Looking for fun holiday treats for Christmas parties or kids’ stocking stuffers? These adorable Grinch themed candies are guaranteed to be a sure fire hit at your holiday parties! After all, kids and adults of all ages love this beloved children’s Christmas character. Keep reading to learn how to make this easy, nut butter filled Christmas candy recipe for your guests and gift recipients this holiday season.
Easy Grinch Treats
I grew up watching the movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, every year. This beloved Christmas movie has been updated a few times with new versions for the younger generations. However, I still prefer the old classic cartoon version.
As Gen-Xer, I tend to have some strong movie nostalgia vibes. Therefore, these Grinch themed treats are based off the movie. (Also, can y’all just quit with rehashing our childhood if you can’t actually improve on the classics?)
At the end of the movie, the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes, symbolizing that he’s able to feel love again. It’s a heartwarming story about finding love and companionship from your community and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Grinch’s journey makes for such a feel good story and movie. So, keeping with that notion, I created these Grinch heart candies, which are similar to peanut butter cups. Not only do they look adorable, but they also taste great. (Because who doesn’t love chocolate?) I make a few batches of this holiday treat each year for party guests as well as homemade holiday food gifts.
If you love peanut butter cups, then this chocolate and almond butter candy recipe is perfect for you! As tasty as they are cute, these Grinch themed Christmas candies are sure to delight every recipient.
To serve these at parties, simply set or stack them on a platter for your Christmas celebration. (They also look cute on a dessert themed, holiday charcuterie board.) You can also package them in holiday treat bags to give friends and coworkers a delicious, edible Christmas gift.
Best Candy Melts for Making Grinch Candy
I used Mercken’s melting wafers in light green to make these candies. I’ve also used Wilton brand melting wafers with good success. Since these easy Grinch treats get half of their flavor from the melting wafers, it is important to use a quality product.
I do want to note that you can’t use white chocolate chips and add food coloring. Food coloring is water based. However, the wafers are oil based. Adding food coloring to chocolate will cause it to seize and get lumpy.
If you prefer to use chocolate chips or even chocolate bars, you can do so without the colorant. You just need to temper the chocolate first, if it hasn’t been already. You can learn how to temper chocolate here.
How to Melt Candy Wafers for Christmas Treats
You can melt the green candy wafers for this party food in the microwave or with a double boiler. However, the easiest way is to use a Wilton melting pot. I really don’t recommend using a microwave as it’s easy to burn the melting wafers if they get too hot. They can also dry out. If this happens, then they’ll be hard to use to make Grinch themed treats.
Wilton Melting Pot
If it’s within your budget, then I recommend investing in a Wilton melting pot. It’s very easy to use. Just measure your melting wafers and place them in the liner of the pot. Then turn it on and stir it every few minutes until the wafers are melted. It doesn’t get hot enough to burn the wafers. So, you don’t have to worry about that.
Double Boiler
Otherwise, I recommend using a double boiler. I like this double boiler because it easily sits in most common kitchen saucepans. To melt your candy wafers in a double boiler, simply place water in the bottom pot. Then heat over medium heat. Place the green wafers in the insert. Then stir occasionally until the candy melts.
You discover more tips for melting chocolate here.
Nut Butter for Grinch Heart Candy
You can make these holiday chocolates using only candy wafers. However, I’m honestly not the biggest fan of the way chocolate wafers taste solo. Sure, they’re easy to make. But what’s the point if no one actually enjoys eating them? Therefore, in addition to the candy wafers, I also used almond butter to make my Grinch Christmas treats. This makes them similar to my favorite chocolate of all time — peanut butter cups!
If you don’t have almond butter, or prefer to use another substitution, you can use any one of the following nut butters in its place:
- Peanut butter
- Sunflower butter
- Almond butter
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough nut butter
- Pecan butter
- Oatmeal Cookie walnut butter
- Cocoa Hazelnut nut butter
- Nutella
Grinch Christmas Candy Ingredients
To make these Grinch Christmas treats, you will need the following ingredients:
- Light Green Candy Melts: These confectionery candies are simple to work with and designed to melted into shapes.
- Almond or Nut Butter: The nut butter gives these Christmas treats a wonderful flavor and texture that you can’t get from melting chocolate alone.
- Candy Heart Sprinkles: I used heart shaped sprinkles to make these candies recognizable as Grinch party treats. These are optional. However, the red contrasts nicely with the green candy and complements the candy to symbolize the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes.
