Calling all candy lovers and Christmas enthusiasts! Are you searching for a delightful and nostalgic treat to add to your holiday menu? Look no further than Southern Christmas candy, a simple and sentimental recipe passed down through generations.
This irresistible candy boasts a unique blend of textures and flavors. The creamy peanut butter filling nestled within the melt-in-your-mouth potato dough creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation. But beyond its deliciousness, Southern Christmas candy embodies the spirit of the season – tradition, togetherness, and a touch of sweet nostalgia.
What Is Southern Christmas Candy?
Some people may call this “potato candy”.
There are two thoughts as to how this treat came to be. One is that this southern Christmas candy came to the United States somewhere around the turn of the century. It is thought that the no-bake Christmas candy recipe came from Germany, with immigrants. Others believe it originated during the Great Depression.
The candy contains only two main ingredients used to make this candy: potato and powdered sugar. However, once it came to America, peanut butter was added.
This potato candy recipe was popular with the people who settled in the Appalachia. Most were poor and couldn’t afford expensive candy. Potatoes were plentiful and the candy was easy to make.
“Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you could have lasted forever.” – Dylan Lauren
A Family Tradition
Every year, since I can remember, my mother has made what she calls Southern Candy. It’s really a simple recipe and today, I am going to share with you how to make the best southern Christmas Candy.
I can honestly say, there isn’t a Christmas that I can remember without this sweet, peanut butter potato candy. It was always a treat! A family tradition, this candy has been made by my aunts and mother for generations. Even at the age of 93, my mother continues to join me in the kitchen to prepare this beloved treat.
It’s my turn to carry this tradition on.
Do I think my three boys will carry-on and make it?
I’d say time will tell, but I will definitely teach my beautiful daughter-in-laws how to make it!
Recipe Ingredients
- One small russet potato
- Powdered sugar
- vanilla
- peanut butter
- wax paper or parchment paper
Additional Homemade Christmas Treats!
Boil and Mash the Potato: The Foundation of Southern Christmas Candy
Wash your potato and boil fully cooked. Once cooked let the potato cool. I sometimes put mine in a bowl of cold water. If you boil the potato earlier in the day you can let it cool on it’s own. It just takes longer doing it that way. After the potato has cooled removed the skin. I scrape it off with a sharp knife. It will peel back easily.
In a mixing bowl remove 1/4 of the meat from the potato. Begin mashing it with a fork until you get a smooth consistency. Some people use a mixer but I never do. My mother used a fork and that’s the way I do it.
If you use more than a 1/4 of the potato it will become too big and hard to work with.
This means you can make more than one dough ball from the potato you cook.
When you finish mashing the potato, add the 1/4 tsp of vanilla.
Mix in Powdered Sugar: Creating a Sweet and Sticky Dough
You’ll need a sifter for the next step. Begin sifting the powdered sugar to the mashed potato. The mixture will first become a creamy consistency. Continue mixing until you have used all the powdered sugar and it becomes a dough. I say three to four cups, however, small potatoes can vary in size, so be prepared to adjust the amount of powdered sugar needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
Roll Out the Dough: Shaping Your Candy
Form the dough into an elongated oval shape. This shape allows for easier rolling and spreading of the peanut butter.
Sprinkle your parchment paper with powdered sugar. Then roll the dough out.
You will want to roll the dough out as thin as you can. Using a thick dough will make it too sweet.
Spread Peanut Butter: Adding a Nutty Flavor
Generously spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over the dough. Using a butter knife, gently roll up the dough, taking care not to crack the delicate pastry. The finished roll should resemble a miniature pumpkin or a jelly roll.
Refrigerate the Dough: Setting the Candy
Refrigerate for two hours to let the roll harden. After it has cooled you can cut into thin slices and serve.
Southern Christmas Candy
Ingredients
- 1 Small Russet Potato
- 3 – 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla
- 1 Cup Peanut Butter Smooth or crunchy will work
Instructions
- Step 1 – Boil the potato until fully cooked and then let cool.
- Step 2 – After potato has cooled removed the skin. I scrape it off with a sharp knife. It will peel back easily.
- Step 3- In a mixing bowl remove 1/4 of the meat from the potato. Begin mashing it with a fork until you get a smooth consistency. Some people use a mixer but I never do. My mother used a fork and that's the way I do it.**If you use more than a 1/4 of the potato it will become too big and hard to work with.**
- Step 4 – Begin adding the powdered sugar to the potato. Mix until you have used all the powdered sugar and it becomes a dough. Gather the dough into a ball or oblong shape. Sprinkle your parchment paper with powdered sugar. Then roll the dough out.
- Step 5 – Spread a coat of peanut butter over the dough. Next, carefully start to roll up the candy just like a pumpkin or jelly roll.
- Step 6 – Refridgerate for two hours to let the roll harden. After it has cooled you can cut into thin slices and serve.
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Sweeten the Season with Southern Christmas Candy
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Southern Christmas Candy is a delightful and easy-to-make treat. So why not give it a try this holiday season? Your family and friends will thank you! If you’re looking for another easy recipe, check out my No-Fail Holiday Peanut Butter Cookies.
May your Christmas be merry and bright…and have a little candy!
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I have never heard of this candy before. Kim, I cannot wait to try it.
I hope you get to try it! It is definitely a sweet treat!!
This sounds so good! I’ve never heard of this combination before. I’m going to give it a try!
Hope you enjoy it!
I love this, Kim, and planning on trying it.
Thank you for sharing…pinned!
xoxo,
Brendt
Thank you, Brendt! Happy weekend!
This sounds so interesting Kim, I will have to try it. I am a big lover of anything with peanut butter..
It is so sweet and bursting with peanut butter! I hope you get to try it!
These look so delicious! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe! Pinned.
I know! I can’t wait to try them all!
This looks so delicious Kim! I can’t wait to share your recipe on my Saltwater Sounds post this Sunday.
Thanks, I appreciate that so much, Kim!! Hope you have an amazing new week!
Thank you for the candy recipe. My mother used to make it. I have tried to make the candy with a potato but the recipe did not mention using only 1/4 of the potato.
Now I will be able to make the candy like my mother used to make. It’s only taken me 75 years. But..better late than never. I will be passing this recipe down to my daughters and granddaughters.
Again, thank you so very much,
Awe, I’m so glad to hear this! I hope it turns out great! It’s such a wonderful treat for the holiday. Merry Christmas!
My mom made this many years ago (she died in 2006.) The candy was good but you should consider updating the recipe – I went by the size of the potato related to your hand and I probably used at least 8-12 cups of powdered sugar! Give us a measurement – maybe use 1 cup of the mashed potato or something similar! I have 2 rolls in refrigerator right now and will probably have at least 2 more rolls after I divided it!
I am so glad to see this. My grandmother used to make it, but it has been years since I’ve had this. I actually learned to make this in my home economics class many many years ago! I am looking forward to giving this another try! Thanks for sharing it!
Oh, I’m so glad! It’s a family favorite, for sure! Merry Christmas!
Thank you so very much. I have been looking for years for a recipe that really works. Most of the recipes call for a whole potato. All the recipes I tried were failures.
My mother used to make this candy. She did not have a recipe. My mom died when I was young, her method went with her.
I made your recipe and it worked and was delicious. Thanks again❤️
Oh, I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy the candy!