Homemade candy isn't just for the holidays. Enjoy these candy recipes for chocolate, caramel, bark and more all year long.
60 Candy Recipes You’ll Want to Eat All Year Long
Updated on Jun. 10, 2024
Grandma’s Divinity
Every Christmas my grandmother and I made divinity, just the two of us. I still make it every year. —Anne Clayborne, Walland, Tennessee
(Check out our full guide to how to make candy for tips, tools and more!)
1/60
2/60
Chocolate Bonbons
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother gave me this tasty chocolate bonbons recipe when I was a girl. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of her huge kitchen and all the delicious treats she made. —Joan Lewis, Reno, Nevada
3/60
Pacoca
Total Time
15 min
Servings
81 pieces (about 2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pacoca (Brazilian peanut candy) is an easy treat that has only five ingredients! It’s a popular sweet in Brazil, and after you try it, I’m sure you’ll love it, too. —Francine Lizotte, Surrey, British Columbia
By the way, here’s how to melt chocolate five easy ways.
4/60
Perfect Peppermint Patties
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Calling for just a few ingredients, this is one candy that’s simple to prepare. I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It’s time consuming, but worth it to see the delight it brings to people.
-Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
-Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
By the way, here’s how to temper chocolate.
5/60
Birthday Cake Fudge
Total Time
10 min
Servings
64 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent birthday cake fudge is the perfect thing to make your big day special. Or make it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Make sure you avoid these common fudge mistakes.
6/60
Chocolate-Covered Cherries
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this my family’s favorite festive dessert, but it makes a delicious holiday present, too. Best of all, you can (and should) prepare these ahead. The candy gets better as it’s stored, with the centers becoming even juicier. —Linda Hammerich, Bonanza, Oregon
7/60
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
8/60
Fudge
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6-3/4 pounds (19-1/2 dozen pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes more than enough to share with family and friends. It's the ultimate fudge! —Linette Shepherd, Williamston, Michigan
9/60
Bourbon Pecan Pralines
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 pound (about 16 pralines)
From the Recipe Creator:
Like authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
If you want candy with a wintry angle, take a look at these homemade Christmas candy recipes.
11/60
Pumpkin Seed Toffee
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids are allergic to nuts, but they can eat pumpkin seeds! Every fall we save the seeds from our pumpkins to add to various recipes, including this one. —Suzanne Earl, Spring, Texas
12/60
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California
13/60
Chocolate Angel Food Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 11/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love angel food cake, you are going to love this candy. The taste is irresistible. —Geralyn Emmerich, Hubertus, Wisconsin
You’ll want to stuff stockings with our best Christmas candy recipes.
14/60
Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make over 40 different types of treats during the holidays for friends and family. These crispy peanut butter balls are one of my favorite candies to give away as gifts.—Liz David, St. Catharines, Ontario
15/60
Cranberry Butter Crunch Bark
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
One Christmas I dreamed this recipe up when making buttercrunch toffee. It is an addictive treat that disappears fast.—Heather Ferris, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
16/60
Homemade Mango Marshmallows
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade marshmallows are much better than bagged ones. I had yummy results when I flavored my recipe with mango nectar. Look for it in your store’s Mexican food section. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
17/60
Maine Potato Candy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
40 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
18/60
Microwave Divinity
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this the best-tasting divinity recipe I’ve ever made, it’s the easiest! Try it with and without the pecans. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
19/60
Candied Pecans
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
20/60
Banana Cream Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This truffle recipe was created from ripe bananas and my imagination, and the outcome blew my family and friends away! I don’t particularly like bananas, but I could eat these truffles all day long. —Michele, Lassuy, Orlando, Florida
(Check out these tips for making chocolate truffles!)
21/60
Chocolate Pomegranate Candies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 1/2 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
22/60
Angel Food Christmas Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds (12 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
It was my dad who inspired me to first try making this Christmas candy. He remembered it from when he was a boy. The ultimate compliment was when he told me my version tasted even better!
23/60
Pumpkin Fudge
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I look forward to the taste of pumpkin every Thanksgiving. This easy pumpkin fudge recipe lets me do that and everyone loves it.—Marlene Fudge, Rushville, Indiana
24/60
Caramel Truffles
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These candies disappear as fast as I can make them. The five-ingredient microwave recipe is easy and fun to make. When drizzled with white chocolate and packaged with ribbon, they’re a pretty gift. —Charlotte Midthun, Granite Falls, Minnesota
25/60
Creamy Caramels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
64 pieces (2-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions—and they are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. —Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
26/60
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 pounds (81 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that’s worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
27/60
Orange Gumdrops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I get nothing but rave reviews when I make these gumdrops and usually have to prepare three batches. The refreshing orange flavor is a nice change from the usual chocolate holiday candies. —Becky Burch, Marceline, Missouri
28/60
Peanut Butter Logs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These peanut butter logs have definitely stood the test of time. My husband has been enjoying them since he was a toddler! —Micky Faginkrantz, Ft. Bliss, Texas
29/60
Peanut Clusters
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There are a few recipes I absolutely have to pull out every Christmas, and this is one of them. The chocolate covered peanuts are so tasty.
