Santa’s Coal Candy is a fun holiday treat you can make with your kids. It only uses three ingredients, and takes just 10 minutes to make. Embrace your inner rebel with these decadent Santa’s Naughty List Candies. These candies are dark, rich, and oh-so-delicious, perfect for a holiday treat with a twist.
Need more candy treats? Try my candy haystacks and my no-bake peanut butter balls.
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Why this Christmas Coal Candy Recipe is a Keeper
These sweet candies are fun to eat, and don’t involve any cooking. You don’t even need a prepared pan to make them. They’re perfect for special occasions and holidays, and are super easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love these magical treats:
- 10 Minute Treat: Make this candy coal in just 10 minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for these Christmas lumps of coal can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Only 3 Ingredients: This Christmas coal is made with Oreos, mini marshmallows, and butter.
Where Does the Tradition of Giving Kids Coal Come From?
In the 19th and 20th centuries, coal burning fireplaces were more common than wood fireplaces. The story of Santa Claus giving naughty kids coal likely came from the idea that coal was convenient to grab after coming down the chimney. In the Victorian era, coal would be a practical gift for adults, as it would be used to heat homes.
Ingredient Notes for Santa’s Candy Coal
- Cookies: Oreos or other chocolate sandwich cookies can be great for this recipe, giving the candy its brown or black color. You can use a sugar free cookie if you’d prefer.
- Butter: Use 4 tablespoons of salted butter for this candy coal.
See the recipe card at the end for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Prep Ahead Suggestions for Lump of Coal Candy
- Make Ahead: Make this candy ahead of time, then serve when you’re ready.
Special Equipment Needed for Candy
- Food Processor: Make this naughty candy easily and quickly with the food processor.
Gag Gift Candy Pro Tip
Add edible glitter to the candy to give it a shine.
How to Make Santa Christmas Candy
These are the basic steps for making marshmallow candy coal. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Blend the Cookies
Blend the cookies in the food processor into fine crumbs. Microwave the marshmallows and butter in a microwave safe bowl for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the microwave and mix in cookie crumbs, stirring evenly.
2. Form the Candy
Break off pieces of the mixture with a spoon and form into chunks. Place on a non-stick baking sheet lined with wax paper and allow to cool and set until hard.
How to Store and Use Leftover Christmas Stocking Stuffer Cookies
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them as well.
- Using Leftovers: These candies should stay good for 3-5 days.
Variations and Substitutions for this Naughty or Nice Holiday Treat
- Cookies: Make these candies with other kinds of cookies instead of Oreos.
- Butter Substitute: Instead of butter, use a substitute or vegan alternative.
Christmas Coal Recipe FAQs
If you loved this recipe for these delicious candies, make sure to share it and leave a review!
Serve this recipe with saltine crack candy, white trash candy, or peppermint hot chocolate bombs.
Yes; try blending in some peppermint extract or vanilla extract.
Arrange the candy on a festive serving tray, or put it in goodie bags for your guests.
Expert Tips for Making Candy Coal for Christmas
- Chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate chips can add a sweeter taste.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add Rice Krispies or nuts to the coal candy.
- Alternate ingredients: Pour in sprinkles or edible glitter to turn these lumps of coal shiny.
Santa’s Coal Candy
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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.
Christina’s Notes
- Chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate chips can add a sweeter taste.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add Rice Krispies or nuts to the coal candy.
- Alternate ingredients: Pour in sprinkles or edible glitter to turn these lumps of coal shiny.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Will it only last 3 to 5 days or can it last longer?
For longer freshness, refrigerate it. It’ll stay good for up to 2 weeks, though the texture may firm up slightly
Does this recipe need to be refrigerated to last?
It will be fine in an airtight container at room temperature.
At the end of the recipe you have Expert Tips saying extract flavoring can be added or chocolate chips or rice crispy. How much would I add in each of these examples? Could I add 2 flavors?
You could add the extract as you mix the ingredients together. You could add more than one extract but split the mixture into two different boels first.
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?
Underneath the prep time, there is a field that says “servings”. You can change the amount there.
Can you eat this? How good is the teast?
Yes, you can eat it.
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. 🙂
Is 1 oz bag of cookies correct ??????
It’s 1 15.25 oz package of cookies 🙂
This treat is adorable! Print and pin! Fun fag gift or conversation starter at a party! Thanks for the recipe and Happy Holidays!