Holiday Candy

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Festive and indulgent, these holiday candy treats combine peanut butter, rice cereal, marshmallows, and white cocoa for a sweet, crunchy, and creamy delight perfect for sharing.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 pounds white cocoa
  • 2 cups peanuts
  • 2 cups Rice Krispies
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Mix peanuts, Rice Krispies, and marshmallows in a large bowl.
  2. Melt white cocoa and peanut butter together until smooth.
  3. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Pour the mixture into a buttered dish and spread evenly.
  5. Let chill until set before cutting into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, try adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to the melted white cocoa and peanut butter mixture. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute half the white cocoa with unsweetened cocoa powder, but be aware this will alter the flavor profile. To avoid sticking, grease your hands lightly when handling the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into small squares and arrange on a festive platter for holiday gatherings. These treats pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an extra touch, consider sprinkling sea salt on top before they set, enhancing the sweet and salty flavor. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover holiday candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend freshness, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the consistency of the candy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Candy contains roughly 898 calories, with 23g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1113mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

898 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.1g 46% DV
Total Fat 36.9g 47% DV
Carbs 124.1g 45% DV
Fiber 10.7g 38% DV
Sugar 44.7g 89% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1113.2mg 48% DV
Potassium 820.5mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 486mcg 54% DV
Vitamin C 15.1mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 2.7mcg 14% DV
Calcium 302mg 23% DV
Iron 13.8mg 77% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut

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 a different type of chocolate instead of white cocoa?

Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate as an alternative. However, keep in mind that the flavor will change, with dark chocolate providing a richer taste. If using dark chocolate, you might want to balance the sweetness by adjusting the amount of peanut butter or adding a bit of powdered sugar.

What can I substitute for peanuts if there are allergies?

If peanuts are an issue, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Alternatively, you can use almond slivers or cashews if there are no nut allergies. Just ensure any substitutions you make are finely chopped to maintain a similar texture in the final product.

How do I make these candy pieces more festive?

To make your candy more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top before they set. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decorative finish. Alternatively, try mixing in holiday-themed candies or dried fruits to the mixture for added color and flavor.

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).

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