This cherry mash candy was a secret Gaines family recipe—but now you can make it yourself this season!
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It’s that time of the holiday season when we bust out all of our holiday recipes and spend an entire day in the kitchen. You can almost always find me making batches of chocolate pretzel rings and gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve.
Well, if you’re a fan of Joanna Gaines (and her Christmas trees), we’ve got the perfect holiday treat for you. Joanna shared a cherry mash recipe that might just become your new holiday go-to!
What Is Cherry Mash Candy?
The original Cherry Mash candy is a blend of peanuts and chocolate coating with a sweet cherry fondant center. This cherry mash recipe comes from Joanna’s Aunt Mary, and while it doesn’t look exactly like the original, it tastes just as delicious. “There is an unexpected delight that comes with the blend of cherry and chocolate,” she says. Joanna loves this take on the original Cherry Mash so much, she had to share it on her Magnolia blog!
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, take your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add frosting mix, powdered sugar, margarine, maraschino cherries, vanilla and condensed milk. Combine starting on low speed, gradually turning the speed to medium, and beat until the mixture has a fluffy consistency. It should take around 4 minutes, according to Joanna.
Step 2: Form the cherry candy
Take your mixture and form 1-inch balls with your small cookie scoop. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours.
Step 3: Create the chocolate coating
In a medium saucepan, add the chocolate bark, chocolate chips, peanuts and vegetable oil and melt over medium heat. Mix to combine.
Step 4: Dunk the cherry candy in chocolate
Remove the cherry balls from the freezer and dunk one at a time into the chocolate coating using either a fork or spoon. Work in batches. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off over the pan and return to the baking sheet.
Step 5: Refrigerate until set
Refrigerate the cherry mash candy until completely hardened, around 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Recipes for Homemade Christmas Candy
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Peanut Butter Snowballs
We can't get enough of desserts that look like snowballs when Christmastime rolls around. For a time-saving tip, use candy coating discs instead of bars so you don't have to spend time chopping up all the chocolate.
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Easy TrufflesChocolate truffles are rich, melt-in-your-mouth desserts that are delicious on their own or paired with a post-dinner coffee or cocktail. Follow our test kitchen tips on how to avoid common truffle mistakes, and you'll be on your way to bite-sized goodness that you can share with everyone.
Cashew BrittleHomemade treats are thoughtful gifts for neighbors, coworkers or even friends and relatives who stop by your Christmas party. Whether you decide to wrap it up in colorful baggies or festive Mason jars, this cashew brittle will be a delight to anyone who loves nutty candy. Unlike other candy recipes, you don't need a candy thermometer and you can heat the ingredients up in the microwave—it's that simple.
Creamy Orange CaramelsChocolate and orange pair well together—just take a look at these chocolate and orange desserts! But as far as Christmas candy recipes go, these orange caramels might just be the sweetest. This recipe makes 80 pieces of caramel, so get your gift bags out and you'll be set with easy holiday gifts.
Double Chocolate Walnut FudgeWe have a lot of rich fudge recipes, and this double chocolate walnut version is one of our favorites for Christmas. If you'd prefer to skip the nuts, feel free to leave them out of this recipe and enjoy the double chocolatey goodness all on its own.
Holiday Rum BallsThese rum balls are a decadent no-bake dessert. To make them your own, roll them in your favorite toppings, or use the walnuts, powdered sugar and vanilla wafers that the recipe suggests. If you aren't a fan of rum, you can substitute the rum for bourbon or flavored vodka.
Pistachio Cranberry BarkAny recipe for desserts that have five ingredients or less come in handy when you need to make something last minute or when you don't have time to run around the grocery store for a bunch of special ingredients. This pistachio cranberry bark takes only about 20 minutes to prep and then you just pop it in the fridge until it's firm and ready to serve.
