5 Classic Old Fashioned Christmas Candies

The sweet treats of Christmas past! There's something special about indulging in classic old-fashioned Christmas candies that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. In this article, we'll delve into the world of traditional Christmas confections that have been delighting generations of holiday revelers.

Christmas is a time for traditions, and for many of us, that includes indulging in sweet treats that have been passed down through the years. From sugary cookies to rich chocolates, the holiday season is the perfect excuse to satisfy our sweet tooth. But among the modern-day candies and sweets, there are a few classic old-fashioned Christmas candies that stand out for their timeless appeal and enduring popularity.

The History of Christmas Candies

Before we dive into the specifics of our five favorite classic old-fashioned Christmas candies, let's take a brief look at the history of Christmas confections. The tradition of making sweets during the holiday season dates back to ancient times, when people would use honey, nuts, and dried fruits to create sweet treats. As sugar became more widely available, candies and sweets became a staple of Christmas celebrations.

In the United States, the tradition of making Christmas candies was influenced by European immigrants who brought their recipes and techniques with them. Many classic Christmas candies, such as peppermint bark and peanut brittle, have their roots in traditional European confections.

5 Classic Old Fashioned Christmas Candies

Now, let's get to the good stuff! Here are five classic old-fashioned Christmas candies that are sure to bring back memories of holidays past.

1. Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a classic Christmas candy that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This simple yet elegant treat consists of melted chocolate mixed with crushed peppermint candies and spread onto a baking sheet. Once set, the chocolate is broken into pieces, revealing a beautiful, swirly pattern.

To make peppermint bark at home, you'll need:

• 1 cup melted chocolate
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 1 tablespoon shortening (optional)

Combine the melted chocolate and crushed peppermint candies in a bowl. Stir until the peppermint is evenly distributed. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, add a few drops of peppermint extract to give the bark an extra boost of flavor. Let set, then break into pieces.

2. Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is another classic Christmas candy that's easy to make at home. This crunchy, nutty treat consists of peanuts cooked in a sugar syrup until caramelized, then cooled and broken into pieces.

To make peanut brittle at home, you'll need:

• 1 cup peanuts
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Combine the peanuts, corn syrup, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Pour the mixture onto a greased surface, such as a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper. Let cool, then break into pieces.

3. Toffee

Toffee is a classic English candy that's perfect for the holiday season. This rich, buttery treat consists of caramelized sugar mixed with nuts or other ingredients, then cooled and broken into pieces.

To make toffee at home, you'll need:

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. If desired, add chopped nuts to the mixture. Pour the mixture onto a greased surface, such as a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper. Let cool, then break into pieces.

4. Coconut Haystacks

Coconut haystacks are a classic Christmas candy that's easy to make and always a hit. These no-bake treats consist of sweetened condensed milk mixed with shredded coconut and chocolate chips, then dropped by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

To make coconut haystacks at home, you'll need:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until the coconut is evenly distributed. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let set, then serve.

5. Divinity

Divinity is a classic Southern candy that's perfect for the holiday season. This sweet, creamy treat consists of sugar, corn syrup, and pecans cooked to a soft-ball stage, then dropped by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.

To make divinity at home, you'll need:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 250°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Drop the mixture by spoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let set, then serve.

Conclusion

There you have it – five classic old-fashioned Christmas candies that are sure to bring back memories of holidays past. Whether you're a fan of peppermint bark, peanut brittle, or divinity, there's something on this list for everyone. So why not try making some of these classic candies at home this holiday season? With a little bit of effort and patience, you can create delicious, homemade treats that are sure to impress your friends and family.

We hope you've enjoyed this article on classic old-fashioned Christmas candies. Don't forget to share your favorite holiday candies with us in the comments below!