Every year at Christmas I love making candy and other edible gifts to share with friends and neighbors. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations of my family and I treasure the memories and recipes associated with this time of year. From toffee to fudge, and caramel popcorn to divinity, I’ve gathered up my favorite easy candy recipes to make. Whether you are a fan of nuts or chocolate or caramel, there is something here to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Homemade Christmas Candy Recipes
Some of these Christmas candy recipes require a candy thermometer (affiliate link), which is an inexpensive but invaluable investment if you want to learn how to make homemade candy. Others are remarkably easy and can be made in the microwave in under 10 minutes! But ALL of them are totally doable for even novice candy makers! I’ve included all my best tips and tricks in every one of these recipes to help you have success the first time you make them. Just check out the reader comments and you’ll see it’s true! Which one is your favorite? Are there any missing from my list that you would like to see on here? Let me know in the comments below!
Tips for Making Homemade Candy
- Prep for success Reader Comments: This is absolutely the BEST toffee I have ever had!! OMG! Didn’t know it was even possible to get even better….but it was PURE HEAVEN! If you are looking for a great toffee recipe you found it! - Kim I just made this and it was my first time attempting toffee! Its so good! The addition of baking soda is what sets it apart from all of the other recipes I looked at, gives it an easier bite in my opinion! We LOVED IT! This will be the only toffee recipe I ever use! - Boa OMG made single batch exactly as written including only stirring twice. No problems, no separating, no burning. Perfer, fantastic, delicious. I will make multiple batches for the holidays and through the year. Don’t forget the baking soda. It’s essential to keeping the toffee just airy enough to not break a tooth. - Ruth M. I vowed that is would never make another almond toffee recipe again because, of all the disastrous results I’ve had over the years, until I saw Grandma Nash’s recipe. I used my trusty cast iron skillet, candy thermometer, wooden spoon, prepared all the ingredients, read the entire recipe, helpful hints, and I was ready to go–Delicious! I cooked it LOW and SLOW–didn’t have any butter separation-just wonderful almond toffee gift giving. Thank you! - Eileen Reader Comments: Wow …my first time making divinity and it turned out GREAT! Taste just like Grandmas. - Betty R. I just made this recipe today, and it came out fabulous! Just as a note, it set up beautifully and we not only live in a humid climate, but it was pouring rain all day. - Lee Reader Comments: First time making peanut brittle and it came out perfect with your recipe! It’s honestly the best peanut brittle I’ve ever had. Perfectly crunchy and doesn’t get stuck in my teeth. - Jennifer Reader Comments: Love this recipe! It was a big hit when I made it for the nurses at my dad’s SNF. I will definitely make this again and again. - Chan Reader Comments: These turned out amazing and delicious! I had to triple the recipe because I was leading a kids class at my job and this was the activity I chose to do- so it took a very long time for the caramel to get to temp but it was sooo worth it! - May Made these last night and they turned out awesome! - Erica Reader Comments: After grocery shopping and deciding that the granola at the store cost WAY too much, I decided to find a DIY recipe! I made yours today and I LOVE it! Thank you so much for making it simple, yet delicious!!! I thought there was just enough of everything in it!! - Kimberly M. My first time, ever, making granola. The husband wasn’t sure, but as soon as it came out his mind was made;mine was too. THIS RECIPE IS AWESOME! Thank you so much. - M. Hicks Most amazing granola ever! Way better than any store bought brand. I was surprised by how amazing this recipe tastes! I cant wait to make more and try different variations! - Jessica F. Make sure you have the tools for the job like parchment paper, baking sheets, and a good candy thermometer (affiliate link). With many candy recipes, you will reach a point where you need to work quickly before it sets up. Having everything in place before you get started makes it much easier, less stressful, and results in better candy.
- Don’t expect perfection Candy-making sometimes takes a try or two to figure out. Even candy failures can usually be saved in one way or another. Caramel that doesn’t set is still delicious poured over brownies and ice cream. Chocolates can be chopped up and thrown into a batch of cookies. And sometimes, like with divinity, the weather can be the cause behind the recipe failing to set up properly. Candy has a reputation for being finicky and tempermental sometimes, but don’t give up and you’ll get it!
- Make it your own! Many of these recipes have variations or suggestions for making it your own. Swap cashews for pecans, use white chocolate instead of dark, throw in some chopped pretzels for a salty crunch! It’s so fun to play around and create your own special candy recipe! Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