Creamy Peppermint PattiesPeppermint is such a yummy Christmas flavor and you can make your own peppermint patties right at home. If you can't get enough of fun candy recipes like this one, read up on our ultimate guide to candy making and you'll be a pro in no time.
Pink IceThis pink pepperminty delight will be a standout on your Christmas dessert tray. The no-bake bits of bark can also be used to decorate gingerbread houses or to top off a serving of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
Chocolate Coconut CandiesThese cute coconut candies can be added to cookies trays or served with a post-dinner coffee as a light dessert. The best part is that you can get as creative as you want with the toppings: sprinkles, colorful icing, coconut flakes, you name it. Or, you can leave them as they are and enjoy them plain.
Peppermint Pretzel DippersCalling all sweet and salty fans. These chocolate covered pretzels have to be the easiest dessert you'll ever make. When the chocolate chips and shortening are melted and mixed, all you have to do is dip pretzel rods in the candy coating and then roll the pretzel through sprinkles, crushed nuts or peppermint bits.
Holly Butter MintsA lot of Christmas candy recipes have to be refrigerated to retain freshness, but these holly butter mints do not. The melt-in-your-mouth munchies can be placed on a small platter for the dessert table or left out on the counter for easy picking.
Peppermint Swirl FudgeThis peppermint swirl fudge is as beautiful as it is tasty. Balance out all the dark, chocolatey candies on the dessert tray with this bright, festive red and white fudge.
Eggnog CreamsClassic holiday cocktail but make it a dessert? We're in. These eggnog truffles will look like decorative snowballs on your dessert platter. The adults at your Christmas get-together will devour them.
Chocolate CaramelsBecause it's easy for caramel to harden quickly, you'll want a candy thermometer for these chocolate caramels. The end result will be ideal for small candy bags or Christmas tins full of sweets.
Cherry MiceNot a creature was stirring...except for these adorable chocolate cherry mice. Though the assembly might take a bit of patience, these candied mice are too cute to pass up this holiday season.
Chocolate BonbonsMaking these chocolate bonbons fresh will ensure that they retain their beautiful shiny coating. The shininess comes from mixing shortening with the chocolate, and they should stay that way unless you make them early and store them in the fridge. If you'd rather not melt all the chocolate for these in the microwave, you can read up on our other tips for melting chocolate for an option that works best for you.
Aunt Rose’s Fantastic Butter ToffeeFor only using five ingredients, this butter toffee recipe yields about 32 pieces and can be a very easy gift to package up for loved ones. Make sure to use your candy thermometer so that your butter and sugar combination is just the right consistency before pouring over the nuts and chocolate.
Coconut Yule TreesSome Christmas candy recipes are pretty basic; these coconut yule trees are anything but simple. For as detailed as they look, though, these macaroon-like cookies are pretty easy to make. Get the kids involved with decorating.
Angel Food Christmas CandyIf you're a fan of old-fashioned candies, then you'll need to try this crispy, chocolate covered candy. The inside is airy and light and the outside has a think chocolate coating that will melt in your mouth.
Layered Mint CandiesIf you're headed to multiple holiday gatherings this year, consider this layered mint candy recipe—it yields over 9 dozen candies! Once the candy is cut into serving squares, they can be placed in airtight containers and refrigerated to stay fresh.
Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee CrispsM&M's, peanuts, pretzels, chocolate chips—these toffee crisps have the works! Although these candies look beautiful, they are one of those sweet and salty treats that require no decorating expertise.
Mulled Wine Jelly CandiesIf one of your favorite brandy cocktails is mulled wine, then these candies will be your new holiday go-to. Buy wine especially for this recipe or use leftover wine from a party. Once you've let them rest overnight, these jelly candies can be enjoyed for up to a week.
Almond Cherry FudgeA soft square of fudge may be one of the best Christmas candy recipes ever. With chopped almonds and candied cherries, this fudge will be delicious as a dessert or paired with a glass of your favorite wine.
