Christmas Candies
Festive and rich, Christmas Candies are chewy, chocolatey treats with a delightful peanut butter flavor. Perfect for holiday gifting or sharing at celebrations, these candies combine smooth marshmallow cream, chocolate, and peanut butter for a nostalgic, indulgent experience suited for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart saucepan.
- Combine the sugar and milk in the saucepan.
- Heat and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook until the mixture reaches soft-ball stage (234 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Remove from heat and add the marshmallow cream, peanut butter, chocolate pieces, and vanilla. Stir until blended and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9x9x2-inch pan.
- Allow to cool until firm, then score into squares while warm and cut when completely set.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth mixture, make sure your sugar fully dissolves before bringing it to a boil. If you want a different flavor, consider using almond butter instead of peanut butter. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. Be cautious while cooking to avoid burning the mixture, as the soft-ball stage is critical for the right texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas candies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Consider serving them alongside Mae'S Sugar Cookies for a festive treat platter. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert at holiday gatherings, adding a rich and satisfying element to your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a warmer climate, it's best to refrigerate them to maintain firmness. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm and gooey, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Candies contains roughly 252 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of chunky peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit more oily. Stirring well before adding it to the mixture will help ensure even distribution.
How can I tell if the mixture has reached the soft-ball stage?
You can test for the soft-ball stage by using a candy thermometer, which should read 234 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water; if it forms a soft ball that you can easily squish, it's ready.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the mixture?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, can be added to the mixture for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in after you've blended the main ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).