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Christmas Candy Assortment: 15 Easy Homemade Holiday Gift Treats

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This festive Christmas candy assortment features five classic homemade treats—chocolate bark, fudge, peanut butter balls, coconut snowballs, and salted caramels—perfect for gifting, parties, or cozy holiday snacking. Each candy is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to spark smiles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted almonds (or walnuts, pecans)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for dipping)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
  • Extra coconut for rolling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Chocolate Bark: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second bursts, stirring after each) or use a double boiler. Spread melted chocolate evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Sprinkle roasted almonds, dried cranberries, and crushed peppermint candies on top. Add flaky sea salt if desired.
  3. Cool in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm. Break into pieces once set.
  4. Classic Fudge: Combine sugar, milk, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles (about 5 minutes).
  5. Add chocolate and stir until melted. Remove from heat, add vanilla and espresso powder.
  6. Pour into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Cool for 1 hour, then cut into squares.
  7. Peanut Butter Balls: Mix peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and thick.
  8. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes.
  9. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil. Dip balls into chocolate and set back on the sheet.
  10. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).
  11. Coconut Snowballs: Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
  12. Form into 1-inch balls and roll in extra coconut to coat. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
  13. Salted Caramels: Heat sugar with water in a saucepan over medium. Swirl until sugar dissolves and turns amber (about 8-10 minutes).
  14. Carefully stir in cream and butter. Mixture will bubble.
  15. Cook until thick (about 5 minutes) or until a candy thermometer reads 245°F.
  16. Pour into a parchment-lined pan, sprinkle with sea salt, and cool for 1 hour. Cut into squares.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality chocolate and fresh nuts. Chill candies before dipping in chocolate for a smooth finish. Most candies freeze well—layer with parchment and thaw overnight before serving. Adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets as needed. Presentation tip: use mini cupcake wrappers for gifting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas candy, holiday treats, homemade gifts, fudge, chocolate bark, peanut butter balls, coconut snowballs, salted caramels, easy candy recipes, festive desserts

Find it online: https://avabake.com/christmas-candy-assortment-15-easy-homemade-holiday-gift-treats/