The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with some festive and delicious Christmas candy recipes featuring the iconic M&M's? M&M's are a classic candy that can be used in a variety of creative and tasty ways to make your holiday season even sweeter. In this article, we'll explore five festive M&M Christmas candy recipes that are perfect for gift-giving, parties, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
These recipes are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. From classic M&M's candies to more elaborate treats, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and explore these festive M&M Christmas candy recipes that will make your holiday season merry and bright!
Recipe 1: M&M's Christmas Tree Pretzel Rods
These adorable pretzel rods are perfect for a holiday party or as a fun snack for kids. They're easy to make and require just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of pretzel rods
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup of M&M's
- 1 tablespoon of shortening (optional)
- Christmas tree-shaped sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Dip each pretzel rod into the melted white chocolate, coating about 2/3 of the rod.
- Immediately sprinkle M&M's onto the wet chocolate.
- Place the pretzel rods on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- If desired, use a small amount of shortening to attach Christmas tree-shaped sprinkles to the top of each pretzel rod.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of M&M's colors to create a multi-colored effect.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate for a festive twist.
- Use pretzel rods in different shapes, such as stars or bells, for a unique look.
Recipe 2: M&M's Christmas Bark
This classic Christmas bark recipe is easy to make and perfect for gift-giving or snacking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup of M&M's
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Spread the melted white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Immediately sprinkle M&M's and chopped nuts (if using) onto the wet chocolate.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted milk chocolate over the top of the white chocolate layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Break into pieces and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of chocolate, such as dark or semi-sweet, for a unique flavor.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a festive twist.
- Use chopped candy canes or crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.
Recipe 3: M&M's Christmas Fudge
This easy-to-make fudge recipe is perfect for gift-giving or snacking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup of M&M's
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the M&M's.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set the fudge.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of chocolate, such as dark or semi-sweet, for a unique flavor.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the mixture for a festive twist.
- Use chopped nuts or candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
Recipe 4: M&M's Christmas Cookies
These delicious cookies are perfect for a holiday party or as a special treat for Santa.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of M&M's
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the M&M's.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of M&M's, such as peanut or almond, for a unique flavor.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a festive twist.
- Use chopped nuts or candy pieces for added texture and flavor.
Recipe 5: M&M's Christmas Popcorn
This easy-to-make popcorn recipe is perfect for a holiday party or as a fun snack for kids.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup of melted white chocolate
- 1/4 cup of M&M's
- 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
- Pop the popcorn kernels in a large pot or a popcorn maker.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the popped popcorn and stir until well coated.
- Immediately sprinkle M&M's and chopped nuts (if using) over the top of the popcorn.
- Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of chocolate, such as milk or dark, for a unique flavor.
- Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a festive twist.
- Use chopped candy canes or crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.
We hope these festive M&M Christmas candy recipes have inspired you to create some delicious and fun treats for your holiday season. Whether you're a fan of classic M&M's or prefer more elaborate treats, we've got you covered. So, go ahead and get creative with these recipes and make your holiday season merry and bright!
What's your favorite M&M Christmas candy recipe? Share your favorite recipe in the comments below!
What is the best way to store M&M's Christmas candies?
+It's best to store M&M's Christmas candies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to preserve the freshness and texture of the candies.
Can I use different types of chocolate in M&M's Christmas recipes?
+Yes, you can use different types of chocolate in M&M's Christmas recipes, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. This will give you a unique flavor and texture in your candies.
How far in advance can I make M&M's Christmas candies?
+You can make M&M's Christmas candies up to 2 weeks in advance, depending on the recipe and storage conditions. It's best to make them fresh for the best flavor and texture.