Rudolph TreatsWhether you have kids, grandkids or you just like to make cute desserts, these Rudolph candies will not disappoint. Place all the ingredients in separate bowls and make an assembly line setup for a fun family night activity.
Christmas MarshmallowsThere are quite a few things you can add to your hot cocoa that aren't marshmallows. If you go through the process of making your marshmallows from scratch though, you're going to want to top off your hot cocoa with these festive candies.
Matzo ToffeeFor beginner bakers, simple cookies and easy candies like toffee are great ways to spread Christmas cheer while you're still working on your baking skills. These matzo toffee bits won't take long to make, and there's no decorating needed. Crack the toffee, place the cracked candy on a serving tray, and enjoy.
Chocolate Peanut Butter CandyYou are three ingredients and 10 minutes away from one incredibly easy candy. Use up that jar of peanut butter you've had in your pantry, mix it with white candy coating and chocolate chips, swirl the ingredients and you're done.
Caramel Pretzel BitesThese beautiful candy bars are sure to go quick at family Christmas parties, so make sure you make enough to go around. You can make this Christmas candy recipe your own by using food dye to turn the drizzle red and green or you can swap the pecans for a different type of nut.
Homemade Peanut Butter CupsIt’s time to break out your mini-muffin pan, but not for muffins! Make your own Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with this copycat recipe. Once the cups are set and the chocolate is no longer soft, transfer these treats out of the muffin pan and into a storage container. Keep them chilled in the fridge for up to a month. If you prefer your peanut butter cups a little more soft, you can leave them out at room temperature for about a day.
Chocolate TrufflesThese velvety soft chocolate truffles are a game changer when it comes to Christmas candy recipes. You only need four ingredients and you can create a dessert all chocolate lovers will enjoy.
Christmas Crunch CandyAny sweet that can be made ahead comes in super handy during a busy holiday season. These crunchy cashew Christmas candies can be made up to a month in advance when stored in an airtight container.
Salted Peanut RollsFor party guests, family, friends or neighbors who love a nutty candy, these salted peanut rolls will delight. You can leave a few plain, dip a few in chocolate and drizzle chocolate over the tops of some to change up the look of these candies.
My Christmas FudgeUnlike many candy recipes, these fudge squares call for evaporated milk rather than condensed milk. Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar like condensed milk does, so make sure to use the correct one. Once these are made, store the squares in layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.
Cream Cheese CandiesIf you're not big into sugary desserts or you'd prefer just a hint of something sweet after a filling meal, these festive little Christmas candies will do the trick. The Christmas colored sugar will make these stand out on a sweets tray or a candy dish.
Pulled Taffy Candy CanesWatching how candy canes are made is mesmerizing, and with a candy thermometer and some patience, you can make your own at home. These pulled taffy candy canes are the perfect homemade gift this season.
Peppermint MeringuesWe have some beautiful meringue recipes, and these little peppermint puffs definitely take the cake for Christmas. They do take a while to bake compared to other desserts, but the outcome will be delightful.
Soft Rum CaramelsThe rum extract in these caramels really take them to the next level. To make them festive for sharing, wrap these Christmas candies in holiday themed cellophane or waxed paper tied with red and green ribbon.
White Candy BarkThis white candy bark will make for a pretty display in your holiday candy jar. You can add any topping you prefer to make this treat your own. Swap the dried cranberries for a different type of fruit and mix and match the kind of nuts you include.
Coconut JoysCoconut balls with a nutty, chocolate center? It might not get better than these bite-sized morsels. When you're in a hurry and need to whip up a quick dessert for a holiday party, these will come in super handy.
Chocolate-Dipped Candy CanesIf chocolate and peppermint is your favorite flavor combination during the Christmas season, then look no further than these chocolate-dipped candy canes. Have fun decorating these or make things easy and just top off the chocolate with some colorful sprinkles.
