Oh no! We’re already halfway through the 12 Days of Christmas! Maybe I should just make it 25 days and post every day until Christmas? Then again, maybe not. How would I ever get all of my shopping, wrapping, and baking done between now and Christmas Eve!?
Speaking of baking (sort of), today’s recipe is a fun, quick, and delicious treat you can make for the holidays. It’s Crock Pot Candy!
If you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, check out this post HERE. I’m sharing my favorite Christmas Cookie recipes!
Now, I’m sure many of you have heard of this since it’s become so popular this year. It’s so yummy, however, that I had to give it some love on IBC. I’m not sure where this recipe originated, but I heard about it from my mom who got it from one of her good friends.
My mom and I share cookie making responsibility for the holidays. She makes half of the recipes and I make half. Then we split our baking bounty. Last year, she made Crock Pot Candy. When she gave it to me, I sort of turned my nose up at it. The joke was on me though because after one bite, I was hooked!
Making this candy is truly simple. Just toss everything into a crock pot.Once all of the ingredients are melted, portion the mixture out and toss on some sprinkles.
I should warn you that this will yield a huge batch of delicious candy. And by huge, I mean around 175 pieces of candy. I know. It’s a lot.
I found the festive paper cups and sprinkles at HomeGoods. Have you ever shopped the gourmet food section at HomeGoods? They have the cutest cooking and baking supplies. It’s a must visit before you start your holiday baking.
This candy is fun to add to a cookie tray or package up as a small gift for a friends, family member, or coworker. Also, it’s super simple to make. Other than portioning the candy out and occasionally stirring, the crock pot really does all the work.
If you have yet to make this candy, I hope you will give it a try. Let me show you how.
Makes about 175 pieces
Here's what you will need:
2 pounds dry-roasted peanuts
2 pounds almond bark* (I used chocolate; however vanilla will also work.)
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
4-ounce German chocolate bar*
Mini paper baking cups
Sprinkles, optional
Put all of the ingredients in a crock pot. Cover and set the temperature to warm. Let sit for 1 hour; then stir the mixture. Continue to heat for another hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an additional hour or until the chocolate is completely melted.
Once everything is melted, portion out the candy into mini paper baking cups. (I found it helpful to place the cups in a mini muffin pan before filling them with the candy to help them keep their shape. This isn't required, just helpful.) Top with sprinkles and allow to cool until set.
Pack and store in an airtight container.
*I found these ingredients at my local Wal-mart in the baking section. I'd assume that most well-stocked grocery stores / Wal-mart (with grocery section) will carry them. As far as I know, these ingredients can not be replaced with something else to yield the same results.
PrintFor more of my favorite Christmas Cookie recipes, check out this post HERE.
I told you this candy is easy to make! Best of all, it’s really delicious, too.
As always, I’ll meet you back here tomorrow for another merry day of the 12 Days of Christmas! If you missed any of the days so far, I’ve linked up all the posts below.
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Loving that your giveaways are coming with useful and beautiful diy’s! It’s like winning twice 🙂
Can always count on your Michael for the freshest & festive ideas for the season! Thanks a bunch…
This is really good to make with kids, no real cooking and lots of stirring and tasting, which is what they really like. After portioning out half of the candy I let my kids add mini marshmallows to the rest, they really liked it!
I have recently become acquainted with your wonderful blog, Michael…it is now on my sidebar so I can read any new posts.
I try to make a few different candies for the holiday…this is one I will definitely be making. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great week.
I love my very old and well used Crockpot! I have all the ingredients for the candy EXCEPT the Almond Bark. I even asked 3 different clerks at my local store but none of us could find it on the shelves. I’m hoping to make this recipe for my Christmas Neighborhood Open House this Sunday afternoon. I hope you can respond with a substitute or how to find it.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Thank you so much for sharing your creative and festive ideas!
Jean,
This is almond bark: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Plymouth-Pantry-Almond-Bark-Chocolate-Baking-Bar-24-oz/10313776
It’s available at Walmart (with the grocery section) so you SHOULD be able to find it. Check near the baking chocolate / chocolate chips. Hope that helps.
xo Michael
Are the dry roasted peanuts to be salted or unsalted for this recipe? Thanks.
Debbie, My store didn’t have an option for salted or unsalted. I used Planter’s Dry Roasted Peanuts. That’s all it says on the package.
xo Michael
Can I use just salted peanuts or do you have to use dry roasted
I recommend dry roasted for this recipe.
xo Michael
only form I c for the crockpot giveaway. thanks
I will try this recipe, sounds good.
I have never been a fan of bark chocolate. Just seems fake. I have found that I can do a two to one mix of choc chips n butterscotch and has a good flavor n not waxy. May try this if anyone else isn’t a fan of the bark.
Tracey, I hear you! That was part of my reservation in this candy. However, you can’t even tell a bark was used when eating the final product.
xo Michael
I made this recipe of crockpot candy when I could not find mine. I used it for a social gathering that included cookie exchange. I took some to work. Now two of the men at work gave me the money for ingredients so I could make them some. It turns out great. I think for MY next batch , I will stir in toffee bits just before placing into the cups. thanks for sharing.
What is the brand / make of the Crock pot given away? Looks nice and would like to find one.