Other Supplies for Easy Grinch Treats
In addition to the ingredients for this food gift, you’ll also need a few tools and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Heart Candy Mold: I used a heart shaped candy mold to make my Grinch heart candy. The mold I used makes 12 small treats. You can use a larger heart mold if desired, but you’ll need to double the recipe.
- Pastry Brush: I also recommend using a pastry brush to brush the melted candy melts into the mold. You can use the back of a spoon, but I find that it’s easier to use a brush to ensure an even coat.
- Ziploc Bags: To fill the center of the Grinch heart candy, I used plastic bags to pipe the butter into the candy shell in the mold. You can also use a spoon, but the nut butter is thick, so piping it from a bag gives you better control. Alternately, you can also use a piping bag if you happen to be a baker.
- Cellophane Treat Bags: I also picked up some clear cellophane bags to package these nut butter Grinch treats for Christmas. I put three in a bag to give to coworkers for an inexpensive food gift idea. If you want to gift more than a few treats, then use these treat boxes with a window so the recipient can see the adorable Grinch themed treats.
- Wilton Melting Pot: As previously mentioned, a melting pot is the easiest way to melt candy wafers.
How to Make Grinch Candy
Now that you have everything you need to make these chocolate and nut butter candy treats, here’s how to make them:
1. To make these nut butter filled chocolates, first set aside 10 light green candy wafers from a 6 oz. package. Then melt the remaining wafers in a double boiler, Wilton melting pot, or in the microwave.
Note: If you use a microwave, heat in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir between each interval. Be careful not to overheat the wafers.
2. Once melted, add a spoonful of the candy to all 12 of the cavities in the heart shaped mold. (You can use a pastry brush to easily coat the bottom and sides of the mold. It’s similar to how hot chocolate bombs are made.) Then place the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes.
3. While the candy is setting up, place nut butter inside a plastic bag. Then snip off the corner. Remove the candy from the freezer and squeeze the nut butter into each cavity. Fill to just under the top of the mold.
4. Next, use a spoon to add melted candy to fill the remainder of each of the 12 mold cavities. Place the candy-filled mold in the freezer for an addition 10 minutes to allow the candies to set up.
5. Now melt the remaining 10 pieces of candy you previously set aside. Use the back of a spoon to place a dot of melted chocolate on top of each nut butter chocolate heart. Then add a red candy heart to the top of each one.
6. Allow the chocolate to harden. Once it’s set up, you can finally unmold your holiday treats.
How to Store Grinch Heart Candy
You can store your Grinch candy for several weeks on the counter. Store these nut butter chocolates in an airtight container.
I make these about a week before I want to gift them or serve them. This way I can be sure they are fresh for friends and family.
Do not store the Grinch party treats in the fridge or freezer. Doing so can cause the candy to get soft and watery due to the condensation.
Grinch Candy Recipe
Make these Grinch candy treats for the holidays! Made using melted chocolate and nut butter, this easy 2-ingredient recipe is similar in flavor to peanut butter cups. Create yours today for a cute party food for Christmas festivities or fun food gifts.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces light green candy melts
- 1.5 ounces almond butter
- 12 candy heart sprinkles
Instructions
- Set aside 10 light green candy wafers. Melt the rest of the wafers in a double boiler, Wilton melting pot, or in the microwave.
- Add a spoonful of melted candy to each cavity in the heart shaped mold. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides. Place the mold in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- While the candy is setting up, place nut butter in a plastic bag. Snip off the corner. Remove the candy from the freezer and squeeze the nut butter into each cavity. Fill to just under the top of the mold.
- Use a spoon to add melted candy to fill the rest of each cavity. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set up.
- Melt the remaining 10 pieces of candy. Use a spoon to place a dot of melted candy on top of each heart. Add a red candy heart on top.
- Let set up and then unmold.
Notes
A double boiler or melting pot is highly recommended to make these Christmas candy treats. If you use a microwave, heat the chocolate candy wafers in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir between each interval, taking care not to overheat the wafers.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 75Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
More Ideas for Christmas Treats
Love my Christmas candies? Then be sure to check out these other fun ideas that you can gift as edible Christmas treats for the holiday season.
- White Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- No Bake Bourbon Balls
- Mini Hot Chocolate Bombs
- Hot Cocoa Bombs with Marshmallows
Also be sure to try some of my holiday dessert recipes. Or, for more Christmas ideas, follow Becca Ink on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram.