Skip to content

Top Navigation

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Home
  • Garden
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Videos
  • Sweeps and Contests

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Midwest Living

Midwest Living Midwest Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 40 Favorite Comfort Food Recipes

      Macaroni and cheese, Amish apple dumplings and chicken pot pie are among our Midwest comfort food favorites. Read More Next
    • 50 Romantic Midwest Getaways

      Romance, of course, can be wherever the two of you are. But wonderful surroundings help. We found some of the most romantic places anywhere in the Midwest—in the city and country. All you have to do is get away together! Read More Next
    • 50 Decadent Chocolate Dessert Recipes

      Chocolate lovers, these are for you: 50 of our best rich-and-gooey chocolate dessert recipes, including pie, pudding, cake, cookies, fondue and brownies. Read More Next
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel

    50 Midwest Resorts We Love

    Our favorite Midwest resort destinations range from cozy lakeside lodges to indoor water park behemoths. Dive in to check out our top picks for a fabulous Midwest getaway.
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Iowa
    • Kansas
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Nebraska
    • North Dakota
    • Ohio
    • South Dakota
    • Wisconsin
    • Around the Region
    • Free Travel Info
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food

    Midwest Living November/December 2020 Recipes

    • Comfort Foods
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Breakfast
    • Quick & Easy
    • Chicken
    • Soups & Stews
    • Midwest Favorites
    • Fruits & Vegetables
    • Fish
    • Grilling
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home

    50 Quick and Easy Holiday Decorating Ideas

    Give your home holiday style in a flash with these simple yet creative decorating projects.
    • Quick Decorating
    • Featured Homes
    • Organizing & Storage
    • Outdoor Living
    • Seasonal Decorating
    • Room Decorating
  • Garden

    Garden

    See All Garden

    14 Cheerful Winter Container Gardens

    Create bountiful outdoor winter arrangements with a little help from Mother Nature.
    • Container Gardens
    • Flowers
    • Featured Gardens
    • Midwest Gardening Calendar
    • Garden Ideas & Inspiration
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining

    40 Easy Christmas Crafts

    Decorate your home, make a gift or create an ornament with our 40 ideas for fun and easy Christmas crafts.
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • July 4th
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
  • Videos

    Videos

    See All Videos
    • How to Make an All-Butter Pie Crust
    • How to Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake
  • Sweeps and Contests

    Sweeps and Contests

    See All Sweeps and Contests

    Warm-Weather Getaways Sweepstakes

    • Winter Getaways Sweepstakes
    • Warm-Weather Getaways Sweepstakes

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Win Your Dream Getaway!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Magazine Issues
  • Destinations
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Midwest Living
  2. Food
  3. Seasonal & Holiday
  4. Delectable Christmas Candies and Treats

Delectable Christmas Candies and Treats

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com
Updated August 18, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin

See how to make the sweetest of treats with our easy recipes for candies like caramels, toffee, fudge, marshmallows and truffles.

Start Slideshow

1 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Truffles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Using an easy method from Pete's Chocolate Co. in Detroit, you can make a dazzling array of rich, creamy chocolate truffles. (Note: The yield varies depending if you use bittersweet, milk or white chocolate, so read the recipe carefully before starting. And know that you can double it if desired.)

1 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sea Salt Caramels

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Caramels made in the microwave? Absolutely! And the only gear you need is a candy thermometer. Be sure to use coarse salt so it doesn't melt into the candies.

2 of 29

3 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Golden Toffee Nuggets

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dipping toffee pieces halfway in chocolate is way tidier and easier than fully coating them-and the result is more striking, visually. (We recommend melting chopped good-quality chocolate bars for dipping-chips have additives that affect their consistency.) For undeniable holiday wow, brush on some edible gold luster dust. It's a splurge, but applying it thinly with a paintbrush helps avoid waste.

3 of 29

Advertisement

4 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Christmas Mice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Kids or grandkids can help create these adorable, easy-to-make treats.

Click here to see our how-to Christmas mice video

4 of 29

5 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate bark

Short on time? Make chocolate bark forĀ gifts-or for your family. After melting and spreading the chocolate, it's just top, top and away!Ā 9 Fun Ways to TopĀ Chocolate Bark Candy

5 of 29

6 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Raspberry Truffles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These five-ingredient truffles come together in a snap. Blending jam into the chocolate makes for a subtle fruit flavor perfectly balancing the rich, smooth chocolate. The recipe comes from Indianapolis blogger Annie Marshall.

6 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peppermint Marshmallows

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Homemade marshmallows are infinitely superior to store-bought-creamy and almost melt-in-your mouth soft. And peppermint is just one variation. In the baking aisle, find extracts like lemon, raspberry and cinnamon to customize your own marshmallows. The power of a stand mixer eases prep of this recipe, though a hand mixer works well.

7 of 29

8 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oreo Truffles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy candies look elegant but are simple to make. This holiday dessert recipe comes from the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan, Ohio.Ā 

8 of 29

9 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bing Candy

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

People in Pukwana, South Dakota, come to bake sales just to buy Gwen Swanson's signature chocolate-cherry treat. Cherry-flavor chips create a red center between the chocolate layers. You can substitute peanut butter-flavor pieces if you prefer a peanut butter-chocolate combo.

9 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caramel Almond Stars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These playful candies are sort of a mock turtle-all the texture and flavor minus the homemade caramel or fussy dipping. Sprinkle with Wilton's gold star sprinkles (sold online) or coarse sparkling sugar. For a flavor twist, substitute roasted, salted almonds or even smoked almonds.

10 of 29

11 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nutella Cherry Hazelnut Fudge

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella) gives this fudge a smooth texture and luscious nutty flavor. The recipe comes from Indianapolis-based blogger Annie Marshall.

