If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist, Crockpot Christmas Candy is about to become your new festive favorite! This joyful confection is a melt-in-your-mouth medley of silky white almond bark, creamy chocolate, peanut butter chips, and crunchy roasted peanuts, all mingling together in your slow cooker. In just a couple hours (with barely any effort), you’ll have an irresistible sweet-and-salty bite that’s perfect for cookie trays, class parties, or gifting to everyone you love. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Crockpot Christmas Candy plays a starring role, bringing out extra layers of flavor, creaminess, or crunch. It’s a short shopping list, but each piece is essential for that signature holiday candy magic!
- White almond bark (2 pounds): The creamy, meltable base that helps the candies set beautifully and provides that signature sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): Balances all the sweetness with just a hint of rich, chocolatey depth.
- Milk chocolate chips (12 ounces): Adds a silky-smooth melt and classic, comforting chocolate flavor to the mix.
- Peanut butter chips (10 ounces): The ultimate surprise—creamy peanut butter flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy nuts.
- Dry roasted peanuts (2 cups): Give a toasty crunch and just the right amount of saltiness to every bite.
- Salted cocktail peanuts (2 cups): Extra salty, tender peanut goodness that makes the texture even more irresistible.
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional, for topping): A simple way to dress up each piece for the holidays—make them as colorful or classic as you like!
How to Make Crockpot Christmas Candy
Step 1: Layer and Load the Crockpot
First, grab your slow cooker and start layering in all the goodies: broken pieces of white almond bark, followed by both kinds of chocolate chips and the peanut butter chips. This way, everything melts together evenly and smoothly, no matter the order. Finish by pouring both types of peanuts over the top—don’t worry, they’ll get nice and toasty as things melt together.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Forget
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for about 1 and a half to 2 hours. Resist the urge to peek or stir! The magic of Crockpot Christmas Candy is that you can just let the heat do its thing and focus on more holiday fun. Once the timer’s almost up, check to be sure the mixture is perfectly melted and ready for the next step.
Step 3: Stir It Up
After that delicious chocolate and peanut aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to give everything a thorough stir. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the nuts are coated with the dreamy chocolate-peanut butter blend and the mixture looks uniformly smooth.
Step 4: Drop and Decorate
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, quickly drop clusters of the warm candy onto parchment or wax paper. This is the part where everyone wanders in, hoping for a sample! If you’re adding festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (highly recommended for that holiday wow factor), do it now while the candy is still soft so it sticks beautifully.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Let your Crockpot Christmas Candy sit out at room temperature until each piece is totally set and firm to the touch. There’s no need to rush; the anticipation just builds excitement! Once cooled, your candies are ready to eat, gift, or gobble straight from the tray.
How to Serve Crockpot Christmas Candy
Garnishes
No batch of Crockpot Christmas Candy is truly complete without a festive flourish! Scatter holiday-colored sprinkles, shimmer sugar, or crushed peppermint on top to add sparkle and a pop of both texture and color. Even a simple dusting of flaky sea salt can take these sweet treats to the next level of decadence.
Side Dishes
While Crockpot Christmas Candy shines on its own, it’s right at home next to other beloved holiday bites! Serve alongside buttery shortbread, spiced gingerbread cookies, or a selection of salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn for a sweet-and-salty spread. Pair with mugs of hot cocoa or strong coffee for the coziest December gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
The real fun comes in sharing! Pile clusters into cellophane bags tied with bright ribbon for neighbor gifts, or spoon them into glass jars for an edible centerpiece. Stack Crockpot Christmas Candy in holiday tins lined with parchment and set a bowl on your dessert buffet—watch them disappear faster than the gift wrap on Christmas morning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Thanks to the stable mixture of almond bark and chocolate, these candies keep beautifully at room temperature. Store any extras in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—perfect for stress-free holiday snacking or impromptu gatherings.
Freezing
Need to get a jump on your holiday prep? Crockpot Christmas Candy freezes like a dream! Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They’ll stay tasty for several months; just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
While there’s really no need to reheat this candy (they’re best enjoyed at room temperature), if you’ve just pulled a batch from the freezer, let clusters stand out on the counter for a few minutes. They’ll thaw quicker than you think and taste just as fantastic as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of nuts or nut-free substitutes?
Absolutely! Swap in cashews, almonds, or even toasted pecans for a customized twist. For a nut-free version, try roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and flavor.
Is it possible to make Crockpot Christmas Candy in advance?
Yes! These candies are made for easy, make-ahead holiday planning. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze as directed, so you’ll always have a treat on hand for last-minute guests or gifting.
What kind of white almond bark should I get?
Most grocery stores carry white almond bark in the baking aisle, typically in blocks or large bars. Choose one labeled for dipping or candy making for the smoothest melting and best candy texture.
How do I keep the candy from sticking to the paper?
Parchment or wax paper works wonders for easy release. Be sure to let candies cool completely before trying to peel them off—if they’re still soft, they may stick a bit.
Can I double the recipe in a standard crockpot?
As long as your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients with some stirring room, doubling works great! Just check for even melting and adjust the timing as needed. This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or prepping gift batches.
Crockpot Christmas Candy: Final Thoughts
Sharing something homemade feels extra special around the holidays, and Crockpot Christmas Candy couldn’t be easier—or more fun—to make and enjoy. Whether you’re baking with the kids, surprising your neighbors, or adding a pop of color to your dessert table, this easy treat delivers every time. I hope you make a batch and see just how magical (and delicious) the holidays can taste!
Print
Crockpot Christmas Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 60 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with this easy and delicious Crockpot Christmas Candy recipe. Perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings, these sweet treats are a combination of white almond bark, chocolate chips, peanuts, and a hint of peanut butter, all made in the slow cooker for convenience.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds white almond bark (broken into pieces)
- 1 (12-ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (12-ounce) package milk chocolate chips
- 1 (10-ounce) bag peanut butter chips
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 2 cups salted cocktail peanuts
- Festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: In a crockpot, layer white almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips. Top with both types of peanuts.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours without stirring.
- Combine and Shape: After 1 1/2 hours, stir the mixture until smooth. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Add sprinkles or crushed peppermint if desired.
- Cool and Store: Let the candies cool and harden at room temperature before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Use holiday-colored sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
