A festive and delightful candy recipe, Christmas Chocolate Cups blend creamy chocolate and crunchy nuts, finished with colorful M&Ms for a cheerful holiday touch. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones during the festive season.

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Ingredients and Variations

This recipe features a mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips, white almond bark, and German chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and richness. The salted and unsalted peanuts, along with pecan halves, add a satisfying crunch to every bite. A garnish of M&Ms provides a vibrant and festive flair.

For variations, substitute pecans with almonds or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. If you prefer a bolder chocolate taste, replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. To add more festive charm, top with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a polished finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Creating these Christmas Chocolate Cups is simple and involves a few straightforward steps to ensure the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Layering the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Begin by layering the white almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and broken German chocolate bar in the crockpot. Add the salted peanuts, unsalted peanuts, and pecan halves on top of the chocolate layers. The layering ensures even melting and distribution of flavors.

Cooking the Mixture
Set the crockpot to LOW and secure the lid. Allow the mixture to cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent the chocolate from burning or sticking to the sides. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy consistency while ensuring the nuts are evenly coated.

Shaping the Chocolate Cups
Once the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is well combined, use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to drop dollops of the candy mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Work quickly to shape the clusters before the mixture begins to cool and harden.

Adding the Garnish
Before the chocolate sets, press a few M&Ms onto the top of each cluster. This step should be done immediately to ensure the candy adheres firmly to the chocolate cups.

Recipe Tips

Preventing uneven melting:
Stir the mixture thoroughly every 30 minutes to ensure even heating and avoid scorching.

Achieving the perfect texture:
Use fresh, high-quality nuts for a satisfying crunch, and avoid overcooking to maintain the chocolate’s smoothness.

Storing the candy:
Keep the clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to extend their freshness and retain their texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Christmas Chocolate Cups pair wonderfully with warm holiday beverages such as hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a comforting cup of coffee. For a complete dessert spread, serve alongside festive treats like sugar cookies, fudge, or gingerbread. These versatile clusters also make a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert platter.

Variations and Customizations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.

Experiment with a variety of nuts, such as macadamia nuts or chopped cashews, for unique flavor profiles.

Customize the clusters with themed decorations, like red and green M&Ms for Christmas or edible glitter for an elegant touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, melt the chocolate and mix the ingredients in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth.

What’s the best way to store these chocolate cups?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips for a unique twist.

How long do these treats stay fresh?
When stored properly, they can last up to two weeks.

Christmas Chocolate Cups are a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat, ideal for gifting or sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Their rich chocolate base, crunchy nuts, and colorful toppings make them a must-have addition to any holiday celebration. Simple yet impressive, these candies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 lb (450g) white almond bark or white chocolate chips
4 oz (115g) German chocolate bar, broken into pieces
2 cups (250g) salted peanuts
1 cup (125g) unsalted peanuts
1 cup (120g) pecan halves
1/2 cup (120g) M&Ms, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by adding the white almond bark, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and broken pieces of German chocolate to the crockpot. Layer the salted peanuts, unsalted peanuts, and pecan halves on top of the chocolate.

Set the crockpot to LOW and secure the lid. Allow the mixture to cook gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and the ingredients combine smoothly.

Once the chocolate is fully melted and the nut mixture is well coated, use a spoon or small cookie scoop to drop dollops of the candy mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

While the chocolate is still soft, garnish the tops of each cluster with M&Ms, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere.

Let the candy cool and set completely at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. If you’re short on time, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.

Once the clusters are firm, transfer them to an airtight container. These festive treats are perfect for enjoying at home or gifting in decorative tins to spread holiday cheer.