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Christmas Candy & Stocking Stuffers

The Christmas candy dish, done the old-fashioned way: soft peppermints, candy canes, starlight mints, ribbon candy and red-and-green spice drops, plus the nougats Europe eats at Christmas, like Italian torrone and Spanish turrón. Here's what each one is and how to use it for stockings, candy bowls and gifts.

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The Christmas candy dish, done the old-fashioned way: soft peppermints, candy canes, starlight mints, ribbon candy and red-and-green spice drops, plus the nougats Europe eats at Christmas, like Italian torrone and Spanish turrón. Here's what each one is and how to use it for stockings, candy bowls and gifts.

The classics, explained

  • Soft peppermints (peppermint puffs) are aerated and melt on the tongue. Starlight mints are hard red-and-white pinwheel discs that last much longer.
  • Candy canes come full-size, mini and as giant sticks. Minis fit in stockings and hang on the tree.
  • Ribbon candy is a thin, folded hard candy and a holiday favorite since the 1800s. It's fragile, so it's sold boxed.
  • Spice drops in red and green are a candy-dish staple and the classic trim for gingerbread houses.
  • Torrone and turrón are honey-and-almond nougats eaten at Christmas in Italy and Spain. Italian torrone is usually wrapped in wafer paper. Spanish turrón comes hard (Alicante style, whole almonds) or soft (Jijona style, ground almonds).
  • Marzipan is sweet almond paste. In Germany it's shaped into small cocoa-dusted "potatoes" for the holidays.

How to choose

  • Stockings: wrapped pieces, mini candy canes, chocolate oranges and small torrone bars travel well.
  • Office bowls and parties: 2 to 5 lb bags of individually wrapped peppermints or starlights go furthest.
  • Gifting: tins, boxed assortments and gift baskets look finished without extra wrapping.
  • Baking: crush candy canes or starlights for peppermint bark, cookie tops and cocoa rims.

Brands and prices

Brands here include Red Bird, Brach's, The Hampton Candy Company, A Great Surprise, La Florentine, Klub Bulk, Atkinson's and El Almendro. Most products are priced between $22 and $40.

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Storing holiday candy

Keep peppermints and hard candy sealed in a cool, dry place, because humidity makes them sticky. Chocolate keeps best at around 60–70°F, away from sunlight and heat. Soft nougat is best within a few weeks of opening.

More for the holidays

Pair the candy with holiday coffee, tea and cocoa, or send something bigger from our holiday food gifts: fruitcake, panettone and gift baskets. For year-round sweets, browse all candy and nostalgic and retro candy.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between soft peppermints and starlight mints?

Soft peppermints are aerated and dissolve quickly. Starlight mints are hard, slow-dissolving discs with the red-and-white pinwheel pattern.

What is torrone?

An Italian nougat made from honey, egg white and toasted almonds or hazelnuts, traditionally eaten at Christmas. It comes soft or crunchy.

What makes a good stocking stuffer?

Something small, wrapped and shelf-stable: mini candy canes, chocolate oranges, wrapped peppermints, torrone bars or a box of ribbon candy.

How do I keep candy canes from getting sticky?

Leave them in their wrappers and store them away from humidity and heat. Once a cane is unwrapped, eat it or crush it for baking within a day or two.

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