Crockpot Candy (Slow Cooker Christmas Crunch Candy) is a delightful blend of chocolate and crunch that’s perfect for the holiday season. With just a few pantry staples, this recipe transforms into a festive treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of melting chocolate and roasted peanuts. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of creamy and crunchy textures, making it an irresistible snack for gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, this treat is sure to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Candy is the perfect go-to for any occasion, from holiday parties to lazy afternoons. The convenience of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends. With its rich flavors and satisfying crunch, this candy delivers on the taste front while also being incredibly versatile; you can customize it with different toppings or swaps. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring some homemade charm to your celebrations without the fuss.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
This recipe highlights the seasonal joy of fresh, local ingredients that are especially vibrant during the holiday months. The lightly salted peanuts provide a wonderful crunch, evoking rustic comfort with their buttery richness and warm, nutty aroma. Meanwhile, the creamy white and dark chocolate chips bring a festive sweetness, draping your treats in a luscious candy coating. The addition of toffee bits adds an extra depth of flavor, with a hint of caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the cocoa notes. Using fresh ingredients not only heightens the flavors but also makes the dish sustainable and appealing.
What You’ll Need
- 16 ounces lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts (or unsalted, with an optional pinch of sea salt)
- 22 ounces white chocolate chips (or white almond bark)
- 5 ounces dark chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture)
- 1/3 cup toffee bits (like Skor or Heath; or homemade chopped toffee)
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
- 1 pinch sea salt (optional, for garnish)
These ingredients blend beautifully to create a rich and satisfying treat. Feel free to experiment with different nut varieties or chocolate types for a unique spin, ensuring that you cater to dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the Base
Begin by placing the peanuts in the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps prevent scorching, ensuring your treat remains delicious and perfectly cooked.
2. Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. The wonderful aroma of roasted peanuts will fill the air as they soften and warm up, making you eager for the next step.
3. Mix the Ingredients
After an hour, stir well to evenly coat the peanuts with the melting chocolate mixture. The creamy white and dark chocolate will start to envelop the peanuts, creating a luscious blend of flavors.
4. Continue Cooking
Cook on low for another 30 minutes until everything is fully melted and blended. The mixture will become glossy and smooth, promising delightful textures and tastes.
5. Prepare Baking Sheets
While the mixture finishes cooking, line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper. This creates a non-stick surface for easy cleanup later.
6. Shape the Candies
Scoop spoonfuls of the peanut-chocolate mixture onto the prepared pans using a spoon or cookie scoop. Each mound of candy will be enticingly glossy, ready to transform into treats.
7. Finish with Sprinkles
Top your candies with festive sprinkles and/or a pinch of sea salt if desired. The colorful sprinkles add a cheerful touch, perfect for holiday celebrations.
8. Cool and Store
Let the candies cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes or until firm. Once set, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Essential Tools
- Slow cooker
- Parchment paper
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Airtight container for storage
Having the right tools on hand will make the preparation smooth and enjoyable. You may find it helpful to have measuring cups and spoons ready as well.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
To save time during the busy holiday season, consider making this candy in advance and storing it. Keep the Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure that candies are properly sealed to prevent moisture or odors from affecting their incredible flavors.
Perfect Pairings
This Crockpot Candy pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a splash of festive eggnog. Consider serving it alongside a cheese platter, where the salty elements complement the sweetness of the candy. Visually, these treats stand out on any dessert table, showcasing their colorful toppings and inviting aroma, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
This nutritional breakdown offers a closer look at the sweet treat, ideal for serving sizes during holiday indulgences.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
While making Crockpot Candy is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Dough Too Dry
If the mixture appears too dry, consider adding a splash of melted butter or milk until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
Chocolate Coating Breaks
To prevent chocolate from breaking or seizing, ensure your melted chocolate is smooth and warm before combining it with the peanuts.
Unevenly Shaped Balls
For uniform sizes, use a cookie scoop to ensure each candy ball is consistently shaped for even cooling.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Experiment with different nut varieties, like almonds or cashews, for a unique flavor twist.
- If using sprinkles, try matching the colors to your holiday theme for a festive presentation.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Feel free to explore different flavor variations with this recipe:
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a richer taste.
- Add in a touch of sea salt caramel for a sweet-salty combination.
- Experiment with different nut butter, like almond or cashew butter, for variety.
- Substitute chopped dried fruit or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
For allergen considerations, you can easily make this candy gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and nut butter. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination for those with severe allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or even mixed nuts for variety.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store your Crockpot Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes, use vegan chocolate chips and nut butter for a delightful vegan treat.
4. What can I use besides toffee bits?
You can substitute toffee bits with crushed candy bars, caramel bits, or even crushed pretzels for added crunch.
5. How can I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Make sure your mixing bowl and tools are completely dry. Any moisture can cause the chocolate to seize, so handle carefully.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Crockpot Candy is not just a treat; it’s a delightful experience that brings sweetness to your festive gatherings. We hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we do! Share your creations, tag us on social media, or leave a comment below with your variations. For more delightful dessert ideas, check out our dessert category page here: {internal_link_1}. Happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Candy (Slow Cooker Christmas Crunch Candy)
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of chocolate and crunch that’s perfect for the holiday season, combining creamy and crunchy textures in one delicious treat.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 22 ounces white chocolate chips
- 5 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup toffee bits
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
- 1 pinch sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by placing the peanuts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- After an hour, stir well to evenly coat the peanuts with the melting chocolate mixture.
- Cook on low for another 30 minutes until everything is fully melted and blended.
- While the mixture finishes cooking, line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the peanut-chocolate mixture onto the prepared pans.
- Top your candies with festive sprinkles and/or a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Let the candies cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes or until firm.
Notes
For a unique spin, feel free to experiment with different nut varieties or chocolate types. Properly sealing candies ensures they maintain fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candy, Christmas, dessert, holiday, slow cooker









