Some love baking cakes for the holidays and others can’t resist making pies—but then there are those who delight in creating colorful, festive candies and fudges to give as gifts or share as special treats with their children.
If you’re a candy maker, this article is made for you. We’ve curated the ultimate list of 29 holiday candy recipes from Pinterest, featuring the most festive treats of the season.
From classic peppermint and creamy fudge to colorful barks and decadent truffles, these recipes bring festive flavors to life, perfect for gifting or adding flair to your dessert spread.
Dive in to discover simple, delicious ways to spread the sweetness all season long!
Deck the Halls with Sweetness: 29 Creative Christmas Candies to Sweeten Your Season
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
We’ll start our candy list with a Red Velvet recipe, the perfect rich and decadent flavor for the holidays.
These Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are a quick and indulgent twist on the classic red velvet treat, using cake mix as a convenient base.
Made with simple ingredients like red velvet cake mix, a touch of oil, and chocolate chips, these cookies bake up with a perfect balance of sweet chocolate flavor and soft, chewy texture.
The cake mix not only gives them their signature vibrant red color but also makes them extra fudgy and gooey for a truly delightful cookie experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas.
Check out the full recipe here.
White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo Fudge
This White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo Fudge is a festive and creamy delight, combining the smooth richness of white chocolate with a peppermint twist.
It starts with high-quality white chocolate chips and white chocolate peppermint bark (or simply extra white chocolate chips for a subtler mint touch).
Sweetened condensed milk holds everything together, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth with a creamy, luxurious texture.
Chopped Oreo cookies bring a delightful crunch and complement the white chocolate beautifully, while crushed candy canes sprinkled throughout add an extra holiday flair.
For a more intense minty flavor, try using peppermint bark Oreos.
This fudge makes a perfect holiday gift or a crowd-pleaser at any festive gathering. For the full recipe, visit here.
Festive Homemade Peppermint Patties
I really Love Peppermint Patties, they’re only second to Reese Cups! If I could I’d eat candy every day and I would alternate the two.
But alas, I cannot…that wouldn’t be good for me, but a girl can dream.
My love for these is the reason I wanted to add them to the top of the list and let’s face it, Peppermint Candy is where it’s at for the holidays.
These holiday peppermint patties bring the classic minty treat to your Christmas candy lineup, and they couldn’t be easier to make at home.
The recipe blends sweetened condensed milk with powdered sugar and peppermint extract, creating a creamy, refreshing filling that’s perfectly balanced.
After the filling is shaped into discs and left to set, each patty takes a luxurious dip in melted semi-sweet chocolate, giving you that rich contrast of mint and chocolate.
For extra holiday flair, a sprinkle of festive decorations tops them off, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
What makes this recipe so handy is its versatility: use different sprinkles to adapt the patties for any holiday, or even swap out the chocolate type based on preference, from dark to milk chocolate.
The end result is a delightful bite-sized treat that’s bound to impress on any dessert table.
Get the full recipe here to make your own homemade peppermint patties and enjoy a refreshing twist on a holiday classic.
Classic Christmas Cracker Candy
Christmas Cracker Candy, also known as Saltine Cracker Bark, is a sweet-and-salty treat that’s become a holiday favorite for good reason.
This recipe starts with a layer of simple saltine crackers, providing the perfect crunchy base.
A buttery toffee mixture is poured over the crackers and baked briefly, transforming the crackers into a deliciously rich and caramelized layer.
Once baked, the toffee-cracker layer is topped with melted chocolate, which is spread over the entire sheet and chilled until firm.
Break it into pieces, and you’ve got a festive, irresistibly tasty candy with layers of texture and flavor.
What sets Christmas Cracker Candy apart is its addictive balance of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness, making it an instant hit at holiday gatherings.
Plus, it’s easy to customize—sprinkle crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or even a dash of sea salt over the chocolate for a personalized touch.
Check out the recipe here to make your own batch of Christmas Cracker Candy and enjoy the holiday magic in every bite.
Chewy, Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies
These Cheesecake Brownies marry the decadence of fudgy chocolate with creamy cheesecake for a treat that’s ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying family cravings.
With a buttery, rich brownie layer made from bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate, these bars achieve that signature chewy texture.
A luscious cheesecake filling—blended from cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolks—sits between two layers of brownie, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
Baked to perfection until the edges puff and the center retains a fudgy softness, these brownies need a cooling and chilling period to fully set.
After a few hours, they’re easy to slice, and each piece comes out with defined layers and irresistible flavor.
For the best taste, serve them chilled. For full instructions, visit here.