Charlie R
Hey Charlie!
Here’s a link to the Crock Pot: http://amzn.to/1OyjcuX
Hope that helps!
Michael
Is that German Chocolate bar the Baking German Choc Bar? I’m assuming it is… but….
Hi Michael! Just found your blog and it’s great! It looks like you have so much fun plus you’re very creative! May I ask you a couple questions about this recipe? Did you spray the crockpot prior to adding the ingredients? And, what tool did you use to ladle out the candy? I was thinking I’d use my small cookie scooper which would fit the mini baking cups. I want to make something fun and different for a huge group of volunteers for Valentine’s Day and this looks ideal! Any reason I couldn’t use standard size cupcake baking cups so I don’t make 175 pieces?
Karen, Hey there! No, you don’t need to spray the crock pot with anything. I think that would make he candy greasy. Yes, I used a small cookie / ice cream scooper. And yes, you could make them any size you wanted. I really like this size because it’s just enough for two bites. However, go crazy and make them any size you wish. 🙂
Enjoy!
xo Michael
Hi Michael!! Your blog is fabulous!! Do you ever tire of hearing that? I think I’ve told you at least three times already 😉
ANYWAY- can you use dark chocolate instead of the almond bark? And do you think I could sub chopped almonds for the peanuts?
Catherine – The texture / consistency / flavor of the finished candy is PERFECT. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. The honey roasted peanuts are perfect too. HOWEVER, you can certainly make this anyway you’d like, I just can’t promise it will be AS delicious.
xo Michael
The German Chocolate is similar to semi-sweet chocolate but has more sugar. It’s 48% cacao vs 56% in the semi-sweet chocolate. So, it can be substituted, but the result will be a bit less sweet.
How many ounces is 2lbs of peanuts or how many jars did you use?
Looking forward to trying this recipe for the Holidays!
You’ll love this! I’m sure. 🙂 There are 16 ounces per pound.
xo Michael
I’m thinking of adding raisins or dried cranberries & I like the idea of the mini marshmallows. Adding any of these things would really stretch the recipe too!
I have a questiom: to make these white chocolate do you recommend just changing the rest of the ingredients to white chocolate or are there some changes that need to be made?
I’m not sure that this recipe would work with a white chocolate variation. I can only recommend making them with the ingredients listed.
xo Michael
Hi what size crock pot did you use? Thank You! Looks delicious
Should the dry roasted peanuts be unsalted or it doesn’t matter?
Love your blog Michael ! Can I freeze it?
I’m not sure. I haven’t frozen it myself. However, I assume yes as you can freeze chocolate. However, it may get a white bloom on it.
However, since it is chocolate and the peanuts are covered it does stay fresh for a long time.
xo Michael
Can make a half-batch? Though I’m sure 175 pieces would easily be eaten, 75-80 sounds more “responsible,” haha.
I haven’t tried, but I don’t see why not. Adjust accordingly. 🙂
xo Michael
Hi. I have an older crock pot which just has low and hi settings. Would the low setting be fine to use? Also, would these need to be refridgerated if I’m not giving them out for a few days? I wanted to make them on the weekend for the kids to give to their teachers the middle of next week. Thanks! 🙂
i cant find white chocolate bark can i use white chocolate chips instead
I’m not sure, I never tried it that way. I assume it would affect the final result.
xo Michael
These are FABULOUS!! I made them for gifts. I’m glad it makes a substantial amount, because my family devoured many of them as soon as they cooled. (Actually, they started by “cleaning out” the crock pot with spatulas. :)) In place of the german chocolate I used a mix of milk and peanut butter chips, because I had them on hand. Other than that, I followed your recipe and everything came out perfectly. (Also, the suggestion to use mini cups IN the mini muffin tin was a great idea.) We loved it with the milk/PB, but I’m anxious to try it with the german chocolate. Thank you for an EASY and DELICIOUS recipe! I’m so glad I found your blog…can’t wait to try more recipes. 🙂
I want to be on your mailing list
Awesome! You can join here: https://inspiredbycharm.com/mailinglist
xo Michael
Making the crock pot candy. The problem is my pot won’t let me start with warm. I have to cook on low for a minimum of 30 minutes, then I can go to warm.
That should be fine. Just be sure to stir, if you can, so that nothing burns durning that low stage.
xo Michael
Is this ok to freeze? Or should I wait to make until closer to Christmas? Thanks!
I wouldn’t freeze. Since everything is coated it chocolate you should be more than find to make now. Just store in an airtight container.
xo Michael
This looks awesome! Do you spray the muffin cups so the candy doesn’t stick, or is that not necessary?
The paper liners prevent it from sticking. 🙂
xo Michael
Absolutely DELISH and easy! Thank you for the awesome recipe!
Hi Michael!
I made this crock pot candy the other day to bag up and hand out to the neighbors for Christmas, and wow, what a hit it was!!! Everyone that tastes it loves it. It was so super simple to make! I actually threw everything in the Crock-Pot and then went over to play with my grandchildren for a while and when I came back it was all melted and ready to go. Which is so nice. You don’t have to sit and babysit the double boiler. Your right, it makes a lot. Wanted to thank you for the recipe. This one is a keeper for sure. Will definitely be making it again. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!