The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, but for those following a gluten-free lifestyle, finding safe and delicious Christmas candy can feel challenging. Fortunately, gluten-free Christmas candy recipes offer a wonderful way to enjoy festive flavors without worry.
Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these recipes deliver classic holiday cheer with a gluten-free twist. From rich chocolate delights to nutty, chewy bites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Best of all, making your own candy means you control the ingredients, ensuring every bite is both safe and scrumptious.
In this post, we’ll explore several easy-to-make gluten-free Christmas candy recipes that will brighten your holiday celebrations. Each recipe features simple ingredients, clear instructions, and helpful tips to guarantee success.
Ready to fill your home with the aroma of homemade treats? Let’s dive into these festive, gluten-free candy ideas that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your holiday spirit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These gluten-free Christmas candy recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy holiday sweets without gluten-related concerns. Each recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, eliminating the stress of cross-contamination or unexpected gluten sources.
They are easy to prepare, requiring minimal special equipment and simple techniques, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, these candies are highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite nuts, spices, or even swap out sweeteners to suit your preferences.
Enjoy homemade treats that are free from gluten but full of festive flavor and nostalgia. Whether gifting to friends, family, or enjoying yourself, these recipes bring the joy of Christmas and peace of mind for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Ingredients
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- 12 oz gluten-free dark chocolate chips
- 8 oz gluten-free white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed gluten-free candy canes or peppermint candies
Peanut Butter Toffee Bites
- 1 cup gluten-free butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter (check for gluten-free label)
- 2 cups gluten-free rice cereal
- 1 cup gluten-free semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut Snowball Truffles
- 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Extra shredded coconut for rolling truffles
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Microwave-safe bowls or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small cookie scoop or spoon for shaping candies
- Refrigerator space for chilling
Instructions
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly over the lined baking sheet using a spatula to form a thin layer.
- Refrigerate for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
- Melt the white chocolate chips following the same microwave method, then stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the white chocolate over the hardened dark chocolate layer and gently spread.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly on top while the white chocolate is still soft.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or until fully set, then break into pieces.
Peanut Butter Toffee Bites
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and stir continuously until mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil for 3 minutes while stirring, then remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter until smooth, then fold in gluten-free rice cereal.
- Press mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9 inch pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top and let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Spread melted chocolate evenly over toffee layer and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Cut into small squares and serve.
Coconut Snowball Truffles
- Combine shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a large bowl and mix well.
- Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using a small scoop or your hands.
- Roll each ball in extra shredded coconut to coat completely.
- Place truffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
For the peppermint bark, use high-quality chocolates for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter in the toffee bites with sunflower seed butter or almond butter (ensure gluten-free).
For extra flair, add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a pinch of sea salt to the toffee bites before chilling.
Try rolling the coconut truffles in cocoa powder or crushed freeze-dried raspberries instead of coconut for a colorful twist.
Store all candies in airtight containers at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness throughout the holiday season.
Nutrition Facts
Candy | Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chocolate Peppermint Bark (per 1 oz piece) | 1 piece (~28g) | 150 | 10g | 15g | 2g |
Peanut Butter Toffee Bites (per 1 bite) | 1 bite (~30g) | 180 | 12g | 16g | 4g |
Coconut Snowball Truffles (per 1 truffle) | 1 truffle (~20g) | 110 | 7g | 12g | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
These gluten-free Christmas candies are perfect for holiday parties, gift baskets, or just a cozy evening treat with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Arrange the peppermint bark pieces on a festive platter alongside cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Wrap peanut butter toffee bites in colorful wax paper and tie with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. Coconut snowball truffles pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or your favorite holiday tea.
For a festive touch, serve these candies with fresh cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, or cinnamon sticks to enhance the sensory experience and holiday ambiance.
Conclusion
Enjoying sweet treats at Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful, especially when you’re following a gluten-free diet. These gluten-free Christmas candy recipes provide a delicious and safe way to celebrate the season with homemade goodies that everyone can enjoy.
From the refreshing peppermint bark to the rich peanut butter toffee bites and delicate coconut truffles, there’s a candy for every palate and occasion.
Making your own gluten-free candies also offers the joy of customizing flavors and ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. We hope these recipes inspire you to create festive sweets that bring happiness and warmth to your holiday gatherings.
For more delightful gluten-free dessert ideas, don’t forget to check out our other recipes like Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie, Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Classic Flourless Chocolate Cake. Happy holidays and happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Gluten Free Christmas Candy
Description: A festive gluten free candy recipe perfect for holiday treats. Sweet, chewy, and easy to make in under an hour.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 pieces
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped gluten free nuts (optional)
- Wax paper for cooling
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, cream of tartar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring.
- Cook until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and food coloring if using.
- Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet or silicone mat.
- Let cool slightly, then score into squares or pull into ropes and cut.
- Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts on top before cooling completely.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 28g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Gluten Free Christmas Candy”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive gluten free candy recipe perfect for holiday treats. Sweet, chewy, and easy to make in under an hour.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “24 pieces”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup granulated sugar”, “1/2 cup light corn syrup”, “1/4 cup water”, “1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar”, “1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)”, “Red and green food coloring (optional)”, “1/2 cup chopped gluten free nuts (optional)”, “Wax paper for cooling”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, cream of tartar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook until mixture reaches 300\u00b0F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract and food coloring if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet or silicone mat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly, then score into squares or pull into ropes and cut.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts on top before cooling completely.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “110”, “proteinContent”: “0g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}