A Candy Tray With Plenty of Variety
Holiday candy does not have to mean complicated techniques or a full day in the kitchen. This collection brings together five approachable treats with a mix of chewy, crisp, creamy, chocolatey, and nutty textures.
Make a batch for a holiday tray, package a few pieces in a tin, or choose a no-bake recipe when you want something sweet without turning on the oven. There is even an adults-only bourbon option for sharing with grown-up guests.
Jump straight to a recipe
Tap a recipe button to open the full ingredient list and step-by-step directions.
1. Cherry Coconut Jello Balls
No-cook · 1 hr · Serves 8
Cherry Coconut Jello Balls combine cherry gelatin, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut in a soft, chewy no-bake candy. Add optional red and green food coloring for a festive holiday tray.
What you need
- 1 (3 oz) cherry gelatin
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- red and green food coloring optional
Best for: Easy holiday candy trays and make-ahead treats
2. Chocolate Cracker Toffee
Easy candy · 30 min · Serves 8
Chocolate cracker toffee layers crisp saltines with buttery brown sugar caramel and melted chocolate. It is a simple make-ahead candy for holiday trays, tins, and edible gifts.
What you need
- 40 saltine crackers
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- chopped nuts optional
Best for: Holiday trays, edible gifts, and make-ahead candy
3. Caramel Peanut Bear Bites
No-bake · 30 min · 24 bites
These Caramel Peanut Bear Bites combine chewy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a white chocolate coating in an easy homemade holiday candy. The playful bear shape needs no candy mold and is simple enough for a family kitchen.
What you need
- 11 oz soft caramels
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 1/4 cups peanuts
- 10 oz white chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Best for: Holiday trays, candy boxes, and edible gifts.
4. Rolo Pretzel Treats
4 ingredients · 25 min · Serves 8
Rolo Pretzel Treats combine crisp mini pretzels, soft caramel chocolate, white chocolate, and holiday sprinkles in one easy bite. They are quick to assemble and make a colorful addition to any holiday candy tray.
What you need
- Rolo candies
- mini pretzels
- white chocolate
- holiday sprinkles
Best for: Holiday trays, gift tins, and easy make-ahead candy
5. Bourbon Cookie Balls
No-bake · 20 min · Serves 8
Bourbon Cookie Balls are a no-bake holiday candy made with crushed vanilla wafers, cocoa, powdered sugar, and bourbon. Coat them in sprinkles or powdered sugar, then chill until firm for an easy adults-only treat.
What you need
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- sprinkles or powdered sugar
Best for: Adults-only holiday candy trays and make-ahead treats
Choose Your Holiday Candy
For a colorful, family-friendly assortment, start with Cherry Coconut Jello Balls or Rolo Pretzel Treats. Both are easy to assemble and add bright color to a dessert tray.
Chocolate Cracker Toffee is a good choice for crisp, buttery pieces, while Caramel Peanut Bear Bites bring a playful shape and plenty of crunch. Bourbon Cookie Balls offer a rich, grown-up finish.
Plan Ahead
Most of these candies can be made ahead, which makes them useful for holiday hosting and edible gifts. Let each treat set fully, then store it in a tightly covered container according to the individual recipe directions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a quick treat for a party or a few homemade gifts to tuck into tins, these five holiday candy favorites give you simple options with different flavors and textures. Pick one recipe or make a mixed tray for a little variety.
