We’re wrapping up October, so of course, Christmas treats are already on the shelf. From Nestle’s mean, green Grinch-inspired cookies to the irresistible Mint Chocolate Twinkies, it is the best time of the year! What’s better than cozying up by the fire with your favorite Hallmark holiday movie or finding a new surprise behind those little Advent calendar doors?
Well, here’s the latest thing we’re obsessed with: Reese’s Holiday Lights.
Unwrap the Most Festive Reese’s Ever
Each box of Reese’s Holiday Lights includes four super cute light-shaped chocolates that are the perfect complement to your seasonal candy dish. Four Reese’s might not sound like much, but a single bite into one of these guys is enough to have us singing Christmas carols until February.
The thick outer shell is made of classic milk chocolate, and the inside is, you guessed it, creamy peanut butter. We had the chance to try Reese’s Holiday Lights ahead of time, and it’s unanimous—this is the best snack of the season. Each box is the perfect fit for a stocking or wrapping for the gift exchange, so don’t be afraid to buy more than one box.
There’s no slowing down for Reese’s this year! Have you tried the Reese’s Take 5 bar yet?
Santa Has Already Delivered the Goods
You can squeeze down the chimney at your favorite grocery store, because Reese’s Holiday Lights are already here. They officially hit shelves on October 28, and if you’re quick, you might be able to snag a box before they pack up for the season. You can get yours at Walmart’s for a budget-friendly $3.49, and we expect to see them at other retailers, too.
Still can’t get enough peanut butter? Maybe they’ll bring back the Reese’s Advent calendar.
Turn Your Kitchen into a Candy Shop
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Chocolate Coconut Candies
These coconut candy balls disappear just as fast as I put them out. They're a snap to whip up and make a beautiful presentation on any holiday cookie plate. I mound them high and sprinkle with coconut…then watch them vanish! —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Psst: See the mistakes everyone makes when making candy from scratch.
Cashew Brittle
I like this quick and easy recipe because it doesn't require a candy thermometer. It also makes a wonderful gift for nut lovers on your list. —Rhonda Glenn, Prince Frederick, Maryland
Pistachio Cranberry Bark
I picked up this bark recipe at a Christmas sweets swap hosted by a woman in my Bible study group. My family, friends and I think it's just divine. Even my dad, who's not big on candy, loves it. —Susan Wacek, Pleasanton, California
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
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
Pink Ice
You'll love the creamy goodness of this refreshingly minty candy. It's festive pink color makes it lovely on the treat tray. --Phyllis Scheuer, Wenona, Illinois
Festive Holiday Fruitcake Bark
Every year I make brandy-soaked dried fruit for fruitcake, but I always make too much. When I tried turning the extras into candy, the result was a sweet and colorful bark for grown-ups. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Easy Truffles
Our smooth, creamy bonbons are so divine you may be tempted to save this recipe for a special occasion. But with just a few ingredients, they're easy to make anytime. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Peppermint Pretzel Dippers
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
Chocolate Mascarpone Truffles
These luscious, satiny truffles are so versatile...omit the pistachos and try all three variations listed below. —Diane Fuqua, Baltimore, Maryland
Holly Butter Mints
A merrier melt-in-your-mouth sweet than this butter-mint holly would be hard to find! It's inexpensive to make, looks so lovely on a candy tray and doesn't require refrigeration.
Eggnog Creams
I adapted a creamy, dreamy truffle recipe from a chocolate cookbook and came up with my variation to give as gifts. Rum and nutmeg add a bit of classic eggnog flavor. —Carla Manning, Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Chocolate Caramels
When I was growing up, my mom made these delicious candies every Christmas. They were my favorite then and still are today. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Cherry Mice
Say cheese! Our sweet little mice are so cute, you'll want to take a picture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Aunt Rose's Fantastic Butter Toffee
I don't live in the country, but I love everything about it—especially good old-fashioned home cooking! Every year, you'll find me at our county fair, entering a different contest. This easy toffee recipe is a family favorite. —Kathy Dorman, Snover, Michigan
Creamy Orange Caramels
Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Coconut Yule Trees
People say they love my coconut macaroon-like Christmas trees because they look so festive. Once decorated, these trees light up a room—just like the real thing. —Michelle Retterer, Marysville, Ohio
Layered Mint Candies
These incredible melt-in-your-mouth candies have the perfect amount of mint nestled between layers of mild chocolate. Even when I make a double batch for everyone to enjoy, the supply never lasts long at Christmas! —Rhonda Vauble, Sac City, Iowa
Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles
Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
Chocolate, Peanut & Pretzel Toffee Crisps
My "crispers" are the ultimate combination of salty and sweet. They never last long because—trust me—they're addictive! Make the recipe the way it's written or sprinkle on any treats you like. —Jennifer Butka, Livonia, Michigan
Mulled Wine Jelly Candies
I don’t drink alcohol, so after I’ve had company over for dinner, I have to do something with the leftover wine. These unusual jelly candies make a nice hostess gift during the holidays. I make the mulled red wine version for the winter holidays, and a white wine variation in spring and summer.—Jennifer Mack, Pensacola, Florida
Almond Cherry Fudge
Cooked in the microwave, this fast fudge is a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. I make it when I need a quick treat for a school party or to take to a neighbor. —Shellie Tucker, Hendersonvlle, Tennessee
Rudolph Treats
These adorable goodies are a fun treat for kids, neighbors and friends. Get the little ones involved and let them help you create a new holiday tradition. —Abigail Vandersaul, Saint Paul, Missouri
Homemade Holiday Marshmallows
This recipe was my grandpa's favorite. At Christmastime, he would be busy making marshmallows for his family and friends. —Diana Byron, New London, Ohio
Almond Crunch
