24 Treats We Hope St. Nick Stuffs in Our Socks

A friend made these treats and gave them away in pretty canning jars. The combination of sweet, salty and peppermint is just right. Try dipping them in white candy coating and rolling them in crushed candy canes for variety.—Michelle Krzmarzick, Redondo Beach, California

Jewel-toned squares made by SueAnn Bunt of Painted Post, New York are softer than store-bought gumdrops.

If you love cinnamon rolls and spiced cookies, make a bite-sized version that combines the best of both worlds. Genius! — Jasmine Sheth, New York, New York

Whether you need a quick gift idea or yummy munchies for movie night, we’ve got you covered with this peppermint twist on regular popped popcorn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This decadent treat doesn’t last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee

I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas

This recipe is special to me because it is totally original, my very own! The cookies are firm but not crunchy on the outside, and they’re tender inside. The powdered sugar makes them melt in your mouth. —Jane Rundell, Alanson, Michigan

I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we’re celebrating. People can’t believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey, peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota

I love making this classic butterscotch recipe. We think these irresistible bites are better than the store-bought variety… and they sure don’t last long! —Darlene Smithers, Elkhart, Indiana

Rudolph and his pals will be dashing, dancing and prancing to gobble up this savory snack mix. Humans also will enjoy the buttery, perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crunchy combination. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I can’t seem to make enough of these cornflake wreaths around the holidays. The cookies firm up quickly, so you’ll need to place the Red Hots right away. —Kathleen Hedger, Fairview Heights, Illinois

One of my first experiences with cooking was helping my mother make these caramels. We’d make up to 12 batches each year. Today, I do at least 95 percent of the cooking at home, but my wife does much of the baking. —Robert Sprenkle, Hurst, Texas

My guests say they can’t stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team’s logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn’t sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona

These candies disappear as fast as I can make them. The five-ingredient microwave recipe is easy and fun to make. When drizzled with white chocolate and packaged with ribbon, they’re a pretty gift. —Charlotte Midthun, Granite Falls, Minnesota

My mom used to make these cookies every Christmas, and I still love them. They are so colorful…and you can get two kinds of cookies from one dough! They’re perfect for including in gift boxes.—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland

My daughter, Hannah, and I came up with this recipe on Christmas Eve when she wanted to make treats for Santa. Building a real snowman is fun, but we think coating one in candy is even cooler! —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

These red-and-white striped treats get lots of compliments for their cute looks and minty taste. The seasonal confections are easy to make and so light that they melt in your mouth! —Anne Lindway of Indianapolis, Indiana

Large, soft and chewy, these molasses cookies make a great snack. This classic recipe has a warm blend of spices that seems stronger the second day. Your family will definitely ask you to make these again.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

If you like chocolate-covered pretzels, you’ll love these simple snacks. They’re fun to make any time of year because you can color-coordinate the M&M’s to each holiday. —Kim Scurio, Carol Stream, Illinois

Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

This no-bake snack mix is a real treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place it in individual plastic bags or pour some into colored ice cream cones and cover with plastic wrap for a fun presentation. —Kara De la Vega, Santa Rosa, California.

These homemade mints make a perfect last-minute addition to holiday treat trays. Pretty much everyone in my neighborhood has this recipe now! —Katie Koziolek, Hartland, Minnesota

Here’s proof that peanut butter and chocolate just belong together. These cookies are an easy family favorite and never fail to make my children smile. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina

With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and scrumptiously rich flavor, this is the ultimate toffee! Drizzled on top are three different kinds of melted chips, plus a sprinkling of walnuts. Packaged in colorful tins, these pretty pieces make great gifts. —Lana Petfield Richmond, Virginia