These 20 Christmas Candies Are the Perfect Treats to Wrap & Share

Christmas
By Gwen Stockton

Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like homemade candies wrapped in festive paper and shared with loved ones.

Whether you’re filling gift baskets for neighbors or creating sweet surprises for coworkers, the right Christmas candy makes every exchange memorable.

From classic chocolate treats to nostalgic old-fashioned favorites, these delicious confections are easy to make and even easier to love.

Get ready to discover the ultimate lineup of shareable sweets that’ll have everyone asking for your recipes!

1. Peppermint Bark

Image Credit: © In The Kitchen With Matt

Creamy white chocolate meets rich dark chocolate in this festive favorite that screams holiday spirit.

Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top add that signature minty crunch everyone craves during December.

Making peppermint bark takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish.

You’ll melt chocolate layers, spread them thin, and sprinkle the crushed peppermint before everything hardens.

The contrast between smooth chocolate and crunchy candy creates an irresistible texture combo.

Package these beautiful broken pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Friends and family will think you spent hours crafting this elegant treat when it actually requires minimal effort and maximum wow factor.

2. Christmas Cracker Candy

Image Credit: © Nana Debbie’s Kitchen

Some folks call this addictive treat Christmas Crack, and one bite explains why.

Buttery caramel transforms ordinary saltine crackers into something extraordinary that disappears faster than Santa on Christmas Eve.

The magic happens when you bake crackers with a simple butter-sugar mixture until it bubbles into golden perfection.

Pour melted chocolate over the caramel layer, then add festive sprinkles or chopped nuts.

The sweet-salty combination hooks taste buds instantly.

Break cooled sheets into jagged pieces for that rustic homemade charm.

This recipe feeds crowds without breaking your budget, making it ideal for office parties, bake sales, or filling multiple gift tins at once.

3. Peanut Brittle

Image Credit: © TheCooknShare

Grandma’s kitchen probably smelled like this crunchy classic every December.

Peanut brittle brings back memories of simpler times while delivering that satisfying snap between your teeth.

Sugar syrup transforms into glossy amber magic when cooked to the perfect temperature.

Roasted peanuts get stirred in right before you pour the hot mixture onto a buttered pan.

Working quickly matters because brittle hardens fast as it cools.

The result?

Thin, glassy sheets packed with nutty goodness that shatter into irregular pieces.

Wrap chunks in wax paper squares, then gather them in vintage jars for gifts that feel both nostalgic and thoughtful.

4. Chocolate Fudge

Image Credit: © In The Kitchen With Matt

Velvety smooth and intensely chocolatey, classic fudge remains the gold standard of Christmas confections.

Each square melts on your tongue, releasing waves of deep cocoa flavor that chocolate lovers dream about year-round.

Traditional fudge recipes require patience and a candy thermometer to nail that perfect soft-ball stage.

Stirring constantly prevents scorching while the mixture thickens into glossy perfection.

Once poured and cooled, you’ll slice it into neat squares that look professionally made.

Dust finished pieces with powdered sugar or leave them glossy and plain.

Either way, fudge travels well in decorative tins and stays fresh for weeks, making it a reliable gift option throughout the busy holiday season.

5. Peanut Butter Fudge

Image Credit: © In The Kitchen With Matt

For peanut butter fanatics, this creamy confection hits differently than chocolate versions.

The smooth, rich flavor tastes like your favorite sandwich spread transformed into candy form.

Combining peanut butter with sweetened condensed milk creates an almost foolproof recipe.

The mixture sets up firm without requiring precise temperature monitoring like traditional fudge.

You can add a chocolate layer on top for variety or keep it pure peanut butter all the way through.

Kids especially go wild for this treat because it tastes familiar yet special.

Cut generous squares for serious peanut butter enthusiasts or smaller bites for sampler boxes that showcase multiple candy varieties together.

6. No-Bake Truffles

Image Credit: © Jim Michailidis

Fancy-looking truffles seem intimidating until you realize they require zero baking skills.

These little spheres of chocolate bliss come together with just a few ingredients and your own two hands.

Crushed cookies mixed with cream cheese form the base for endless flavor combinations.

Roll the mixture into balls, chill them until firm, then dip in melted chocolate.

Coating options range from cocoa powder to crushed candy canes to colorful sprinkles.

Each truffle feels like a gourmet chocolate shop creation.

Arrange them in mini cupcake liners inside decorative boxes for gifts that look expensive but cost pennies to make.

Your secret stays safe with us!

7. Rum Balls

Image Credit: © Food Wishes

These boozy bites definitely belong on the adults-only dessert table.

Rum-soaked cookie crumbs form the base of this no-bake classic that’s been gracing holiday parties for generations.

