If you’re looking to dive into a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine smooth layers of rich chocolate melting over crunchy, lightly salted peanuts, all beautifully topped with vanilla-flavored candy melts and holiday sprinkles. The slow cooker does all the magic, gently blending flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party or a cozy night in, this candy recipe brings a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and colorful cheer into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe keeps things simple but absolutely essential when it comes to ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the crunch of peanuts to the silky smoothness of multiple chocolates, complemented by festive sprinkles that give it that unmistakable holiday look.
- 16 ounces lightly salted roasted peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness.
- 10 ounces 60% cocoa baking chocolate: Provides rich, intense chocolate flavor with just the right bitterness.
- 4 ounces 48% cocoa baking chocolate: Brings a milder chocolate touch that softens the overall taste.
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate: Offers creamy sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 10 ounces candy melts (vanilla flavored): These melt smoothly and give a lovely vanilla flavor, plus a perfect canvas for sprinkles.
- Holiday sprinkles: Red, white, and green sprinkles add festive flair and a little crunchy pop on top.
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Start by grabbing your 2.5-quart (or larger) slow cooker and layering the ingredients in this order: first, pour in the lightly salted roasted peanuts to create a crunchy base. Next, break the 60% cocoa and 48% cocoa baking chocolates into smaller chunks and layer them evenly over the peanuts. Follow with white baking chocolate, and finally, top everything with the vanilla-flavored candy melts. This layering will ensure a gradual, even melting process, resulting in the perfect texture.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cover it. The magic begins as the ingredients slowly melt together for an hour, creating a luxurious chocolate pool surrounding the peanuts. After that initial hour, give the mixture a gentle stir to start blending the chocolates and nuts. Continue cooking on LOW for another hour and a half, stirring every 30 minutes. Your goal is a smooth, glossy chocolate blend that’s rich and inviting.
Step 3: Cool Slightly Before Portioning
Turn off the slow cooker, keeping the lid on, and let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes. This cooldown will help the chocolate thicken just enough so when you scoop it out, it holds together beautifully instead of running all over your baking sheet.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Sheets
While the mixture cools, line two large baking sheets with parchment or wax paper. This critical step prevents your Christmas candy from sticking, so your candies come off easily without any mess.
Step 5: Portion the Candy
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of the sticky, glossy candy mixture onto your prepared sheets. Be sure to leave about half an inch between each mound so the candies won’t merge together as they set.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Holiday Cheer
While the candies are still soft and warm, generously sprinkle the tops with red, white, and green holiday sprinkles. This last touch makes the dish look irresistibly festive, and those sprinkles add delightful texture that’s just as fun to eat.
Step 7: Let the Candies Set
Pop the baking sheets into your refrigerator for at least one hour. This chill time solidifies the candies, making them firm to the touch and easier to enjoy—perfect for gifting or sharing at your next holiday gathering.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the built-in holiday sprinkles, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling some melted dark chocolate over the candies just before serving. These extra garnishes add a professional touch and layer in new flavor elements that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This candy pairs beautifully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or even a spiced holiday coffee. The contrast between the cold, crunchy candy and the warm, soothing drinks makes for a memorable holiday treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive parties, arrange the candies on a holiday-themed platter lined with decorative paper or doilies. Wrap individual portions in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon for charming party favors. You could even use small cupcake liners to hold each candy, making them extra easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Keep them away from heat to prevent melting but be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes cause the candy to become a bit firmer and chewier.
Freezing
If you want to keep the candy fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the candies in a single layer on parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature to avoid condensation making the sprinkles soggy.
Reheating
While this candy is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a softer texture, you can let individual pieces sit in a warm room or gently microwave on low heat for a few seconds to slightly soften. Just be careful not to melt them completely again!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lightly salted roasted peanuts for their classic crunch and flavor, you can experiment with almonds, pecans, or cashews to create a personalized Christmas candy experience.
Do I have to use a slow cooker?
The slow cooker method is ideal because it gently melts the chocolates and candy melts evenly without burning. If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a double boiler on low heat and stir constantly to avoid scorching the chocolates.
Can I make this candy dairy-free?
You can attempt a dairy-free version by selecting dairy-free or vegan-friendly chocolates and candy melts. Just make sure all the ingredients are labeled appropriately to preserve the texture and flavor.
How long will the candy last once made?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the candy can last up to two weeks at room temperature or about a month refrigerated. Always check for any changes in texture or smell to ensure freshness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids will love both the sweet, creamy flavors and the fun sprinkles. Just keep an eye during the cooking process since hot chocolate can be very warm, but once cooled and set, it’s a perfect holiday treat for all ages.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe enough for your holiday celebrations. It’s an easy, delicious way to bring everyone together while filling your home with the scent of melting chocolate and festive cheer. Trust me, once you try it, this candy will become a cherished tradition every year!
Print
Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Christmas Candy recipe creates festive, bite-sized chocolate treats layered with roasted peanuts and a variety of rich chocolates. Cooked slowly in a crockpot to achieve a smooth, glossy texture, the candies are finished with colorful holiday sprinkles for a perfect seasonal snack or gift.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lightly salted roasted peanuts
- 10 ounces 60% cocoa baking chocolate, broken into pieces
- 4 ounces 48% cocoa baking chocolate, broken into pieces
- 4 ounces white baking chocolate, broken into pieces
- 10 ounces vanilla-flavored candy melts
- Holiday sprinkles (red, white, and green)
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients: In a 2.5-quart or larger slow cooker, layer the ingredients starting with the peanuts at the bottom, followed by the 60% and 48% cocoa baking chocolates, then the white chocolate, and lastly the candy melts on top. Break the chocolate bars into smaller pieces as you layer to ensure even melting.
- Cook in the slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to LOW and cover it. Let the mixture cook undisturbed for 1 hour. After this, gently stir to combine the chocolates and peanuts, then continue cooking on LOW for another 1½ hours. During this time, stir every 30 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cool the mixture: Turn off the slow cooker but keep it covered. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes to thicken slightly for easier portioning.
- Prepare the baking sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the candies from sticking once set.
- Portion the candies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the candies about ½ inch apart to avoid sticking together.
- Decorate with sprinkles: While the candies are still wet, generously sprinkle them with red, white, and green holiday sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Set the candies: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the candies are completely set and firm to the touch, ready to enjoy or gift.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker with at least a 2.5-quart capacity to allow proper layering and melting.
- Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the peanuts too much.
- Keep the candies refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain firmness.
- Customizable with different types of nuts or chocolates if desired.
- Using parchment or wax paper helps make cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
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