Peppermint Brownie Truffles
Here’s another magic Peppermint delight, mixing rich brownies with Peppermint.
The combo of Thick, deep chocolate and strong bits of peppermint candy is perfect for the holidays.
These indulgent Peppermint Brownie Truffles combine fudgy brownie cake with the cool kick of peppermint.
The brownie batter is rolled into cake balls, then dipped in smooth milk chocolate and dusted with crushed candy canes, giving each truffle a festive crunch.
These bite-sized treats bring the beloved flavors of peppermint bark together with the dense richness of brownies, making them a perfect seasonal dessert.
These Peppermint Brownie Truffles are as gorgeous as they are delicious, adding sparkle to any holiday dessert table.
Get the full recipe here and whip up a batch of these festive truffles to add a touch of decadence to your holiday season.
Christmas Cream Cheese Mints
Here’s another Minty treat to add a classic and festive touch to your holiday candy spread.
These Christmas Cream Cheese Mints are a timeless choice. I had never heard of a cream cheese mint recipe until now, it’s very unique.
Made with just five ingredients, this old-fashioned recipe combines cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and mint extract for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once the creamy mixture is blended, it’s divided and tinted in red, green, and white holiday colors. Rolled into small balls, each mint is pressed with a fork for a charming design and then chilled until firm.
These nostalgic treats are as fun to make as they are to eat and are sure to please guests of all ages.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or as edible gifts, they’ll bring a delightful pop of color to your dessert table.
Check out the recipe here to make these easy and delicious mints that capture the spirit of the season.
Peppermint Bark Cups
Peppermint is one of my favorite flavors so I really enjoy the holidays.
These festive Peppermint Bark Cups offer a delightful twist on traditional peppermint bark, layering creamy white chocolate with a hint of peppermint and a topping of rich semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
Using high-quality white chocolate, like Lindt or Callebaut, ensures a smooth, velvety base for these peppermint creams. A dash of peppermint extract brings the refreshing, minty taste to life without overwhelming, while crushed peppermint candies add a satisfying crunch and holiday flair.
Each small candy cup is topped with semi-sweet chocolate and dusted with more peppermint for an elegant, festive treat that’s perfect for gifting or indulging.
For the full recipe details, visit here.
No-Bake Crème de Menthe Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars
These rich, layered No-Bake Crème de Menthe Bars are an indulgent blend of mint and chocolate flavors, with three distinct layers that come together beautifully without turning on the oven.
The first layer combines finely chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar to create a dense, cookie-like base with a hint of crunch.
A layer of crème de menthe-flavored filling adds a cool minty contrast, while a final topping of chocolate rounds out each bar with a smooth finish.
These bars are a holiday favorite, easy to prepare yet impressively decadent. Find the complete recipe details here.
Candy Cane Fudge
This delightful Candy Cane Fudge is as festive as it is easy to make.
Combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the cool, refreshing crunch of peppermint, this fudge recipe requires only three ingredients: white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and crushed candy canes.
The simplicity makes it a perfect treat to whip up in a pinch, especially for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or a last-minute dessert addition.
With a base of melted white chocolate mixed with condensed milk, this fudge becomes lusciously smooth and rich, while the crushed candy canes add a festive splash of color and flavor.
Set and sliced, each square offers a taste of the holidays in a bite-sized, beautifully marbled treat.
Get the full recipe here to add this cheerful Candy Cane Fudge to your holiday treats lineup!
Divinity Candy
Divinity Candy is a light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like treat that melts in your mouth.
This classic Southern candy combines sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, and vanilla to create a uniquely chewy yet airy texture, perfect for holiday celebrations.
The candy is traditionally topped with a pecan, giving it a delightful nutty finish and just the right amount of crunch.
Making Divinity does require a bit of patience, as it must be beaten until it holds its shape and then left to set for several hours or overnight.
The result is a beautifully soft candy with a hint of vanilla, ideal for holiday candy platters or gifting.
Check out the full recipe here to experience the timeless charm of Divinity Candy!
Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Dough Fudge
This festive Peanut Butter M&M Cookie Dough Fudge combines creamy layers of cookie dough and a peanut butter-chocolate topping for a treat that’s both playful and decadent.
The base layer features a blend of brown sugar, vanilla, and heat-treated flour folded with red and green Peanut Butter M&Ms, making it a colorful choice for holiday gatherings.
After chilling, the fudge is topped with a smooth mixture of melted peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate, adding a rich finish.
This fudge is perfect for prepping in advance, as it freezes beautifully, ready to be sliced and served as needed.
Find the full recipe details here.
