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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
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(Check out our full guide to how to make candy for tips, tools and more!)

Peanut Butter Fudge Cups

My husband often travels during the week, and this fast-to-fix microwave peanut butter fudge recipe is perfect for just my 2-year-old and me. —Lori Brow, Manhattan, Illinois.

Chocoholics will love our chocolate candy recipes!

Chocolate Bonbons

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

Pacoca

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.

Perfect Peppermint Patties

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

By the way, here’s how to temper chocolate.

Birthday Cake Fudge

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.

Chocolate-Covered Cherries

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

Haystack Cookies with Peanut Butter

Peanut butter haystacks are one of my favorite desserts. I love to serve them to guests because they marvel at how something so simple tastes so good! —Starrlette Howard, Ogden, Utah

Perfect Chocolate Fudge

This rich chocolate fudge is sure to delight someone you love. —Dorothy Anderson, Ottawa, Kansas

Bourbon Pecan Pralines

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.

Buckeyes

These chocolate peanut butter balls (no bake!) are always popular at my church’s annual Christmas fundraiser. They resemble chestnuts or buckeyes—hence the name. —Merry Kay Opitz, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Pumpkin Seed Toffee

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

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

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

Chocolate Angel Food Candy

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.

Crispy Peanut Butter Balls

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

Cranberry Butter Crunch Bark

One Christmas I dreamed this recipe up when making buttercrunch toffee. It is an addictive treat that disappears fast.—Heather Ferris, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Homemade Mango Marshmallows

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

Maine Potato Candy

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

Microwave Divinity

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

Candied Pecans

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

Banana Cream Chocolate Truffles

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!)

Chocolate Pomegranate Candies

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

Angel Food Christmas Candy

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!

Pumpkin Fudge

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

Caramel Truffles

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

Salted Peanut Squares

If your gift list is long, here’s a yummy solution. The recipe makes nearly 10 dozen chewy, nutty, sweet-and-salty bars.

Creamy Caramels

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

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge

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

Orange Gumdrops

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

Peanut Butter Logs

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

Chocolate Cherry Fudge

This chocolate cherry fudge is unique from others, and festive for the holidays. It’s a recipe my husband really enjoys. I’ve made it for our Homemaker group’s Christmas party. —June Lindquist, Hammond, Wisconsin

Chocolaty Peanut Clusters

I turn to my slow cooker to prepare these convenient chocolate treats. Making candies couldn’t be any easier! —Pam Posey, Waterloo, South Carolina

Coconut Creme Chocolates

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

Martha Washington Candy

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

Potato Chip Clusters

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

Anise Gumdrops

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

Black Cherry Swirl Fudge

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

Pretzel Bark Candy

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

Macadamia & Coconut Caramels

I collect cookbooks from all over the world and use them to create new dishes. These smooth caramels have a scrumptious and exotic flavor. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy

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

Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter Toffee

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

Coconut Joys

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

Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy

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

Creamy Peppermint Patties

These smooth chocolate candies fill the bill for folks who like a little sweetness after a meal but don’t want a full serving of rich dessert. —Donna Gonda, North Canton, Ohio

Kahlua Fudge

This five-ingredient recipe makes serving up treats easy and scrumptious. —Laura Hanks, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

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

Chocolate Billionaires

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

Chocolate Pecan Caramels

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

Texas Pecan Pralines

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

Caramel Pretzel Bites

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

Cookies ‘n’ Cream Fudge

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

White Chocolate Truffles

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

Curry-Kissed Coconut Fudge

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

Trail Mix Clusters

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

Crunchy Candy Clusters

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

Three-Chip English Toffee

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

No-Bake Peanut Butter Treats

Perfect for road trips, these peanut butter oatmeal balls won’t stick to your hands. Keep them in the refrigerator for portable snacks. —Sonia Rohda, Waverly, Nebraska

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

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

Soft Chewy Caramels

One of my first experiences with cooking was helping my mother make these caramels. We’d make up to 12 batches each year. Today, I do at least 95 percent of the cooking at home, but my wife does much of the baking. —Robert Sprenkle, Hurst, Texas

Nut Butter Cups

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

Almond Cherry Fudge

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

Marbled Orange Fudge

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

Chocolate Truffles

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

Lemon Bark

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.

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles

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

Matzo Toffee

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