Christmas Candy Recipes For Easy Holiday Gift Giving
Christmas candy is a great low-cost gift giving idea for the people on your list, especially when there are more people on your list, than cash in your pocket!
Wrap up a sampling of tasty treats, in a cute little gift box, for a neat little ‘happy holiday’ present’! The special people in your life will love this thought and appreciate all the effort you put into nurturing your relationship.
Let’s get started with an all time favorite!
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
- 12 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour melted dark chocolate onto the parchment paper, spreading it evenly.
- Allow it to set slightly, then pour melted white chocolate on top.
- Swirl the chocolates together with a knife.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Let it set in the refrigerator, then break into pieces.
Peanut Brittle is my all-time favorite candy and brings to mind so many wonderful memories!
Classic Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then let it boil without stirring until it reaches 280°F (soft-crack stage).
- Add peanuts and continue cooking until it reaches 305°F.
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Pour onto a greased baking sheet, spread it thin, and let it cool before breaking into pieces.
Homemade Caramels
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add brown sugar and corn syrup, and stir until smooth.
- Add condensed milk and cook, stirring constantly, until it reaches 245°F.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and pour into a parchment-lined pan.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired and let it cool before cutting into squares.
Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Cocoa powder or chopped nuts for coating
Instructions
- Heat cream until it simmers, then pour over chopped chocolate.
- Stir until smooth, add butter, and mix until combined.
- Refrigerate until firm enough to scoop.
- Roll into balls and coat in cocoa powder or chopped nuts.
Peppermint Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge later.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. 3. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
4. Stir in the peppermint extract. If you like a touch of saltiness, you can add a pinch of salt as well. Mix until well combined.
5, Gently fold in about half of the crushed candy canes or peppermint candies into the fudge mixture.
6. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes or peppermint candies on top, pressing them slightly into the fudge.
8. Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the fudge set for at least 2-3 hours or until firm.
9. Once the fudge is completely set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into squares.
This Peppermint Fudge is a delightful holiday treat with the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Enjoy making and sharing it with friends and family!
Cherry Almond Divinity
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil until it reaches 260°F.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour the sugar syrup into the egg whites, beating continuously.
- Add almond extract, beat until it holds its shape, then fold in cherries and almonds.
- Drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper and let it cool and set.
Saltine Cracker Toffee
Saltine Cracker Toffee, also known as Christmas Crack, is a delicious and easy-to-make treat. Here’s a simple recipe for you
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 40-50 saltine crackers (enough to cover your baking sheet)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or almonds)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crackers: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Make the toffee: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee over the crackers: Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the saltine crackers, making sure they are all coated.
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the toffee is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add chocolate chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee-covered crackers. Let them sit for a few minutes to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
- Optional: Add nuts and sea salt: If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the melted chocolate. You can also add a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty flavor.
- Cool and break into pieces: Allow the toffee and chocolate to cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Once everything is set, break the Christmas Crack into pieces.
- Serve and enjoy: Your Saltine Cracker Toffee is ready to be enjoyed! It makes a great holiday treat or gift.
Marj Bates enjoys spending time exploring the South Shore with her puppies hunting down cool new things from Boston to the Cape when she is not writing for Declutterbuzz and helping folks get rid of stuff.
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