Colorful and festive Christmas candy assortment on a decorative plate.

EASY & FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CANDY

Step-by-step instructions

  1. For Jello Divinity Candy: Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes glossy. Stir in the jello, corn syrup, water, and pecans. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them set.

  2. For Christmas Mints: Blend cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, peppermint extract, and sugar in a bowl until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, color with food coloring, and then shape into small discs. Set aside to firm up.

  3. For Crockpot Candy: In a crockpot, combine peanuts, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, and toffee bits. Cook on low until melted, stirring until well combined. Scoop out spoonfuls onto wax paper and top with sprinkles.

  4. For Martha Washington Candy: Cream the unsalted butter, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, coconut, condensed milk, cherries, and chopped pecans. Roll the mixture into balls, chill briefly, and dip in melted chocolate wafers.

  5. For Homemade Caramels: In a saucepan, cook together sugar, honey, butter, and salt over medium heat until caramelized. Stir in heavy cream, pour into a lined pan, and allow to cool before cutting into pieces.

  6. For Chocolate Christmas Candy: Melt semi-sweet and white chocolate together in a bowl. Stir in sprinkles and crushed candy canes before pouring onto a lined pan. Allow to cool and break into pieces.

Best ways to enjoy it

These festive candies can stand alone as delightful gifts or be arranged on holiday platters for stunning displays. Consider pairing them with a warm mug of spiced cider or hot cocoa for an unforgettable holiday treat experience. For presentations, stack the candies in festive tins, or use clear jars with a holiday ribbon tied around them to offer a personal touch.

How to store & freeze

To keep your candies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature.

Helpful cooking tips

  • Freshness Matters: Use fresh egg whites for the best volume and texture in your Jello Divinity.
  • Prep Ahead: Make your candies ahead of time and store them properly to ease stress during the busy holiday season.
  • Customization is Key: Feel free to add peppermint extract or flavored extracts to the chocolate for a unique twist.

Creative twists

  • Nut Variations: Swap out pecans for almonds or walnuts depending on your taste preference.
  • Flavor Swaps: Experiment with different flavored jello for the divinity or use different types of melting chocolate to create an array of colors.
  • Healthier Options: Consider using dark chocolate or cutting back on sugar by using alternative sweeteners in some recipes.

EASY & FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CANDY

Common questions

Q: How long does it take to prepare these candies?
A: Preparation time can vary, but most of the candies can be ready in about 1-2 hours, depending on chilling times.

Q: Can I substitute any ingredients?
A: Yes! You can use dairy-free alternatives for cream cheese and butter, or swap out nuts based on dietary preferences.

Q: How should I store leftover candies?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Are these candies safe for kids?
A: Yes, but be sure to supervise with any potential allergens like nuts, and ensure that no raw egg whites remain in unfinished candy as this can pose a risk.

Easy & Festive Christmas Candy

A delightful mix of colors and flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 36 pieces
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Festive
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For Jello Divinity Candy
  • 2 large egg whites Use fresh for best volume
  • 3 3-oz boxes flavored jello Different flavors can be used
  • 2.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light corn syrup
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped pecans Can be substituted with other nuts
For Christmas Mints
  • 4 oz cream cheese Can use dairy-free alternatives
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Can use dairy-free alternatives
  • 2 tbsp light/clear corn syrup
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 4.25-5 cups powdered sugar Adjust based on desired consistency
  • 6 drops green liquid food coloring For coloring
  • 6 drops red liquid food coloring For coloring
For Crockpot Candy
  • 16 oz dry-roasted peanuts
  • 22 oz white chocolate chips
  • 5 oz dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup toffee bits
For Martha Washington Candy
  • 1.5 sticks unsalted butter Approximately 12 tbsp
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups shredded coconut sweetened
  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 10 oz maraschino cherries
  • 1.5 cups pecans chopped
  • 16 oz chocolate melting wafers
For Homemade Caramels
  • 1.5 cups granulated white sugar
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 6 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
For Chocolate Christmas Candy
  • 2 cups semi-sweet melting chocolates
  • 2 cups white chocolate melting wafers
  • 1/2 cup white non-pareil sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup red, green, and white sprinkles
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Method
 

For Jello Divinity Candy
  1. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  2. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes glossy.
  3. Stir in the jello, corn syrup, water, and pecans.
  4. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them set.
For Christmas Mints
  1. Blend cream cheese, butter, corn syrup, peppermint extract, and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, color with food coloring, and then shape into small discs.
  3. Set aside to firm up.
For Crockpot Candy
  1. Combine peanuts, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, and toffee bits in a crockpot.
  2. Cook on low until melted, stirring until well combined.
  3. Scoop out spoonfuls onto wax paper and top with sprinkles.
For Martha Washington Candy
  1. Cream the unsalted butter.
  2. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, coconut, condensed milk, cherries, and chopped pecans.
  3. Roll the mixture into balls, chill briefly, and dip in melted chocolate wafers.
For Homemade Caramels
  1. In a saucepan, cook together sugar, honey, butter, and salt over medium heat until caramelized.
  2. Stir in heavy cream, pour into a lined pan, and allow to cool before cutting into pieces.
For Chocolate Christmas Candy
  1. Melt semi-sweet and white chocolate together in a bowl.
  2. Stir in sprinkles and crushed candy canes before pouring onto a lined pan.
  3. Allow to cool and break into pieces.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Freeze for longer storage with parchment paper between layers.

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