Once you start eating this taste-tempting treat, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds...and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
Double Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Anyone who's fond of chocolate will like this smooth, nutty fudge twice as much. I enjoy making several batches when Christmas rolls around. It doesn't last long at our house during the December festivities! —Florence Hasty, Louisiana, Missouri
Peanut Butter Snowballs
This recipe for peanut butter ball cookies is a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combo. It's is also an easy one for children to help with. I've made them for a bake sale at my granddaughter's school and tucked them into holiday treat boxes for neighbors. These are easy peanut butter balls no baker should go without. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy
With just three ingredients, these chocolate-swirl treats take just moments to whip up! If you have little ones visiting for the holidays, have them help you with the stirring. —Holly Demers, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Rum Balls
Rum flavor comes through nicely in these traditional, no-bake rum balls. I like to make a few dozen at a time and give them to my neighbors for Christmas—Audrey Larson, Bloomington, Minnesota
Creamy Peppermint Patties
These smooth chocolate candies fill the bill for folks who like a little sweetness after a meal but don't want a full serving of rich dessert. —Donna Gonda, North Canton, Ohio
Caramel Pretzel Bites
I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts from a popular candy store. These are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Chocolate Truffles
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
These treats are such a snap to make, I almost feel guilty serving them. But nobody seems to mind I didn't put in much effort—they just keep coming back for more. —Keslie Houser, Pasco, Washington
Peppermint Swirl Fudge
Indulge in candy-shop flavor with these rich swirled squares. For Christmasy color, I add crushed peppermint candies and red food coloring. —Suzette Jury, Keene, California
Christmas Crunch Candy
Treat family and friends to a yummy brittle for the holidays. Made with cashews and Rice Krispies, it's loaded with crispy-crunchy goodness. —Amanda McLemore, Maryville, Tennessee
Salted Peanut Rolls
A Christmas gift of homemade candy is always a hit with sweet tooths. I dip these peanut rolls in chocolate, but they're yummy plain, too. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
My Christmas Fudge
This fudge is virtually foolproof and so creamy you won't believe it. I've searched for years for the richest fudge, and this one does it for me. You can add just about anything you like to customize it.—Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Cream Cheese Candies
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
Pulled Taffy Candy Canes
My grandmother always made these at Christmastime and said her mother did, too. The soft and chewy canes have a great minty flavor. They're especially nice because the whole family can pitch in to prepare them. —Sheryl O'Danne, Port Townsend, Washington
Peppermint Meringues
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are super as a Christmas gift or to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Soft Rum Caramels
I adapted a family recipe to come up with these melt-in-your-mouth caramels. My husband and daughter eagerly volunteer to eat any scraps from the pan! —Kelly-Ann Gibbons, Prince George, British Columbia
White Candy Bark
This speedy candy recipe can be varied depending on the type of fruit or nuts you have on hand. Since we have a walnut tree, I use walnuts, but pecans could also be substituted as well as dried cherries for the cranberries. —Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado
Coconut Joys
If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They’re cute as can be and would make a great after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes
I couldn't resist combining my two loves—peppermint and chocolate—in this recipe. These are so easy, but if one breaks in the process, just pop it in your mouth. —Sandra Baumgarten, Vancouver, Washington
Cinnamon Almond Brittle
It simply wouldn't be Christmas at our house without this old-time favorite twist on peanut brittle. No one believes how easy it is to make! —Lynette Kleinschmidt, Litchfield, Minnesota
Three-Chocolate Fudge
I make this fudge at Christmastime to give to friends and neighbors. That tradition started years ago when I made more candy than my husband, three sons and I could eat, so we shared it. It's a tasty tradition I'm glad to continue. —Betty Grantham, Hanceville, Alabama
Butter Pecan Fudge
Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy, buttery fudge. I have given this candy with its wonderful caramel flavor as gifts at Christmastime and people always rave about it! —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California
Old-Time Butter Crunch Candy
Both my children and my grandchildren say the season wouldn't be the same without the big tray of candies and cookies I prepare. This one's the popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Tiger Butter Bark Candy
Fans of tiger butter fudge will revel in this version that's very similar to bark candy. The chocolate swirls are pleasing to the eye, and the creamy, peanut flavor is a treat for the taste buds.—Philip Jones, Lubbock, Texas
Texas Pecan Pralines
My praline recipe is special to me for I received it from my mother, who was an excellent cook! I also am a Texas Aggie Mom and I use pecans from a South Texas Aggie grower that our Aggie Mom's club has purchased from for many years. The quality is outstanding and far better than you will find in any grocery store. —Carol Jones, Blue Ridge, Texas
Mint Chocolate Bark
After sampling peppermint bark from an upscale store, I thought, "I can make that!" Using four ingredients, I came up with a simple version that won over my friends and family. —Patti Maurer, Wise, Virginia
Peppermint Lollipops
These lollipops can be made with any shape cookie cutter. Gingerbread men, snowmen, Christmas trees and reindeer—there are endless color and design options, so let your creative juices flow! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creme de Menthe Truffles
I found this in a box of recipe clippings and decided to give them a whirl. I'm so glad I did! The minty flavor is perfect for Christmas. —Joe Mattes, Amana, Iowa
The post Reese’s New Holiday Light Shapes Will Make Your Christmas Merry and Bright appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon