Give the Gift of Candy

Salted Chocolate Pecan Toffee

Sprinkle fleur de sel over the toffee just before chilling for a final touch of flavor. The slightly salty addition highlights the sweet toffee and rich chocolate.

Recipe: Salted Chocolate Pecan Toffee

Sugared Cranberries

Give yourself an extra day when making these beautiful sugared cranberries since they need to soak in a sugar syrup for eight hours. But beware, once you pass these around to party guests there's no going back. You, and they, will be hooked for life.

Recipe: Sugared Cranberries

Croquant

This crispy almond brittle takes a walk on the light side since it's free of traditional staple candy ingredients, butter and cream. Even better, you won't need a candy thermometer or any special equipment to make the treat.

Recipe: Croquant

Praline Pecans

These addictively sweet candied pecans are a great gift for the holidays. The recipe makes 8 cups so there's plenty to share with others as well as enjoy for yourself. Place small bowls of pecans around your house during a party and watch how fast they'll be gobbled up.

Recipe: Praline Pecans

Peppermint Bark

A beautiful salute to Christmas, this peppermint bark is a perfect hostess gift. Wrap it in clear plastic bags and tie with red and green raffia or ribbon.

Learn how to make Peppermint Bark.

Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Mocha Almond Fudge

This rich chocolate fudge can be made and frozen for up to two months so it is ideal for gift giving. Make one batch and divide into six equal parts. Place the fudge in airtight containers and decorate with festive ribbon.

Learn how to make fudge.

Recipe: Mocha Almond Fudge

Walnut Brittle

This crunchy brittle is made with walnuts instead of peanuts to make it a touch more special. Make it a few weeks in advance and wrap parchment lined holiday tins. Or try stuffing the sweet treat into clear jelly jars and tie with fabric ribbon.

Recipe: Walnut Brittle

Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy

This super simple holiday bark from Southern Living is made by melting dark and white chocolates in the oven and then swirling the finished product. Chopped pecans and coarse salt are sprinkled over the top to offer contrast. Pack them in tins and ship in padded holiday envelopes.

Recipe: Salty Chocolate-Pecan Candy

Chocolate-Pistachio Apricots

For adults with a refined sweet tooth these chocolate dipped dried apricots hit the spot. Rolled in crushed pistachio nuts they're a sweet, creamy, crunchy treat. Try dried figs, papaya slices, or pineapple to replace the apricots.

Recipe: Chocolate-Pistachio Apricots

Butterscotch Caramels

These homemade butterscotch caramels are a rare treat to be shared with those special friends that you can't thank enough for all they do throughout the year. Give yourself a few hours to make the candy and another two hours to cool the caramels.

Recipe: Butterscotch Caramels

Chocolate Truffles

Let the kids assist you with the preparation of this decadent confection. They can help scoop the chocolate into balls then roll them in cocoa.

Learn how to make truffles.

Recipe: Chocolate Truffles

Key Lime Coconut Snowballs

These no-bake coconut snow balls are laced with key lime juice and fresh crumbled graham crackers. Sweetened with condensed milk and powdered sugar they're a pretty little holiday confection. Wrap them in plastic bags and tie with lime green ribbon and a cranberry sprig.

Recipe: Key Lime Coconut Snowballs

Candied Orange Slices with Ganache Dipping Sauce

Discerning candy lovers will like the tart-sweet flavor of these candied fresh orange slices, but pack them with a crock of deep dark chocolate ganache for dipping to make them holiday special. Substitute lemons or small red grapefruit for the oranges if you like.

Recipe: Candied Orange Slices with Ganache Dipping Sauce

All About Candy

Love these recipes? Click here to find even more of our favorites for the holidays.

• Melting Chocolate
• Zesting Citrus
• Grating Chocolate
• Toasting Nuts
• Making Ganache
• Making Candy in a Slow-Cooker