Vanilla wafers or graham crackers get crushed fine, then mixed with cocoa, corn syrup, and a generous splash of rum.

The dough firms up in the refrigerator before you roll it into perfect spheres. Rolling them in powdered sugar or cocoa gives each ball a finished look.

The alcohol doesn’t bake off, so these pack a subtle kick that grown-ups appreciate.

They taste even better after sitting a few days, allowing flavors to meld into something truly special and sophisticated.

8. Candy Cane Hearts

Image Credit: © sparklyblonde1

Transform ordinary candy canes into adorable heart shapes with this clever kitchen trick.

Warm candy canes become pliable enough to bend into romantic symbols perfect for sweet gift-giving.

Unwrap standard candy canes and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

A few minutes in a low oven softens the peppermint just enough to shape.

Press two canes together at their curved ends to form hearts, then let them cool completely.

These make charming additions to hot cocoa gift sets or Valentine-Christmas crossover presents.

Attach them to wrapped packages as edible decorations that serve double duty.

Kids love helping with this project since it feels like edible crafting rather than serious cooking.

9. Chocolate Peppermint Lollipops

Image Credit: © LunaCandyCo

Homemade lollipops sound complicated but actually come together surprisingly quickly with silicone molds.

Chocolate and peppermint swirled together create stunning patterns that look store-bought.

Melt chocolate and peppermint candy coating separately, then spoon both into lollipop molds.

Swirl with a toothpick for marbled effects before inserting sticks.

The hardest part is waiting for them to set completely before popping them out.

Wrap each lollipop in cellophane bags for individual treats that work great as stocking stuffers or party favors.

They’re also perfect for attaching to greeting cards as sweet little surprises.

Everyone appreciates candy on a stick, regardless of age!

10. Salted Caramel Candies

Image Credit: © Inspired Taste

Sweet meets savory in these sophisticated little cubes that taste like luxury.

Flaky sea salt sprinkled on buttery caramel creates an addictive flavor contrast that keeps hands reaching back for more.

Cooking caramel from scratch requires attention and a good thermometer.

You’ll watch sugar transform from white crystals to liquid gold, then add cream and butter for richness.

Pour into a lined pan, sprinkle with salt, and cool before cutting.

Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper twists gives them that old-fashioned candy shop appeal.

The chewy texture and complex flavor profile make these feel special enough for your most discerning gift recipients.

Caramel fans will absolutely treasure these handmade gems.

11. Slow-Cooker Turtles

Image Credit: © Slow-Living Homestead & Cooking

Your slow cooker isn’t just for soups and roasts anymore.

This hands-off method produces perfect turtle candies without constant stovetop monitoring.

Layer chocolate chips, caramel bits, and pecans directly in your crockpot, then let low heat work its magic.

After everything melts together, spoon clusters onto parchment paper.

The chocolate-caramel-nut combination delivers that classic turtle candy experience everyone loves.

This recipe works brilliantly when you’re juggling multiple holiday tasks.

Set up your slow cooker, walk away, and return to perfectly melted candy ready for scooping.

The hands-off approach means you can prep other treats simultaneously, maximizing your kitchen efficiency during the busiest baking season.

12. Crockpot Christmas Candy

Image Credit: © lynnsrecipes

Sometimes called Christmas Candy Crunch, this colorful confection couldn’t be simpler.

Toss everything into your crockpot and let gentle heat meld flavors together into addictive clusters.

Peanuts, almond bark, chocolate chips, and festive candies combine into a sweet-salty mixture that hardens into bite-sized chunks.

The slow cooker maintains perfect melting temperature without burning.

Just stir occasionally, then scoop spoonfuls onto wax paper to cool.

This recipe scales up easily for big batches, making it ideal when you need to fill dozens of gift bags quickly.

The colorful appearance looks festive in clear containers, and the flavor pleases both kids and adults equally well.

13. Chocolate Almond Balls

Image Credit: © sweet recipes

Crunchy almonds get coated in chocolate, then rolled into perfectly round spheres that deliver satisfying texture in every bite.

These elegant treats look deceptively difficult but come together quickly.

Finely chopped almonds are mixed with melted chocolate and a binder like sweetened condensed milk to form a rich, cohesive base.

The mixture is rolled into uniform balls, then generously coated in additional finely chopped almonds for a crisp, nut-forward exterior.

The contrast between the smooth chocolate interior and the crunchy almond coating delivers satisfying texture in every bite.

These elegant treats look deceptively difficult but come together quickly.

They travel well without getting messy, making them excellent for mailing to distant friends and family.

Stack them in decorative tins between layers of wax paper for a professional presentation that’s sure to impress recipients.

14. Divinity Candy

© MyRecipes

This old-fashioned Southern specialty looks like sweet clouds and melts away just as magically.