Peppermint Bark Candy
Peppermint Bark Candy is a holiday classic, with its irresistible blend of dark and white chocolate layers topped with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
Each bite has a rich, creamy texture and a refreshing hint of peppermint, making it a beloved choice for holiday gifting or a treat for holiday gatherings.
The contrast between the chocolate layers and the minty candy cane topping makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.
This candy comes together quickly, needing only a few minutes of melting time before layering and a couple of hours to chill until firm.
Once set, it can be easily broken into rustic pieces, creating a perfect holiday snack for sharing. Discover the full recipe here to make this crowd-pleasing holiday treat!
Eggnog Cookie Balls
If Eggnog is your go to flavor, then this dessert will be the one for you!
Have a ball with these Eggnog Cookie Balls, featuring the cozy flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and eggnog.
Made with five simple ingredients, these no-bake treats are perfect for satisfying seasonal cravings without the oven hassle.
Crushed cookies mix with a blend of eggnog and spices, then the balls are rolled in more crushed cookies for a delicate coating.
The result is a creamy, spiced bite-sized dessert ideal for holiday gatherings.
Check out these festive treats here.
White Chocolate Christmas Bark
This White Chocolate Christmas Bark is a simple, festive treat that’s as delicious as it is versatile.
Made primarily from melted white chocolate chips or wafers, this classic Christmas bark is topped with a cheerful mix of holiday candies, nuts, or sprinkles.
The chocolate is melted, poured onto a lined baking sheet, and adorned with vibrant toppings that make each piece uniquely delightful.
Once set and broken apart, the bark’s craggy surface mimics the look of tree bark, giving it both its name and rustic charm.
This holiday bark can be made in minutes and lasts up to three months in the pantry, making it ideal for holiday gifting or snacking throughout the season.
For full details and topping ideas, see the recipe here.
Chocolate Covered Cherries with Amaretto
This Chocolate Covered Cherries recipe brings a festive twist to classic cherry cordials, making it ideal for holiday celebrations.
Each cherry is wrapped in a buttery, amaretto-infused sugar dough before being coated in a rich layer of semi-sweet or dark chocolate, creating an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
The amaretto adds a lovely warmth to the filling, while the maraschino cherries deliver a bright, juicy pop beneath the chocolate shell.
For extra flair, these cherry cordials can be topped with festive sprinkles or a delicate drizzle of contrasting chocolate, like white or milk chocolate, for a refined look.
Or, if feeling particularly creative, add fondant holly leaves and berries for a decorative holiday touch.
These are perfectly paired with a hot cup of coffee or a festive cocktail.
Get the full recipe here to make your own batch of these delightful holiday treats!
Hot Chocolate Poke Cake
This indulgent Hot Chocolate Poke Cake takes rich chocolate cake to a new level by infusing it with warm marshmallow fluff and a luscious chocolate fudge filling.
Made with Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix, this recipe starts with a moist and decadent base.
After baking, poke holes throughout the cake and fill them with melted marshmallow fluff for an extra creamy layer.
Then, a combination of semisweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream creates a fudge-like layer that sinks into the cake, making every bite more decadent than the last.
To finish, the cake is topped with a whipped cream and instant hot chocolate mixture, giving it a light, fluffy, and cocoa-rich topping.
Garnish with mini marshmallows for a whimsical touch reminiscent of a cozy cup of hot cocoa.
Find the complete recipe here.
Christmas Cookie Fudge
This ultra-sweet Christmas Cookie Fudge combines the festive charm of holiday sprinkles with the classic taste of sugar cookies.
Made with a sugar cookie mix, sweetened condensed milk, and melted white chocolate, this fudge has a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a nostalgic holiday flavor.
The sprinkles add a colorful crunch, making each piece feel like a mini Christmas celebration.
For a fun and easy treat that captures the spirit of the season, get the full recipe here.
Candy Cane Brownies
These Candy Cane Brownies bring together the best of classic fudgy brownies and festive peppermint for a holiday-ready dessert.
The brownie base is dense, chewy, and intensely chocolatey, made with melted butter, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla.
This is then topped with a light peppermint buttercream, dyed a cheerful red, and finished with a sprinkling of crushed candy canes for a perfect crunch and minty freshness in every bite.
With their decadent flavor and festive look, these brownies are an ideal treat for Christmas gatherings.
For the full recipe and details, check out the recipe here.
Gingerbread Poke Cake
This Gingerbread Poke Cake is a holiday twist on a classic poke cake, offering layers of warm spice and creamy sweetness.
Starting with a spice cake mix base, ginger and cinnamon elevate the flavor, while buttermilk and molasses bring the richness of classic gingerbread.
