Wonderful Candies Two Ways
Every Christmas I give plates of candy to family, friends and co-workers. It's one thing everyone looks forward to, and these candies get the most compliments.
Every Christmas I give plates of candy to family, friends and co-workers. It's one thing everyone looks forward to, and these candies get the most compliments.
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 pound milk chocolate candy coating melted
- 3 pounds confectioners' sugar
- cookies & creme bonbons:
- 1/2 cup cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
- 1 pound white candy coating melted
- chocolate-covered cherries:
- 54 maraschino cherries (about two 10-ounce jars) patted dry
- Carbohydrate 12.5506500144461 g
- Cholesterol 4.51898148723953 mg
- Fat 1.71741182726485 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.0178657407635051 g
- Saturated Fat 1.08219921824609 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (23g)
- Sodium 12.2326645626484 mg
- Sugar 12.5506500144461 g
- Trans Fat 0.119091152539103 g
- Calories 64 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine butter and milk.
- Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until a smooth dough is formed.
- Divide in half; cover with plastic wrap.
- For bonbons, stir cookie crumbs into one portion of dough.
- Shape into 1-in. balls.
- Dip into white candy coating; allow excess to drip off.
- Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
- Chill until firm.
- For chocolate-covered cherries, shape remaining portion of dough into 1-in. balls; flatten to 2-in. circles.
- Wrap each circle around a cherry and gently reshape into a ball.
- Dip into milk chocolate coating; allow excess to drip off.
- Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
- Chill until firm.
- Store in an airtight container.
My Annual Christmas Candy Tradition: A Recipe for Success (and Deliciousness!)
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year. The twinkling lights, the cozy feeling of being curled up by the fire, the joy of spending time with loved ones...but most importantly, the baking! For years, I've made it a tradition to bake and share homemade candies with my family, friends, and colleagues. It's a little gesture that brings so much happiness, and it's become something everyone eagerly anticipates. Among all the festive treats I create, these two-way candies have consistently earned the most compliments. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch, and these candies are the perfect example.
The recipe itself is surprisingly simple, requiring readily available ingredients. The magic lies in the two distinct variations: the delightful cookies & creme bonbons and the elegant chocolate-covered cherries. The contrast in texture and flavor is incredibly satisfying. The bonbons are wonderfully crunchy, with a delicate sweetness that's perfectly balanced. Meanwhile, the chocolate-covered cherries offer a more sophisticated taste, with a rich chocolate coating encasing the juicy sweetness of the cherries. The combination is a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, crunchy and smooth.
More than just a recipe, this is a tradition. Every year, as I'm mixing the butter and milk, or carefully rolling the dough into balls, I'm filled with a sense of warmth and joy. It’s a nostalgic reminder of Christmases past and a way of creating new memories with every batch I make. The aroma of melting chocolate and the sweet scent of cookie crumbs fill my kitchen, creating an atmosphere of cheer that's both comforting and exciting. I often involve my children in the process, teaching them the simple steps and sharing in the delight of crafting these little sweet treasures.
Beyond the personal satisfaction, this candy-making tradition has brought me closer to the people I care about. Sharing these candies isn’t just about gifting sweets; it’s about sharing a piece of myself, a part of my Christmas spirit. It's about building connections, strengthening relationships, and spreading holiday cheer one candy at a time. The smiles on people's faces when they receive a plate of my homemade candies are the best reward I could ask for. They're a reminder that the smallest gestures can bring the greatest joy, and that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most meaningful.
This year, I encourage you to start your own Christmas candy tradition. It doesn't have to be elaborate or complicated. Just a simple act of baking and sharing can bring a sense of warmth and connection to your holidays. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is accessible and easy to follow. The result will be not just delicious candies, but also cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
So, this Christmas, give the gift of homemade happiness. Make a batch of these Wonderful Candies Two Ways, and share the sweet spirit of the season with those you love.