30/60
Coconut Creme Chocolates
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas
31/60
Martha Washington Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 5-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Passed down by my grandmother and mother, this Martha Washington candy recipe is a cherished family tradition. We've even had each grandchild and great-grandchild take a turn stirring the candy mixture! —Cindi Boger, Ardmore, Alabama
32/60
Potato Chip Clusters
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Just three offbeat ingredients add up to one unique, delectable, no-bake treat. These super easy, sweet-and-salty candy clusters make for merry munching during holiday trips or parties. They travel well in containers without melting or getting soft. —Donna Brockett, Kingfisher, Oklahoma
33/60
Anise Gumdrops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
With their bright color and frosty sugared look, these homemade gumdrops are irresistible. They're softer than the store-bought kind and have tongue-tingling anise flavor. —Richard Bunt, Painted Post, New York
34/60
Black Cherry Swirl Fudge
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 pounds (117 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon
35/60
Pretzel Bark Candy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I usually make this pretzel candy as a gift, but it's also fun to share at office parties. The recipe makes a big batch and stores well. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
36/60
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
With only three ingredients, these chocolate-swirl treats take just moments to whip up! If you have little ones visiting for the holidays, have them help you with the stirring. —Holly Demers, Abbotsford, British Columbia
37/60
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee
Total Time
40 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
38/60
Coconut Joys
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
39/60
Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
40/60
Perfect Peppermint Patties
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make lots of different candy at Christmas to give as gifts. It can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it to see the delight it brings people. Calling for just a few ingredients, this candy is one that is quite simple to prepare. —Joanne Adams, Bath, Maine
41/60
Kahlua Fudge
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
42/60
Peanut Butter Cups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
43/60
Chocolate Billionaires
Total Time
45 min
Servings
about 2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone raves about these chocolate and caramel candies. I received the recipe from a friend while living in Texas. When we moved, I made sure this recipe made the trip with me! —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
44/60
Chocolate Pecan Caramels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 6-3/4 dozen (1-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
I haven't missed a year making this candy for the holidays since a friend gave me the recipe in 1964! It is made like a pan of upside-down bars and tastes like my favorite caramel pecan candies. We are natives of the Lone Star State who moved to Ohio when my husband was transferred several years ago. —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
45/60
Pecan Pralines
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 2-1/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My pecan praline recipe is special to me for I received it from my mother, who was an excellent cook! I also am a Texas Aggie Mom and I use pecans from a South Texas Aggie grower that our Aggie Mom's club has purchased from for many years. The quality is outstanding and far better than you will find in any grocery store. —Carol Jones, Blue Ridge, Texas
46/60
Caramel Pretzel Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
47/60
Oreo Fudge
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this confection for a bake sale at our children's school. Boy, was it a hit! The crunchy chunks of sandwich cookie soften a bit as the mixture mellows. It's so sweet that one panful serves a crowd. —Laura Lane, Richmond, Virginia
48/60
White Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this white chocolate truffle recipe to make homemade holiday gifts. The candies are so easy to make and will look so pretty in a gift box.—Gloria Nolan, Peoria, Pennsylvania
49/60
Curry-Kissed Coconut Fudge
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 pounds (117 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
If you love Thai flavors and love fudge, you'll adore this creamy coconut fudge sprinkled with a hint of sweet curry powder. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
50/60
Trail Mix Clusters
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn't be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can't eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
51/60
Crunchy Candy Clusters
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cereal and marshmallow clusters are so simple that I make them for the holidays each year, as my family looks forward to them. —Faye O'Bryan, Owensboro, Kentucky
52/60
Three-Chip English Toffee
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 pieces (about 2-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and scrumptiously rich flavor, this is the ultimate toffee! Layered on top are three kinds of melted chips plus a sprinkling of walnuts. Packaged in colorful tins, these pretty pieces make impressive gifts. —Lana Petfield, Richmond, Virginia
53/60
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
54/60
Nut Butter Cups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
55/60
Almond Cherry Fudge
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
56/60
Marbled Orange Fudge
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
57/60
Chocolate Truffles
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
58/60
Lemon Bark
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-3/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I wasn't a fan of white chocolate until I made this candy. It's tangy, sweet and creamy all at the same time. The bark was a lovely treat during a springtime shower but would be nice year-round. —Diana Wing, Bountiful, Utah
Fun fact: peppermint bark happens to be one of the most popular Christmas candy options in several states.
59/60
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
60/60
Matzo Toffee
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
Once you start eating matzo toffee, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
