Bring a bit of nostalgic magic to your holiday spread with Grandma’s Christmas Candy. This colorful, chewy treat is packed with sweet charm and festive flavor.
Quick to prep and a delight to serve, Grandma’s Christmas Candy is perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or a sweet homemade gift.
Star Ingredients That Make Grandma’s Christmas Candy Shine
- White chocolate chips – Melted to creamy perfection, these create the rich, sweet base that binds the whole candy together.
- Mini marshmallows – These add airy softness and help achieve the signature chewy texture that makes each bite feel like a hug.
- Butter – Just a touch gives the candy its glossy finish and smooth consistency while rounding out the sweetness.
- Red and green gumdrops – Chopped for even distribution, these bring the festive flair with their vibrant color and fruity pop in every bite.
How to Make Grandma’s Christmas Candy (Spoiler: It’s Incredibly Easy)
Start by lining and greasing your baking dish for a fuss-free candy release later. Melt the butter, white chocolate chips, and marshmallows together in the microwave, stirring regularly until smooth and silky.
Once slightly cooled, gently fold in your colorful chopped candies. Press the mixture into your pan, smooth the top, and let the fridge do the hard work. Chill for a few hours—or overnight if you can wait—then slice into bite-sized squares.
Sweet Secrets & Tasty Twists
For a more complex flavor profile, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of sea salt to the melted mixture. If you’re craving texture, chopped toasted nuts or crushed pretzels can add a salty crunch.
Don’t like gumdrops? Swap them for your favorite chewy candy or even crushed peppermint for a wintery twist. This recipe is as adaptable as it is nostalgic, so feel free to make it your own while keeping the heart of Grandma’s treat intact.
Keeping the Candy Fresh Like Day One
Store the cut pieces in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Want to make them ahead? Freeze the cut candy in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—they’ll taste just like freshly made.
Grandma’s Christmas Candy
Ingredients
- 1 12 oz package white chocolate chips
- 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped red and green gumdrops or similar chewy candies
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered, and lightly grease the surface; set aside.
- Combine butter, mini marshmallows, and white chocolate chips in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly using a greased spatula.
- Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture becomes fully melted and silky in texture.
- Allow the melted mixture to rest and cool slightly for approximately 1 minute before folding in the chopped colorful candies.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and gently press it into an even layer with the spatula.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Once firm, lift the candy slab out using the edges of the parchment paper. Discard the paper and cut the candy into small, bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
