17+ Hard Candy Christmas Recipes

As the snow begins to fall and holiday lights twinkle in the night, there’s something truly magical about crafting sweet, homemade treats. These Hard Candy Christmas Recipes will transport you to a winter wonderland of flavors and nostalgia.

Peppermint Swirl Candy

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 40 min.

Stained Glass Candy

Stained Glass Candy from Coco and Ash

Rating: 4.5.

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy from Analida's Ethnic Spoon

Rating: 5. Total Time: 25 min.

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Imagine the refreshing zing of peppermint combined with the satisfying crunch of hard candy. Peppermint Swirl Candy is made with sugar, corn syrup, water, and peppermint extract, all swirled together in festive red and white colors.

This candy is perfect for those who crave a minty fresh taste with a holiday twist. The swirling red and white colors not only make it visually appealing but also capture the essence of Christmas. Plus, making these candies is like creating edible art. It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and make gifts that look as good as they taste. Peppermint Swirl Candy is also a great treat to hang on the Christmas tree!

Cinnamon Spice Drops

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 40 min.

Hard Candy

Hard Candy from It's Always Autumn

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 15 min.

Stained Glass Candy

Stained Glass Candy from Coco and Ash

Rating: 4.5.

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Bring the warmth of cinnamon into your home with Cinnamon Spice Drops. These candies are crafted with sugar, light corn syrup, cinnamon oil, and a touch of red food coloring for that classic holiday hue.

What makes Cinnamon Spice Drops special is their ability to transport you to a cozy place with just one bite. The cinnamon flavor is bold and warming, making it a perfect treat for chilly winter days. These little drops of holiday joy are easy to make and can be stored for weeks, allowing you to enjoy the sweet taste of cinnamon throughout the holiday season. Share them with friends, and you’ll find everyone reaching for more!

Cherry Almond Twists

Cherry Almond Twist

Cherry Almond Twist from From My Bowl

Cherry-Almond Danish

Cherry-Almond Danish from Food52

Cherry Almond Cheesecake Twists

Cherry Almond Cheesecake Twists from Barbara Bakes

Rating: 5. Total Time: 15 min.

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For those who love a fruity and nutty combination, Cherry Almond Twists are a must-try. These candies blend cherry extract with almond extract, sugar, corn syrup, and a dash of red food coloring to create a vibrant and flavorful treat.

Cherry Almond Twists are special because they bring together two complementary flavors that dance on your taste buds. The cherry provides a sweet and slightly tart note, while the almond adds a rich, nutty undertone. These candies are not only delicious but also fun to make, as you get to twist the candy into beautiful shapes that are perfect for gift-giving. They’re like little twisted jewels that make any candy dish look festive and inviting.

Butterscotch Buttons

Butterscotch Buttons

Butterscotch Buttons from Food.com

Total Time: 35 min.

Butterscotch Buttons

Butterscotch Buttons from Australia's Best Recipes

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 30 min.

Classic Butterscotch Drops Recipe

Classic Butterscotch Drops Recipe from The Spruce Eats

Rating: 3.8. Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

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Butterscotch Buttons are the ultimate comfort candy. Made with brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract, these candies boast a rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.

These little buttons of joy are perfect for those who love the classic taste of butterscotch. The combination of brown sugar and butter creates a deep, caramel-like flavor that is wonderfully nostalgic. They’re easy to make and great for sharing, bringing a touch of homemade goodness to holiday celebrations. Butterscotch Buttons also make for a lovely accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, perfect for cozying up by the fire.

Honey Lemon Drops

Honey Lemon-Drop Martini from Food Network

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 3 h 40 min.

Honey Lemon Drop Martini from Made In Oklahoma Coalition

Honey Lemon Drop Martini from Goodnature

Rating: 4. Total Time: 8 min.

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If you’re looking for something a bit different, Honey Lemon Drops offer a delightful mix of sweet and sour. With ingredients like honey, lemon juice, sugar, and corn syrup, these candies are as refreshing as they are tasty.

Honey Lemon Drops are unique because they combine the natural sweetness of honey with the tangy brightness of lemon. They’re like a burst of sunshine in candy form, making them a cheerful addition to any holiday candy selection. These drops are also soothing for the throat, which is a nice bonus during cold winter months. They’re easy to make and can be wrapped in wax paper to keep them fresh for weeks, perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.

Maple Pecan Crunch

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 40 min.

Stained Glass Candy

Stained Glass Candy from Coco and Ash

Rating: 4.5.

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy from Analida's Ethnic Spoon

Rating: 5. Total Time: 25 min.

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Maple Pecan Crunch is a delightful blend of earthy flavors and crunchy textures. Made with pure maple syrup, chopped pecans, sugar, and a pinch of salt, this candy is a true holiday treat.

This candy is special because it combines the rich, woody flavor of maple syrup with the buttery crunch of pecans. It’s a candy that feels both indulgent and wholesome, capturing the essence of holiday gatherings. The crunch of pecans adds a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the smooth sweetness of the maple. Maple Pecan Crunch is perfect for those who love a bit of texture in their candy and is a wonderful treat to share with friends and family over holiday get-togethers.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Hard Candy Christmas Recipes

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy

Old-Fashioned Homemade Hard Candy from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 40 min.

Stained Glass Candy

Stained Glass Candy from Coco and Ash

Rating: 4.5.

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy

How to Make Old Fashioned Hard Candy from Analida's Ethnic Spoon

Rating: 5. Total Time: 25 min.

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Choose the Right Equipment

Using a candy thermometer is essential for getting your candies to the right consistency. Make sure you have a sturdy pot and a reliable thermometer to ensure precise temperature control.

Color with Care

When adding food coloring to your candy, remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired color.

Store Properly

To keep your hard candies fresh and prevent them from sticking together, store them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them individually in wax paper for added protection.