cut into pieces when cool. These candies have a rich buttery flavor that melts smoothly in your mouth and stores beautifully in tins.
9. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
To make Chocolate Covered Pretzels, melt milk, white, or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each pretzel rod halfway into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
Lay them on parchment paper and decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle more chocolate for a festive look. Let them harden completely before serving or packaging — they’re a fun, crunchy, sweet-and-salty delight.
10. Marshmallow Pops
For these Marshmallow Pops, insert sticks into large marshmallows and dip them into melted chocolate. Roll in festive sprinkles or drizzle additional chocolate for decoration.
Allow them to set upright or on parchment paper until firm. These pops are simple, fun for kids, and look adorable in Christmas dessert displays.
11. Peanut Butter Blossoms
This Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe starts with making a simple peanut butter cookie dough. Roll the dough into small balls, coat in sugar, and bake until slightly golden.
While still warm, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate just enough for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth finish. These are a timeless Christmas cookie classic.
Click NEXT to see the next set of candy recipes