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This homemade Crockpot Christmas Candy is an easy recipe that combines sweet, salty, and minty flavors into a festive holiday treat. Made with white chocolate, nuts, and candy canes in your slow cooker, this effortless candy requires minimal hands-on time while delivering impressive results. Perfect for holiday gifting or keeping for yourself, it's a delightful blend of creamy chocolate and crunchy textures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This candy recipe is perfect for busy holiday seasons because your crockpot does most of the work. The combination of white chocolate and peppermint creates a classic Christmas flavor, while the mix of salted and unsalted nuts provides the perfect sweet-salty balance. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite mix-ins, and makes an impressive homemade gift that everyone will appreciate.
Ingredients for Christmas Candy
- For the Base:
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
- 2 cups white chocolate chips, high quality
- 16 oz vanilla almond bark
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Optional Mix-ins:
- Mini marshmallows
- Dried cranberries
- Crushed pretzels
- Holiday sprinkles
- Toffee bits
- Equipment Needed:
- Crockpot/slow cooker
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Mixing spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer Ingredients
- Add peanuts to crockpot bottom. Layer white chocolate chips and broken almond bark pieces on top.
- Melt the Mixture
- Cover and cook on low for 1½-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until completely melted and smooth.
- Add Peppermint
- Stir in crushed candy canes, reserving some for topping.
- Form Candies
- Drop spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with reserved candy cane pieces.
- Set and Cool
- Let set at room temperature for 2 hours or refrigerate for 30 minutes until firm.
Pro Tips for Success
Use high-quality white chocolate for best melting results. Don't lift crockpot lid too often during melting process. Line baking sheets with parchment, not wax paper. Crush candy canes in food processor or sealed bag for even pieces. If mixture seems too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
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Serving and Gifting Ideas
Package in festive cellophane bags or holiday tins for gifting. Layer between sheets of parchment paper in decorative boxes. Add to holiday cookie platters. Perfect for Christmas parties or teacher gifts. Consider making multiple batches during holiday season for last-minute presents.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store at room temperature in airtight container up to 1 week. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container. Let frozen candy return to room temperature before serving. Keep away from heat sources to prevent melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use both salted and unsalted peanuts?
- The combination provides a balanced flavor, with the salted peanuts adding just enough saltiness to complement the sweet chocolate.
- → What is almond bark?
- Almond bark is a chocolate-like confection made with vegetable fats instead of cocoa butter. It melts smoothly and sets well for candy making.
- → Why melt in a slow cooker?
- The slow cooker provides gentle, even heat that prevents the chocolate from burning or seizing, making it nearly foolproof.
- → How should I store this candy?
- Store in an airtight container in a cool place. It can be refrigerated but should be brought to room temperature before serving.
- → Can I use different nuts?
- Yes, you can substitute other nuts like almonds or cashews, though peanuts are traditional and provide the classic flavor.