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Holiday Treats: Christmas Peanut Butter Balls, Butterfinger Candy, and Peppermint Bark
The holiday season is a time for delicious treats that bring joy to family gatherings, holiday parties, and cozy nights at home. If you’re looking for a few sweet and festive recipes to make your celebrations even sweeter, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll share three crowd-pleasing holiday candy recipes that are easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for gifting or sharing with loved ones: Christmas Peanut Butter Balls, Butterfinger Candy, and Peppermint Bark.
These treats combine rich, indulgent flavors with simple ingredients, making them perfect for creating holiday magic in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice looking to add some homemade goodness to your holiday festivities, these treats are sure to be a hit.
- Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic combination, and Peanut Butter Balls take that combo to the next level with a sweet and creamy peanut butter filling encased in a layer of rich chocolate. These no-bake treats are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd favorite during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (preferably natural peanut butter)
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
Sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations (optional, for extra festivity)
Instructions:
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and softened butter. Mix everything together until well-combined and the mixture holds together when pressed (you can use a hand mixer if preferred). The dough should be thick but moldable.
Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, form the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Once all the balls are shaped, chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Coat with Chocolate: Once the peanut butter balls are chilled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. For a smoother coating, add vegetable oil to the melted chocolate. Using a fork or a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Place the coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray.
Decorate & Chill: If desired, add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or holiday-themed decorations to the chocolate before it sets. Refrigerate the balls for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm and set.
Serve and Enjoy: Store the finished peanut butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Butterfinger Candy
If you love the crunch of a Butterfinger bar, you’re going to love this homemade version that’s just as crispy, sweet, and peanut-buttery as the classic candy. This Butterfinger Candy recipe uses just three ingredients to create a sweet, crunchy treat that will remind you of your favorite childhood candy.
Ingredients:
1 (12 oz) package candy corn
1 cup creamy peanut butter
2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips)
Instructions:
Melt the Candy Corn: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy corn. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
Add Peanut Butter: Once the candy corn is melted, stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Shape the Mixture: Pour the peanut butter-candy corn mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a parchment-lined baking tray. Spread it out evenly with a spatula and let it cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature.
Coat with Chocolate: While the peanut butter layer cools, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Once the peanut butter layer has cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Cut: Refrigerate the mixture for about an hour, or until the chocolate is completely set. Once the chocolate has hardened, cut the candy into squares or bars.
Serve: Enjoy the crispy, peanut-buttery, chocolatey goodness! Store the homemade Butterfinger candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Peppermint Bark
No holiday season is complete without a festive batch of Peppermint Bark. The combination of smooth chocolate, crunchy peppermint bits, and a hint of mint makes this candy a holiday classic. This recipe is simple, but it’s sure to impress with its beautiful layers and refreshing taste.
Ingredients:
12 oz dark chocolate chips (or dark chocolate bars, chopped)
12 oz white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)
Instructions:
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