12 Fun & Easy Christmas Desserts to Try

As the holiday season arrives, so does the warmth and cheer of festive gatherings.

One of the most cherished parts of Christmas is the tradition of making and sharing homemade treats. While cookies and pies often steal the spotlight, crafting holiday candies brings a unique sense of joy to any kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll explore an assortment of easy-to-make Christmas candies that capture the spirit of the season.

Not only are these candies delicious, but they also make wonderful, heartfelt gifts for friends, neighbors, or party guests.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and bring some sweet magic into your home this Christmas!

1. Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a quintessential holiday treat that layers rich dark chocolate with smooth white chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

It offers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and minty, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Why I Love It: This candy is incredibly easy to make and embodies the festive season with its peppermint flair. It’s perfect for gift-giving, adding a personal touch to holiday baskets and treat boxes.

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate
• 8 oz white chocolate
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

How to Make:

1. Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt Dark Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
3. Layer: Spread the dark chocolate evenly on the prepared sheet. Chill until set.
4. Melt White Chocolate: Repeat the melting process, then spread over the chilled dark chocolate layer.
5. Top with Peppermint: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until fully set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

2. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Chocolate-covered pretzels are a simple yet irresistible treat that marries sweet and salty flavors.

With their crunchy pretzel base coated in a smooth layer of chocolate and finished with festive sprinkles, these snacks are a crowd-pleaser during the holidays.

Why I Love It: They’re quick to make, customizable with different toppings, and are perfect for both gifting and party platters. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and fun to prepare together!

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 24 pretzel rods or twists
• 8 oz dark or milk chocolate
• Holiday sprinkles

How to Make:

1. Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Melt Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between bursts until fully melted.
3. Dip Pretzels: Hold a pretzel rod or twist and dip it halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Decorate: Lay the dipped pretzels on the parchment paper and immediately add sprinkles or toppings before the chocolate hardens.
5. Set: Allow the pretzels to set at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator until firm.
6. Serve or Store: Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Homemade Fudge

Fudge is a rich and creamy confection that melts in your mouth. This classic treat is perfect for the holiday season, offering a sweet indulgence that pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa.

Why I Love It: It’s simple to prepare and customizable with different mix-ins like nuts or candy. Fudge is also a great make-ahead gift for friends and family.

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional mix-ins (nuts, dried fruit, peppermints)

How to Make Homemade Fudge:

1. Prep: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt: Combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Flavor: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and optional mix-ins.
4. Pour and Set: Pour mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
5. Cut and Serve: Lift fudge from the pan using parchment, cut into squares, and enjoy.

4. Rocky Road Clusters

Rocky road clusters are a no-bake treat packed with chocolate, mini marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. These bite-sized candies are perfect for the holidays, offering a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Why I Love It: They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for adding variety to holiday dessert platters.

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts)

How to Make Rocky Road Clusters:

1. Melt Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the chocolate until smooth.
2. Mix In: Add the marshmallows and nuts to the melted chocolate, stirring until everything is coated.
3. Form Clusters: Spoon small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Set: Let the clusters set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
5. Serve: Once set, enjoy these easy treats or store them in an airtight container.

5. Candy Cane Truffles

Candy cane truffles are smooth, rich chocolate truffles with a festive coating of crushed candy canes.

These bite-sized treats bring a luxurious, holiday twist to classic chocolate truffles, combining creamy interiors with a crisp, minty coating.

Why I Love It: These truffles are indulgent and elegant, making them a perfect holiday treat to serve at parties or package as gifts.

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes

How to Make Candy Cane Truffles:

1. Make Ganache: Heat cream until just simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth.
2. Flavor: Stir in peppermint extract.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the ganache for 1-2 hours until firm.
4. Shape Truffles: Scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture and roll into balls.
5. Coat: Roll each truffle in crushed candy canes.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

6. Toffee Squares

Toffee squares are buttery, crunchy treats topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

This easy, classic candy captures the rich flavors of traditional holiday sweets without the need for complicated techniques.

Why I Love It: These squares are simple to prepare, require basic ingredients, and offer that satisfying mix of crunch and sweetness. They’re perfect for holiday parties or as homemade gifts.