After baking, holes are poked throughout the cake to soak in sweetened condensed milk, creating an extra moist texture.
Topped with a smooth layer of Cool Whip and crushed gingersnaps, this cake is both light and satisfyingly spiced.
A drizzle of caramel sauce and a whole gingersnap cookie make each slice even more festive.
Find the full recipe and instructions here.
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Truffles (Paleo & GAPS-Friendly)
These rich, dark chocolate peppermint truffles bring indulgence with a health-conscious twist, perfect for anyone looking for a holiday treat without gluten, grains, dairy, or refined sugar.
The creamy filling combines peanut or almond butter with honey, coconut milk, and a hint of peppermint extract, resulting in a smooth, subtly sweet flavor that balances perfectly with the cocoa’s richness.
With just a dash of sea salt to enhance the taste, these truffles have a deep, satisfying bite that won’t weigh you down.
After a quick chill in the freezer, the truffles get a final coating of melted dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk, adding a glossy layer that makes them look as good as they taste.
They’re ideal for gifting or enjoying alongside a warm holiday beverage.
For the full recipe, check it out here and make these festive truffles part of your seasonal spread!
Hot Cocoa Fudge
Indulge in the cozy flavors of winter with this delightful hot cocoa fudge.
Combining rich dark chocolate chips and creamy white chocolate chips, this treat mimics the classic comfort of hot cocoa in a fudge form.
With just six tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to bind everything together, this recipe is wonderfully simple yet delivers a decadent taste.
To enhance the fudge’s charm, mini marshmallows are folded into the mixture, adding a delightful texture and a nostalgic touch reminiscent of a warm mug of cocoa.
This fudge is perfect for holiday gatherings, as a gift, or just to enjoy on a chilly day.
For the complete recipe and to bring this delicious fudge into your kitchen, visit here.
Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake
This Peppermint Oreo Icebox Cake is an easy, no-bake holiday dessert with layers of festive red cream-filled Oreos, peppermint-infused cheesecake, and crushed peppermint candies.
A holiday-ready twist on the classic icebox cake, this dessert combines Cool Whip with a peppermint-white chocolate and cream cheese mixture, creating a light, fluffy filling with a refreshing minty bite.
Each layer of cookies softens as it chills, creating a cake-like texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
To make, dip Oreos in milk to soften, layer with the creamy peppermint filling, and top with a final sprinkling of peppermint bits for a decorative and flavorful finish.
A make-ahead dessert that’s as simple as it is delightful, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Get the full recipe here.
Christmas Lasagna Dessert
This colorful Christmas Lasagna Dessert is a holiday showstopper, layered with a vibrant red cookie crust, creamy white cheesecake, and a minty green pudding layer.
The base starts with a sugar cookie mix, Andes peppermint crunch, and a hint of red food coloring, baked until perfectly golden.
Once cooled, a rich layer of whipped cream cheese is spread across, followed by a pudding layer made with white chocolate pudding and green food coloring for a festive touch.
Finally, the dessert is topped with Cool Whip, peppermint crunch pieces, and mint chips, creating a striking look and refreshing holiday flavor.
This layered dessert is perfect for serving straight from the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal make-ahead option for holiday gatherings.
Find the recipe here.
Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies
Indulge in these rich and festive Kiss Me Red Velvet Brownies, a holiday dessert made with premium ingredients that deliver a luxurious texture and flavor. Melted butter and chocolate are key to achieving that beautiful glossy, crackly top we all love.
This recipe skips the usual red velvet additions like buttermilk and vinegar, resulting in a fudgy brownie texture rather than a cake-like crumb.
These brownies bring the perfect combination of dense chocolate richness with a festive red hue, making them an ideal treat for Christmas gatherings or gifting.
Discover the full recipe here.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
Cinnamon is also another spicy Christmas favorite. If you love Cinnamon like I do, you will love these soft cookies.
These Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies combine the tang of cream cheese with the warmth of cinnamon for a soft, tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
The butter and cream cheese base creates a rich, moist dough that bakes up into pillowy perfection, while a cinnamon-sugar coating gives each bite a sweet, aromatic finish.
Perfectly festive for Christmas or as a cozy treat any time of year, these cookies are an easy way to elevate your holiday baking.
For full instructions, visit the recipe here.
From nostalgic flavors to modern holiday twists, these Christmas candy recipes capture the warmth and sweetness of the season.
Perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family, each treat offers a little taste of Christmas magic, handmade with love and holiday cheer.
So grab your mixing bowls, roll up your sleeves, and make this Christmas a little sweeter one candy recipe at a time!
Happy Holidays!
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