The holidays are a time for family, love, and of course, delicious treats that bring everyone together. Among the most cherished traditions in many families are the recipes passed down through generations. One of those special traditions in my family is making Grandma’s Christmas candy. Each candy has its own history, its own special place in the heart, and its own way of making the holiday season even sweeter.
Grandma’s Christmas candy recipes aren’t just sweets; they are stories, memories, and love wrapped in every bite. From peanut brittle to fudge, chocolate-covered cherries, peppermint bark, divinity, and toffee, these recipes are the foundation of our festive celebrations. Whether we’re gathering around the kitchen counter to help prepare them or eagerly awaiting the moment we can enjoy them, each candy brings its own joy to our holiday season.
Let’s dive into the heartwarming and timeless candy recipes that Grandma passed down to us.
1. Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is one of those old-fashioned candies that reminds you of cozy kitchens and the smell of sweetness in the air. It’s a crunchy, caramelized treat that will leave you craving more. Here’s how Grandma used to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the peanuts and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. The mixture will foam slightly.
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
- Allow it to cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
This classic candy can be a wonderful gift or a treat to enjoy around the house. The crispy texture of the peanuts combined with the sugary brittle creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
2. Grandma’s Fudge
Fudge is a Christmas staple. There’s something about the smooth, rich texture that makes it irresistible. Grandma’s fudge recipe is the perfect blend of creamy chocolate and sweetness, and it has been enjoyed by generations of our family.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup evaporated milk
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with foil and butter the foil.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla, and nuts (if using) until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared pan and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
This fudge recipe has been a crowd-pleaser at every family gathering. The combination of chocolate, marshmallow creme, and the optional nuts creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.
3. Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Chocolate-covered cherries are a delicate and delicious treat. This recipe brings together the richness of chocolate and the juicy sweetness of maraschino cherries. Grandma’s version is simple, yet irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 jar maraschino cherries with stems, drained
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, melted
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix butter, corn syrup, and powdered sugar to form a dough.
- Wrap a small piece of the dough around each cherry, covering completely.
- Dip each cherry into the melted chocolate and place on wax paper to set.
- Allow the candies to rest for 1-2 days for the flavors to meld.
These chocolate-covered cherries are a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The creamy dough surrounding the cherries and the smooth chocolate coating make them a favorite holiday treat.
4. Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark is one of the easiest candies to make, but it’s also one of the most delightful. The combination of rich dark chocolate and crisp white chocolate, topped with crunchy peppermint candies, makes for a refreshing treat that is always a hit during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 12 oz dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Stir in peppermint extract and spread onto the prepared sheet. Chill until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate and spread it evenly over the chilled dark chocolate.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top and press lightly to adhere.
- Chill until completely set, then break into pieces.
This peppermint bark adds a festive touch to any holiday treat tray. The coolness of peppermint and the sweetness of chocolate make it a refreshing dessert.
5. Divinity
Divinity is a light, airy candy that looks beautiful on any candy tray. Made with egg whites and sugar, this candy has a slightly marshmallow-like texture. Grandma’s divinity was always a favorite at family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until it reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Meanwhile, beat the egg whites in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while beating continuously. Beat until the mixture thickens and holds its shape.
- Stir in vanilla and nuts (if using). Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper to set.
The airy texture and sweet taste of divinity make it a unique and delightful candy to make during the holidays. It’s also great for giving as gifts in festive tins.
6. Classic Toffee
Toffee is a rich, buttery candy that’s perfect for those who love a bit of crunch with their sweets. Grandma’s toffee recipe creates a golden, crisp toffee that’s covered in smooth chocolate and topped with crunchy nuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 300°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top, let them melt, and spread into an even layer. Top with nuts, if desired.
- Cool completely before breaking into pieces.
This toffee recipe is both sweet and savory, with a buttery crunch that’s hard to resist. Whether enjoyed on its own or added to a holiday dessert table, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Grandma’s Christmas Candies: A Sweet Legacy
These candy recipes, passed down through generations, are more than just treats. They represent love, family traditions, and the simple joys of the holiday season. Each candy tells a story of Grandma’s kitchen, where laughter and good memories were made while preparing these sweets. Whether you’re making them for your own family or gifting them to friends, these candies will always bring a little bit of Christmas magic into your home.
As you prepare these delicious candies this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the tradition, the history, and the love that went into each recipe. It’s more than just sugar and chocolate—it’s the heart of Christmas itself.