Ingredients & Instructions:

Ingredients:

• Toffee Base:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
• Toppings:
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)

How to Make Christmas Toffee Squares:

1. Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook Toffee Base: Melt butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a deep amber color.
3. Spread: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
4. Add Chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top while the toffee is hot and let them melt. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the toffee.
5. Top and Cool: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the chocolate. Let the toffee cool completely before breaking it into squares.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.

7. Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are chewy, sweet cookies that highlight the natural flavor of coconut. Their golden-brown exteriors and soft centers make them a delightful addition to any holiday spread.

Why I Love It: They’re quick to prepare, require few ingredients, and can be dipped in chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, so they’re perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients and Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Melted chocolate for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Mix coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl until well combined.
2. Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
3. Cool and Serve: Let cool completely; dip bottoms in melted chocolate if desired.

8. Holiday Popcorn Mix

Holiday popcorn mix is a festive blend of crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors, perfect for parties and snacking.

This treat combines fluffy popcorn, white chocolate, and colorful holiday candies for a visually appealing and tasty snack.

Why I Love It: It’s simple, no-bake, and versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite candies or toppings, making it a great activity to do with kids.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup holiday-themed candies (e.g., red and green M&Ms)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
2. Combine and Mix: Spread popcorn on a parchment-lined tray and drizzle melted chocolate over it. Add holiday candies and sprinkles.
3. Set and Serve: Let the mixture set for about 20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate briefly. Break into clusters and enjoy!

9. Divinity Candy

Divinity candy is a classic, fluffy treat with a nougat-like texture and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth taste.

It’s perfect for adding an old-fashioned touch to your holiday dessert spread.

Why I Love It: This nostalgic candy is light, airy, and can be made with simple ingredients. It’s an elegant addition to any Christmas treat platter.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup water
• 2 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Syrup: Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).
2. Beat Egg Whites: While the syrup is cooking, beat egg whites in a mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Combine: Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating at high speed.
4. Add Flavor and Nuts: Mix in vanilla extract and fold in pecans if desired.
5. Shape and Set: Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool until firm.

10. Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a classic holiday treat known for its thin, crispy, caramelized candy layer filled with roasted peanuts.

It provides a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for holiday snacking or gifting.

Why I Love It: It’s simple to make and brings that nostalgic, homemade touch to holiday celebrations. Plus, the combination of sweet caramel and salty peanuts is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups roasted peanuts
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare Equipment: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
2. Cook the Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Add Butter and Peanuts: Once boiling, add the butter and peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
4. Finish and Pour: Remove from heat, quickly stir in baking soda and salt. The mixture will bubble. Pour it onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
5. Cool and Break: Let the brittle cool completely, then break it into pieces.

11. Salted Caramel Chews

Salted caramel chews are soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies with a rich caramel flavor balanced by a hint of sea salt.

They make a perfect indulgence for the holiday season and are great for gifting or sharing with guests.

Why I Love It: These chews provide the perfect balance of sweet and salty and can be made in a large batch for easy holiday treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine and Cook: In a heavy saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, cream, and butter. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.
2. Heat and Monitor: Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 245°F (firm-ball stage).
3. Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and sea salt.
4. Pour and Set: Pour the caramel into a parchment-lined pan. Let it cool for 2 hours.
5. Cut and Wrap: Cut into squares and wrap in wax paper.

12. Marshmallow Snowmen

Marshmallow snowmen are a fun and creative holiday treat made by stacking marshmallows and decorating them to resemble snowmen.

They’re perfect for kids and adults alike, adding a whimsical touch to your holiday table or snack lineup!

Why I Love It: These no-bake treats are easy to assemble, customizable, and make a delightful activity for families. Plus, they bring a playful element to holiday celebrations.

Ingredients:

• Large marshmallows (about 12)
• Mini chocolate chips or edible markers
• Pretzel sticks
• Candy corn or small decorations for hats/scarves

Instructions:

1. Assemble the Snowmen: Stack three large marshmallows on top of each other, securing with a pretzel stick inserted through the center.
2. Decorate Faces and Buttons: Use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons or draw them with edible markers.
3. Add Details: Use candy or small decorations for hats, scarves, or arms (pretzel sticks).
4. Serve: Display on a plate and enjoy the festive fun.

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