Santa’s Coal Candy

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5 from 4 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

This easy Santa’s coal candy is a fun and easy treat that you can make with only three ingredientsNot only does it look authentic, but it tastes great too!  And, because you really don’t need to be precise in how you form the lumps of coal, it’s a great recipe to have the kids help with.

Santa's Coal Candy in a bag.

The Santa’s Coal Candy is perfect for your Elf on the Shelf or for a treat for Santa.This year have your loved ones been naughty or nice?  If you answered “naughty” then Santa may just have to leave some coal under the tree. This super easy candy coal that can be made in under 15 minutes!


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What We Love About This Christmas Coal Recipe

No candy thermometer or equipment needed. This recipe is truly so easy and so good. It is not a punishment to make this delightful candy recipe.

  • 10 Minutes: So quick to make for family or friends.
  • Easy Ingredients: Only three simple ingredients.
  • Family Friendly: Easy to make with kids and great for them to give as gifts.
  • Makes a Great Gift: Wonderful to give to teachers or add to cookie trays etc. It is a great gag gift, no bad behavior necessary.
Santa's Coal Candy

Ingredient Notes

  • Cookies: Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies can be great for this recipe.
  • Butter: Salted butter for this candy coal. Can use right out of the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Oreos – A low calorie or gluten-free dark chocolate cookie can be used for this recipe.
  • Butter – Can use a non dairy alternative.

How to Make Christmas Coal Candy

These are the basic steps for making christmas coal . Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

marshmallow and ingredients to make the candy.

STEP 1: COOKIE CRUMBS

First, place cookies in food processor and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs.

STEP 2: MELT

Then place marshmallows and butter in a large, microwave safe bowl; microwave for 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Remove marshmallows from microwave and stir in cookie crumbs.

STEP 3: FIRM

Next, break off pieces of the mixture and form into lumps that resemble coal. Finally, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, piece of aluminum foil or wax paper. Allow to set until firm.

Prep and Storage Tips

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME

You can make this candy up to a week in advance.

HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE

Store this coal candy in an airtight container or wrap well in plastic wrap at room temperature. No need to place in the refrigerator.

HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE

The candy can be frozen for up to two months in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE WITHOUT A FOOD PROCESSOR?

Place the cookies in a large plastic bag and use a clean wooden spoon or kitchen mallet to crush.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE DIFFERENT COOKIES?

Of course, try adding any flavor of cookie that you like. If you use a lighter cookie try tinting by adding black gel food coloring to make it look like coal.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Indeed, because it is such a wonderful gift, you can double or triple the recipe.

MELT THE MARSHMALLOWS?

If you do not want to microwave the marshmallows you can use a medium saucepan on the stove top over medium heat and whisk until it melts and then pour in the crumbled cookies. Remove crystals by wiping down the sides of pan with a wet pastry brush if necessary.

 BAG OF CANDY ON IT'S SIDE.

Expert Tips for Making This Perfect Fudge Recipe

  • Add Flavor: Peppermint extract or pure vanilla extract can be added to the candy.
  • Chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be added.
  • Variation tip: Feel free to add rice krispies or nuts to the coal candy.
  • Alternate ingredients: Sprinkles or edible glitter can be a great addition to the coal.
  • Gift of Coal: Place the coal in little bags with cute gift tags.

What to Serve with Santa’s Coal Candy

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Santa's Coal Candy in a bag.
5 from 4 votes

Santa’s Coal Candy

Yield: 24 pieces
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
This easy Santa's coal candy is a fun and easy treat that you can make with only three ingredientsNot only does it look authentic, but it tastes great too!  And, because you really don’t need to be precise in how you form the lumps of coal, it’s a great recipe to have the kids help with.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Ingredients

  • 15.25 ounces chocolate sandwich cookies , (such as Oreos)
  • 5 cups mini marshmallows
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  • Place cookies in food processor and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs.
  • Place marshmallows and butter in a large, microwave safe bowl; microwave for 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed.
  • Remove marshmallows from microwave and stir in cookie crumbs.
  • Break off pieces of the mixture and form into lumps that resemble coal.
  • Place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Allow to set until firm.

Video

Expert Tips

 
  • Add Flavor: Peppermint extract or pure vanilla extract can be added to the candy.
  • Chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be added.
  • Variation tip: Feel free to add rice krispies or nuts to the coal candy.
  • Alternate ingredients: Sprinkles or edible glitter can be a great addition to the coal.
  • Gift of Coal: Place the coal in little bags with cute gift tags.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 59IU | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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8 thoughts on “Santa’s Coal Candy”

  1. Yes I have a question…in your tips on making recipes you state you can change the amount but I see no place on this recipe to do that…Am I missing it?

    Reply
  2. Click on the big, black “JUMP TO RECIPE” button at the top of the page and it will take you right to the recipe. Or you can scroll down to the bottom of the post to get the recipe. 🙂

    Reply
  3. This treat is adorable! Print and pin! Fun fag gift or conversation starter at a party! Thanks for the recipe and Happy Holidays!

    Reply

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