Christmas Candies You Can Make at Home

Truffles, caramels, nougats and more: these sweet treats are perfect for holiday cookie plates, gifting and get-togethers.

November 24, 2021

By: Lauren Tom Cerone

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Gumdrop and Pistachio Nougat

Thought Christmas was all about baking cookies? Not any more! Homemade candies are the perfect way to sweeten up the holiday season and spread some cheer! Plus, they make for a wonderful edible gift or inexpensive stocking stuffer. From homemade truffles and fudge for chocolate lovers to gooey caramels and fruity candies that will satisfy any sweet tooth, there’s something here for everyone. We can’t resist these gumdrop-dotted nougats. They’re chewy, fruity, nutty and crunchy — all in one. The ultimate sweet-and-salty holiday treat!

Get the Recipe: Gumdrop and Pistachio Nougat

Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut butter and chocolate are a perfect pairing — and these sweet and salty peanut butter balls covered in bittersweet chocolate are sure to satisfy your craving. Make sure the balls are chilled and firm before rolling them in the chocolate. It will ensure they don't fall apart. And, it helps the chocolate set faster.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Balls

Peanut Brittle

Have a canister of peanuts sitting in the pantry? You’re well on your way to making this classic, sweet-and-salty holiday treat from scratch.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Brittle

Fabulous Fudge

What makes this fudge Christmas-worthy? The toasted walnuts scattered throughout each piece lend a nostalgic feel, just like the candy grandma used to make.

Eggnog Truffles

Eggnog truffles make a great holiday or hostess gift. Package the truffles in a decorative tin between wax paper to prevent sticking.

Get the Recipe: Eggnog Truffles

Cookie and Caramel Chocolate Bars

If you love Twix, you’ve got to add these treats to your holiday lineup. This recipe cracks the code on tender biscuits topped with gooey caramel. Making them at home really takes this beloved treat to the next, delicious level.

Get the Recipe: Cookie and Caramel Chocolate Bars

Chocolate-Caramel-Pecan Pretzel Bites

If you’re worried you’re not ready for homemade candy, this is the recipe for you. Ree uses 4 simple ingredients (pretzels, pecans, caramel candy cubes and chocolate) to create a sweet-and-salty treat that’s just as good (if not better!) than anything you can buy in a box at the store.

Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Caramel-Pecan Pretzel Bites

White Chocolate Bark

"I’m dreaming of a white Christmas..." and Ina’s festive white chocolate bar!. She keeps the flavors balanced with salty pistachios and sweet dried cranberries and apricots.

Milk and Cookies Fudge

Give Santa an upgrade this year! Trisha’s indulgent fudge combines the milk and cookies into one, delicious, bite-size treat.

Get the Recipe: Milk and Cookies Fudge

Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate truffles are spiked with bourbon and then rolled in chopped pecans for a holiday treat everyone will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Truffles

Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

White chocolate and peppermint make the perfect pair — so why not add candy canes to a batch of creamy, white chocolate fudge?

Get the Recipe: Candy Cane White Chocolate Fudge

Jeweled Divinity

Ree’s festive candy is surprisingly easy to make! The recipe calls for just 6 ingredients, one of which is colorful gummy candies to give the finished treat it’s fun look.

Get the Recipe: Jeweled Divinity

Chocolate-Almond Brittle

You only need 6 ingredients to make this sweet and crunchy treat — and we bet they’re all in your kitchen right now!

Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Almond Brittle

Malted Chocolate Truffles

These melt-in-your-mouth candies may be sinfully decadent, but they’re so delicious they’re sure to earn you a spot on the nice list!

Get the Recipe: Malted Chocolate Truffles

Crunchy Peanut Caramel Nougat Candy Bar

This crunchy, nutty, marshmallow treat is assembled in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and then cut into its rectangular candy bar shape. Once cut, simply dip in melted chocolate and place in the fridge to cool and set.

Get the Recipe: Crunchy Peanut Caramel Nougat Candy Bar

Peppermint Meringue Lollipops

These easy-to-make meringue pops have a crunchy bite with a soft, chewy middle. The confectioners' sugar gives them a satiny sheen, while the mild peppermint flavor makes them the perfect shimmery treat to pass out at holiday parties.

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Meringue Lollipops

Almond-Amaretti Chocolate Truffles

Add almond butter and almond extract to the chocolate ganache and then coat the finished truffle with crushed amaretti cookies.

Get the Recipe: Almond-Amaretti Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Top Hats

Recreate Frosty the Snowman’s top hat — for your holiday dessert spread! These ones are filled with their own kind of magic: marshmallow and chocolatey goodness!

Get the Recipe: Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Top Hats

Caramel Candy

Be sure to whip up extra homemade caramels because they make the perfect gift. Packaged in a holiday tin, your friends and family will love receiving their very own batch!

Get the Recipe: Caramel Candy

Homemade Pomegranate-Lime Lollipops

Sweet-tart pomegranate juice is the perfect way to perk up homemade lollipops. Plus, you can serve them after your holiday dinner as a no-plates-or-utensils-needed dessert!

Get the Recipe: Homemade Pomegranate-Lime Lollipops