Divinity requires specific weather conditions and careful technique, making successful batches feel like real accomplishments.

Egg whites whipped to stiff peaks get combined with hot sugar syrup to create impossibly light, fluffy candy.

Humidity ruins divinity, so save this recipe for dry winter days.

Pecans pressed into the top add crunch and visual appeal.

Grandmothers passed down divinity recipes through generations, and tasting it transports you straight to vintage Christmas celebrations.

The delicate sweetness and unique texture make it worth the extra effort.

Share pieces with older relatives who’ll appreciate this nostalgic throwback treat.

15. White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

Image Credit: © The Whimsical Mysfit

Rich, buttery, and studded with jewel-like pops of tart fruit, White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies add a festive twist to classic holiday bars.

The creamy sweetness of white chocolate balances the cranberries’ bright tang, making these treats a standout among traditional cookies and candies.

A simple blondie batter comes together with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then gets folded with white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

Baked until just set, the bars stay soft and chewy in the center while slicing cleanly once cooled.

These blondies are perfect for guests who want something indulgent without going full chocolate overload.

Their red-and-white color palette feels instantly seasonal on dessert trays, and they travel well for cookie swaps, potlucks, and gift boxes—no fuss, no fragile decorations required.

16. Candied Orange Slices

Image Credit: © My Lockdown Rasoi

Elegant and sophisticated, these translucent treats elevate any candy assortment.

Citrus lovers will appreciate the bright, sweet-tart flavor that cuts through richer chocolate offerings.

Thinly sliced oranges get simmered in sugar syrup until they transform into glossy, jewel-like confections.

The process takes time but requires minimal active work.

After candying, roll slices in sugar and let them dry completely.

These make gorgeous edible decorations for cakes and desserts beyond standalone candy status.

Their unique appearance and refined flavor appeal to adults who prefer less-sweet treats.

Package them carefully between layers of parchment paper to preserve their delicate beauty.

17. Snowman Christmas Bark

Image Credit: © MMXXIII

Adorable snowman faces peeking out from white chocolate make this bark irresistibly cute.

Kids go absolutely crazy for these whimsical treats that taste as good as they look.

Spread melted white chocolate onto a lined baking sheet, then create snowman faces using candy eyes, orange candy pieces for noses, and mini chocolate chips for smiles.

You can add pretzel stick arms or leave them simple.

Once hardened, break into irregular pieces.

This project works wonderfully as a family activity where everyone decorates their own section.

The playful design makes it perfect for classroom parties, children’s gift exchanges, or any gathering where smiles matter more than sophistication.

18. Cool Whip Candy

Image Credit: © Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

Believe it or not, Cool Whip transforms into actual candy with just a few additional ingredients.

This surprising recipe produces light, melt-in-your-mouth treats that taste like flavored clouds.

Mix Cool Whip with flavored gelatin powder and powdered sugar until everything combines into a thick, scoopable mixture.

Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them dry completely.

The result is airy candy that dissolves on your tongue.

Choose different Jello flavors to create rainbow assortments.

These require no cooking whatsoever, making them perfect for involving young helpers.

The unusual texture and bright colors generate conversation, and people always ask about the secret ingredient behind these mysterious little bites.

Image Credit: © My Ginger Garlic Kitchen Recipes

Warmly spiced and irresistibly cozy, Gingerbread Cookie Truffles bring classic holiday flavor in an easy, bite-size form.

Notes of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon make them feel nostalgic while still offering a break from the usual chocolate bark and candy overload.

Crushed gingerbread cookies are mixed with cream cheese until smooth, then rolled into small balls and chilled until firm.

They’re often dipped in white or dark chocolate for a polished finish, but even left plain, they hold their shape beautifully and taste rich and festive.

These truffles are ideal for cookie swaps and dessert trays where variety matters.

Their soft interior contrasts nicely with crisp cookies and chewy bars, and the familiar spice profile makes them a crowd-pleaser across age groups—especially for guests who love traditional holiday flavors without overly sweet desserts.

20. Chocolate Peppermint Creams

Image Credit: © Flickr

Smooth peppermint fondant centers get dipped in rich chocolate for these classic confections.

They taste remarkably similar to fancy boxed chocolates but cost a fraction of the price to make.

Creating the fondant filling requires mixing powdered sugar with butter, cream, and peppermint extract until smooth.

Roll into balls, chill thoroughly, then dip in tempered chocolate.

The two-layer construction delivers contrasting textures that feel luxurious.

These elegant candies belong in fancy tins lined with gold paper doilies.

The professional appearance makes them perfect for impressing in-laws, bosses, or anyone you want to wow.

Nobody needs to know how simple they actually were to create at home!