11 of 29

12 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White Chocolate Christmas Fudge

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This five-ingredient fudge is simplicity, squared: Just melt, stir, spread, cool and cut. We love seeing festive flecks of orange zest in the fudge, but substituting orange-flavored dried cranberries will have a similar taste.

12 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman of the blog A Beautiful Mess share this sinfully good holiday candy recipe. Adding almond butter makes the candy a bit softer and more flaky than traditional brittle.

13 of 29

14 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Maple Nutty Candy

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bar cookies combine four winning flavors: peanut butter, maple, butterscotch and chocolate. The easy recipe, from a Wabash, Indiana, reader, makes about 6 pounds of candy. We suggest freezing the bars and thawing them out as needed.

14 of 29

15 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Coffee Bean Meltaways

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you've ever made butter mints, you'll recognize this no-cook powdered sugar mixture. The coffee flavor comes from instant espresso powder, which is widely available online and at specialty stores. It's richer and better-tasting than ordinary instant coffee.

15 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Almond Meringue Bark

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This beginner-level candy is made by spreading meringue thinly and baking it until shatteringly crisp (so much simpler than piping into kisses). Eat it plain, or sprinkle it on berries and whipped cream or an ice cream sundae, like shards of nutty toasted marshmallow.

16 of 29

17 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caramel Heavenlies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Graham crackers form the base for this bar cookie with layers of marshmallows, brown sugar, almonds and coconut. "I've made these cookies each Christmas since 1984," says Georgine Simmonds of Genesee, Michigan. "They're one of my family's favorites."

17 of 29

18 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Candy-Box Caramels

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dress up packaged caramel squares by dipping them in sprinkles, crushed nuts, and bits of candy. Drizzle with dark or white chocolate to add even more color.

18 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Peanut Butter Truffles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Minnesota's Saint Paul Hotel featured these truffles at a Chocolate Lovers' Tea. We simplified the recipe by substituting candy coating for the chocolate used at the hotel.

19 of 29

20 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Latte Fudge

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A shot of espresso adds flavor and color to this holiday sweet. The recipe makes about five dozen pieces, so you'll have plenty to give as gifts.

20 of 29

21 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Terrific Toffee

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make classic buttery toffee even tastier by combining two kinds of chocolate, toasted almonds and malted milk powder. Look for the malted milk powder near hot chocolate mixes or chocolate syrup in your grocery store.

21 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Santa's Delight Peppermint Bark

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-easy Christmas treat uses just two ingredients: candy coating and either crushed candy canes or crushed round peppermint candies.Ā 

22 of 29

23 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Fanciful Peppermint Fudge

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mint flavor infuses this creamy, easy holiday fudge. If you like, use two cups mint-flavor semisweet chocolate pieces instead of the chocolate pieces and extract.

23 of 29

24 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Heavenly Hash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mix just three ingredients—milk chocolate, marshmallows and pecan halves—for this super-easy candy, from a St. Louis candy shop.

24 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mixed-Nut Brittle

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This fresh twist on peanut brittle takes just 15 minutes to make using your microwave. Be sure to use a heavy-duty glass measure that's free from cracks or chips to withstand high temperatures.

25 of 29

26 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Candy-Bar Treats

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A mix of popular ingredients—chocolate, caramel, and peanuts—makes this easy and delicious microwave candy.

26 of 29

27 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon Drop Bark

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Melt the candy coating, add the candy, and you're done. It's that simple. The crushed lemon drops give this sweet treat some pucker.

27 of 29

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hallelujah Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A cocoa-graham crust forms the base for these candylike bars, from the Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort near Galena, Illinois.

28 of 29

29 of 29

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chocolate Truffles

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Even novice cooks can master this simplified candy recipe. Just melt chocolate, add whipping cream and follow our easy instructions for Chocolate, Mint-Chocolate or Orange-Chocolate Truffles.

29 of 29

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By The editors of MidwestLiving.com

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 29 Chocolate Truffles
2 of 29 Sea Salt Caramels
3 of 29 Golden Toffee Nuggets
4 of 29 Christmas Mice
5 of 29 Chocolate bark
6 of 29 Raspberry Truffles
7 of 29 Peppermint Marshmallows
8 of 29 Oreo Truffles
9 of 29 Bing Candy
10 of 29 Caramel Almond Stars
11 of 29 Nutella Cherry Hazelnut Fudge
12 of 29 White Chocolate Christmas Fudge
13 of 29 Dark Chocolate Almond Brittle
14 of 29 Maple Nutty Candy
15 of 29 Coffee Bean Meltaways
16 of 29 Almond Meringue Bark
17 of 29 Caramel Heavenlies
18 of 29 Candy-Box Caramels
19 of 29 Creamy Peanut Butter Truffles
20 of 29 Latte Fudge
21 of 29 Terrific Toffee
22 of 29 Santa's Delight Peppermint Bark
23 of 29 Fanciful Peppermint Fudge
24 of 29 Heavenly Hash
25 of 29 Mixed-Nut Brittle
26 of 29 Easy Candy-Bar Treats
27 of 29 Lemon Drop Bark
28 of 29 Hallelujah Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars
29 of 29 Chocolate Truffles

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Midwest Living

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Contact Us
  • Help
  • Free Newsletters this link opens in a new tab
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Renew this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Affiliate Program
  • Free Travel Info this link opens in a new tab
  • Special Promotions this link opens in a new tab
  • Sweepstakes this link opens in a new tab
  • Video
  • Home Advisor this link opens in a new tab

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.midwestliving.com

View image

Delectable Christmas Candies and Treats
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.