There’s something magical about the combination of sweet marshmallows, creamy white chocolate, and festive red and green candies that just screams holiday cheer. This Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe is not only quick to make but also captures that joyful spirit in every bite — perfect for sharing or gifting during the season.

Many small white cubes with smooth texture are spread out on crumpled white paper on a white marbled surface. Each cube has scattered red and green bits embedded inside, giving a colorful candy-like look. The cubes are stacked and grouped closely together, some leaning against others, showing their clean edges and glossy finish. The background is soft and out of focus, putting full attention on the bright white cubes and their vibrant green and red spots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m a sucker for easy, no-bake treats that still pack a festive punch. This Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe is one of my favorite holiday staples because it’s simple, colorful, and insanely moreish. Whenever I make it, everyone asks for seconds (and sometimes thirds!), which is always a win in my book.

Lightning-fast prep: You can whip this candy brittle up in under 20 minutes — perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.
No baking required: Just melt, mix, chill, and slice — no oven, no mess, no fuss.
Festive, colorful bites: The red and green gumdrops bring a cheerful pop of color that makes it perfect for holiday parties or gifting.
Kid-friendly and customizable: Kids love helping out with this one and you can swap candies to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows many small white cubes of a creamy dessert with bright red and green pieces inside, scattered on a white marbled surface lined with white paper. The cubes have smooth edges and a soft texture, with one cube in the front having a bite taken out, revealing the inside and the colorful pieces embedded within. Around the cubes are red and green gumdrop candies that are shiny and slightly translucent. The arrangement is casual, with the cubes and candies spread out unevenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients that blend beautifully to create a creamy, chewy, and crunchy holiday treat. Each component has its purpose, and picking good-quality ingredients definitely makes a difference!

Flat lay of a small pat of golden butter, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with smooth white chocolate chips, a white bowl holding fluffy mini marshmallows, and another white bowl with a colorful mix of red and green chopped gumdrops, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with smooth melting of the white chocolate and marshmallows.
White chocolate chips: Provide the creamy base and sweetness that binds all the candy together perfectly.
Mini marshmallows: Melt down to add chewy texture and lighten the candy brittle for an airy bite.
Red and green gumdrops or chewy candy: These add a festive pop of color and chewiness that make this recipe feel like Christmas in every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe my own by tweaking the candy mix-ins depending on the occasion or mood. Feel free to swap out gumdrops for crushed peppermint candies or even mini chocolate chips if you want to switch things up.

Variation: One year, I swapped the gumdrops for chopped candy canes — it gave the brittle a beautiful minty crunch that everyone raved about!
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free or nut-free version, just stick with certified safe candies and marshmallows — this recipe is naturally nut-free, so it’s generally safe for most allergies.
Extra festive: Sprinkle a little edible glitter or colored sugar on top before chilling for an extra sparkle that kids adore.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prep your baking dish the right way

Start by lining an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly greasing it — this makes lifting the brittle out in one piece a breeze later. I like to use a little butter or non-stick spray to make sure the parchment doesn’t shift around while pressing the candy mixture.

Step 2: Melt the magic

In a large microwave-safe bowl, toss in the butter, white chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir everything with a greased spatula. Continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is silky smooth and completely melted. Don’t rush this part — stirring in between helps prevent burning or clumping.

Step 3: Bring on the festive colors

Let the melted mixture rest for about a minute so it’s not piping hot, then gently fold in your red and green chopped gumdrops or chewy candies. This keeps them from melting completely and preserves that fun chewier texture and vibrant holiday colors.

Step 4: Spread and chill

Transfer the gooey candy mix to your prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula. Cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours — I like to leave it overnight to make sure it’s completely firm and easy to slice.

Step 5: Slice and savor

Once chilled and firm, lift the brittle out using the parchment paper. Peel off the paper and slice the candy into bite-sized pieces. Store these in an airtight container to keep them fresh (if they last that long!).

Top Tip

Making this Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe perfectly every time is all about timing and texture. From experience, here are a few golden nuggets to keep you on track and stress-free.

Don’t skip the parchment paper: Trust me, it saves you from a sticky mess when it’s time to remove the brittle.
Stir thoroughly while melting: This helps prevent burning pockets of chocolate or marshmallows, which can change the smooth texture.
Chill enough but not forever: Four hours is usually enough to firm up well, but leaving it overnight is ideal if your fridge is really cold.
Use a sharp knife for slicing: Warm the knife under hot water, wipe dry, then slice to get neat edges without cracking the brittle.

How to Serve Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe

Christmas Candy Brittle - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the candy colors shine, but for a little extra festive flair, I sprinkle crushed peppermint or edible gold stars on top right before chilling. It makes for a pretty presentation and an extra burst of holiday cheer.

Side Dishes

This brittle pairs amazingly with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate. For holiday parties, I like serving it alongside a cheese board or mixed nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I packaged these bite-sized pieces in small mason jars tied with a ribbon — they made charming handmade gifts. You can also layer pieces in festive treat bags with a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick for that rustic holiday touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure to store them away from heat or humidity to avoid melting or sticky clumps.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, this candy brittle freezes well in a sealed freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature — no microwaving needed.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t really necessary since it’s a candy brittle, but if pieces start feeling too hard, you can soften them slightly by warming them gently in your hands or placing them in a warm (not hot) room for a bit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet or richer version. Just be aware the flavor and color will change accordingly.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking?

Lining the baking dish with parchment paper and greasing it well is key to preventing sticking. Also, be sure to fully chill the candy brittle before attempting to remove it from the pan.

Can I make this candy brittle gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free candies. Always double-check labels if you have serious allergies.

What’s the best way to store this Christmas Candy Brittle?

Store your candy brittle in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and moisture to keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Candy Brittle Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect mix of simple and festive. Whether you’re making it for your own holiday celebrations or as a thoughtful gift, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet memories. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do — it really is a holiday treat that everyone loves!