While you probably don’t even think about making homemade candy during the rest of the year, there’s just something about the holiday season that’ll have you in the kitchen whipping up a batch (or two) from scratch. These classic Southern candies are even better when they’re made with love instead of purchased at the store.
Whether you want to make festive candy to gift to friends and neighbors, are looking for a recipe to share with your family, or simply want to enjoy it yourself, you can’t go wrong with any of Grandma’s favorite Christmas candy recipes.
Grab your candy thermometer and the cute Christmas tins, and whip up these homemade candy recipes that you’ll love just as much as Grandma does.
Antonis Achilleos, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
To be successful making homemade turtles, we recommend getting your pan ready and having all of your ingredients ready to go as you’ll need to work quickly. You’ll also want to make sure you have a candy thermometer on hand.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Not only are Rum Balls a favorite of Grandma’s, but they’re also the most-searched Christmas candy in the South. The flavors will continue to develop over time, so they’re an easy make-ahead option as well.
Emily Laurae
Yes, this candy recipe actually starts with a mashed potato. But trust us (and Grandma) that it can actually be turned into a sweet candy treat.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Ah, saltines. Is there anything they can’t do? The versatile cracker is one of the five ingredients used to make this easy candy recipe.
Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox
A candy thermometer is key to ensuring your pralines come together successfully. Just make sure you’re prepared to work quickly once the candy is ready to be set.
Photographer: Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Reminiscent of a stained glass window, this classic Christmas candy is almost too pretty to eat. You can use red or green food coloring, or make a batch of both.
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
If you’re looking for a candy that you can make without needing a candy thermometer, this peppermint bark is for you. It just needs at least one hour to chill before it’s broken into pieces.
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
We use premade caramels to help make this recipe for old-fashioned Millionaire Candy a little easier. We suggest using a double boiler to melt the chocolate so that each candy has a nice, shiny finish.
Alison Miksch; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This classic candy comes together with just five ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand in your pantry during the holiday season. It’s not complicated to make, just ensure that you keep an eye on the sugars the whole time they’re cooking.
Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford
Not to be confused with meringue, divinity is cooked to a higher temperature to create a candy that has more structure. That means a candy thermometer is key for the best results.
Stacy K. Allen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Gift these sweets made with favorite Southern ingredients—pecans, bourbon, and of course chocolate. Use bittersweet chocolate for balanced sweetness that’s not over the top.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Recipients won’t care how easy this bark is to make. They’ll just be glad to be on your list. These minty treats will add cheer to any holiday gifts, parties, or buffets.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Inspired by the classic ambrosia salad, this fruity candy will earn lots of fans. Sweetened coconut, mini marshmallows, dried fruit, and chopped nuts stud a layer of white chocolate for a sweet nod to the traditional salad.
Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Rich, gooey caramel envelops soft store-bought marshmallows for a truly elegant treat. Originating in Louisville, Kentucky, these confections are sure to be a holiday hit.