Cinnamon Almond BrittleWhen you'd prefer something spiced over something sweet, this Christmas candy recipe for almond brittle should be at the top of your list. As much as you might want to keep this candy all for yourself, the recipe does make 2 pounds of brittle, so it's an ideal recipe for sharing with a crowd.
Three-Chocolate FudgeThis three-chocolate fudge calls for lots of semisweet chocolate, so get your sweet tooth ready. If you don't like a crunch in your fudge, omit the chopped pecans.
Butter Pecan FudgeChocolate Christmas gifts are popular during the holiday season, but if you know people who don't love chocolate, you can adapt your dessert tins and gift bags to their tastes with sweets like this butter pecan fudge. You can also make these squares to mix and match with chocolate and white chocolate fudge squares for pretty variation.
Old-Time Butter Crunch CandyAnything with a cup of butter is sure to be delectable, and these butter crunch bars are just that. If you're not a fan of milk chocolate, you can swap the candy bars for a dark chocolate.
Tiger Butter Bark CandyAnother Christmas candy recipe with only four ingredients here. We love a candy that calls for pretty minimal effort but yields so much flavor. The chocolate swirl in this butter bark will make it look like you bought the confection at a candy shop!
Texas Pecan PralinesIf you don't love how crunchy brittle is, try this praline recipe. This Christmas candy recipe calls for cooking at a lower temperature, which means the final result will be softer than other types of candy. You can use a cookie scoop for easy serving sizes of this tasty treat.
Peppermint LollipopsThese lollipops are so festive, you won't be able to pass them up. When you're gathering your ingredients, don't forget to buy lollipop sticks so you can get the full effect. If you can't find sticks or you'd rather skip that step, you can simply make these into hard candies.
Creme de Menthe TrufflesIf you have a bottle of Creme de Menthe in the house from making Irish coffee, use some of it in this recipe. If you like peppermint patties, you'll love these truffles.
Chocolate Mascarpone TrufflesCheese in a Christmas candy recipe? Yes! You don't want to overlook these Mascarpone truffles. They can be rolled in any of your favorite nuts to add texture to the silky center.
Anise GumdropsFeeling ambitious? Try your hand at a completely from-scratch gingerbread house and decorate it with these anise gumdrops. You can make these ahead and freeze them for a couple weeks.
Divinity CandyThis recipe for divinity candy is fun because you stick to the basics or make it your own with flavored gelatin or chocolate chips. Because it's a meringue treat, it will be a perfect pick-me-up after a heavy meal.
Cinnamon Candy PopcornCaramel corn is great in the fall, but when winter rolls around, this candied treat is much more festive. This cinnamon candy popcorn only calls for four ingredients and it'll be a delicious party snack for people who like a sweet and salty combination.
Cinnamon Rock CandyIf this was always in a tin at your grandma's house around Christmastime and you miss the flavorful treat, here's how to make it on your own! The recipe calls for cinnamon oil, which you should be able to find at your local pharmacy or kitchen supply store.
Licorice CaramelsThis Christmas candy recipe for licorice caramels makes 12 dozen candies. Rest assured, you can use these as stocking stuffers, in cookie tins or in your own candy jar for when guests come to visit. You can always cut the recipe in half if you want to make fewer caramels.
Frosty Polar BearsIf you have little ones at home or you love getting creative with your grandkids, give these frosty polar bears a try. They use basic ingredients and require no cooking.
Snowman Oreo BallsOf course, we had to end on the most adorable Oreo balls of all time. These little snowmen are so fun to assemble, and you can get the whole family involved. The end result might even be too cute to eat!
Having always wanted a career in writing, Melany couldn't have found a better place than Taste of Home to begin. When she's not scribbling in her notebook or working at her computer, she can be found experimenting with new recipes or relaxing with a book and her cats.
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Updated: Mar. 01, 2023
Peanut Butter Snowballs
We can't get enough of desserts that look like snowballs when Christmastime rolls around. For a time-saving tip, use candy coating discs instead of bars so you don't have to spend time chopping up all the chocolate.
