Some holiday recipes just have that magical way of making the kitchen smell like pure joy—and Crockpot Candy is one of them. This Slow Cooker Christmas Crunch Candy is the kind of treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. We’re talking melty white chocolate, dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, buttery toffee bits, and a sprinkle of festive magic on top.
Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas party, making edible gifts, or just want a sweet snack that practically makes itself, this recipe delivers. Bonus? Your slow cooker does 90% of the work, so you can spend more time sipping cocoa or wrapping presents.
Crockpot Candy (Slow Cooker Christmas Crunch Candy)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts or unsalted, with 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 such as Skor or Heath; or homemade chopped toffee
- festive sprinkles optional, for garnish
- 1 pinch sea salt optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the peanuts in the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent scorching.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
- Stir well to evenly coat the peanuts in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes until everything is fully melted and blended.
- Line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper while the mixture finishes cooking.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the peanut-chocolate mixture onto the prepared pans using a spoon or cookie scoop.
- Top with festive sprinkles and/or a pinch of sea salt, if desired.
- Let candies cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or until firm.
- Store 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.
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s the beauty of Crockpot Candy—it’s flexible. You can stick with the classic combo or switch things up based on your pantry stash.
Peanuts:
We’re using a 16-ounce jar of lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts. That hint of salt balances the sweetness beautifully. Prefer unsalted? Go for it, but you may want to add a pinch of sea salt at the end. Peanuts also pack some nutritional benefits—check out Healthline’s breakdown of peanuts for all the details.
White Chocolate Chips:
Two 11-ounce bags (22 ounces total) are the base for that sweet, creamy coating. White almond bark can also work in a pinch, but chips give a smoother, more balanced flavor.
Dark Chocolate Chips:
Five ounces adds depth and richness to balance the sweetness of white chocolate. Milk chocolate lovers can swap here, but dark chocolate fans will appreciate the contrast.
Creamy Peanut Butter:
Half a cup for smoothness and that extra nutty layer. Crunchy peanut butter works too if you like more texture.
Toffee Bits:
One-third cup for buttery, caramel-like crunch. Skor or Heath toffee bits are perfect, but you can chop up your own toffee if you’re feeling fancy.
Festive Sprinkles:
Optional, but they make these candies instantly holiday-worthy. Think red, green, and gold for Christmas—or go seasonal for Valentine’s Day or Easter.
Sea Salt:
A pinch on top takes these from sweet to “sweet & salty” perfection.
How to Make Crockpot Candy
The slow cooker transforms candy-making from intimidating to effortless. No candy thermometer, no babysitting a saucepan—just layer, melt, stir, and scoop.
Step 1 – Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start with the peanuts at the bottom. This keeps them from scorching. Layer on the white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter, and toffee bits.
Step 2 – First Cook and Stir
Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. After that, give everything a good stir so the chocolate mixture coats the peanuts evenly.
Step 3 – Second Cook
Continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes to make sure everything is fully melted and blended.
Step 4 – Prepare Sheet Pans
While the candy finishes cooking, line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 5 – Scoop and Garnish
Drop spoonfuls of the peanut-chocolate mixture onto the parchment using a spoon or cookie scoop. If you’re feeling festive, top with sprinkles and/or a pinch of sea salt.
Step 6 – Cool and Set
Let candies cool at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until firm. Store in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—if they last that long!
Toppings & Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun twists:
- Triple Chocolate Bliss: Add milk chocolate chips along with the white and dark for a layered flavor profile.
- Nut Lover’s Mix: Swap half the peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans for variety.
- Holiday Peppermint Crunch: Stir in crushed peppermint candies for a wintery twist.
- Sweet Potato Brownie Pairing: Serve alongside my Sweet Potato Brownies for a balanced sweet tray.
- Cookie Bar Crossover: Use chunks of Coconut Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in place of toffee bits for extra decadence.
How to Store Crockpot Candy
Room Temperature:
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigerator:
If you live in a warmer climate, store in the fridge to prevent melting. This can extend freshness to 3 weeks.
Freezer:
Yes, you can freeze them! Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Can You Make Crockpot Candy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. In fact, making them a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. This makes them ideal for gift-giving or party prep.
Pairing Ideas
Crockpot Candy is perfect on a holiday dessert tray alongside:
- Homemade Fudge Bars for a double-chocolate hit.
- Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies for your low-carb guests.
- A batch of Snow Cream for a nostalgic winter treat.
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. Can I make Crockpot Candy without peanuts?
Yes! Swap them for almonds, cashews, pecans, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.
2. Why is my Crockpot Candy grainy?
This can happen if the chocolate overheats. Always keep the slow cooker on low and stir periodically.
3. Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, almond bark melts smoothly and works well, but the flavor will be slightly different—less vanilla-forward.
4. How long does Crockpot Candy take to set?
Typically 30–60 minutes at room temp, or 20 minutes in the fridge if you’re in a hurry.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough, and extend the cooking time slightly.
6. What’s the best way to package Crockpot Candy for gifts?
Place in mini cupcake liners inside a festive tin or mason jar. Tie with ribbon for a polished touch.
A Note on Gifting
One of my favorite holiday traditions is making a big batch of Crockpot Candy and filling small treat bags for neighbors, teachers, and friends. Add a cute tag with a link to this recipe and a little “Made with Love” note—it’s a budget-friendly but heartfelt gift.
Nutrition (Approximate per piece)
Nutrition Facts
Connect with Me
Want more easy holiday treats? Follow along on Facebook for seasonal recipe inspiration, or pin this recipe to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest.
Final Takeaway:
Crockpot Candy isn’t just a recipe—it’s a stress-free way to spread joy. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and endless ways to customize make it the perfect holiday staple. Once you try it, you’ll be making it every December… and probably a few times in between.