Joanna Gaines Just Shared Her Cherry Mash Candy Recipe, and We’re Making It for Christmas

It’s that time of the holiday season when we bust out all of our holiday recipes and spend an entire day in the kitchen. You can almost always find me making batches of chocolate pretzel rings and gingerbread cookies on Christmas Eve.

Well, if you’re a fan of Joanna Gaines (and her Christmas trees), we’ve got the perfect holiday treat for you. Joanna shared a cherry mash candy recipe that might just become your new holiday go-to!

How to Make “Cherry Mashers” Like Joanna Gaines

This cherry mash candy recipe comes from Joanna’s Aunt Mary. “There is an unexpected delight that comes with the blend of cherry and chocolate,” she says. Joanna loves this take on the original Cherry Mash so much, she had to share on her Magnolia blog!

Ingredients

• 1 package (7.2 ounces) Betty Crocker Fluffy White Frosting Mix
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons margarine, room temperature
• 1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 package (20 ounces) chocolate almond bark, broken into smaller pieces
• 1 bag (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips
• 2-1/2 cups dry-roasted salted peanuts, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Tools You’ll Need

Small Cookie Scoop

Baking Sheet

Stand Mixer

Directions

Step 1: Mix your cherry mash

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, take your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add frosting mix, powdered sugar, margarine, maraschino cherries, vanilla and condensed milk. Combine starting on low speed, gradually turning the speed to medium and beat until the mixture has a fluffy consistency. It should take around 4 minutes, according to Joanna.

Step 2: Form the cherry candy

Take your mixture and begin to form 1-inch balls with your small cookie scoop. Place each ball on the lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm, about 1-2 hours.

Step 3: Create the chocolate coating

In a medium saucepan, add the chocolate bark, chocolate chips, peanuts and vegetable oil and melt over medium heat. Mix to combine.

Step 4: Dunk the cherry candy in chocolate

Remove the cherry balls from the freezer and dunk one at a time into the chocolate coating using either a fork or spoon. Work in batches. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off over the pan and return to the baking sheet.

Step 5: Refrigerate until set

Refrigerate the cherry mash candy until completely hardened, around 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Recipes for Homemade Christmas Candy

1 / 53

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

Go to Recipe

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 (Check out our full guide to how to make candy to learn tips, tools you'll need and more!)

Go to Recipe

 

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

Go to Recipe

Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

I like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade 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

Go to Recipe

Try making this sugarplums recipe for more festive fun!

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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 (Avoid these these common homemade chocolate truffle mistakes!)

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

This holiday season, satisfy a loved one's sweet tooth with these amazing Christmas chocolate gifts.

Chocolate Mascarpone Truffles

These luscious, satiny truffles are so versatile...omit the pistachos and try all three variations listed below. —Diane Fuqua, Baltimore, Maryland (Here's how to store chocolate truffles!)

Go to Recipe

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.

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Cherry Mice

Say cheese! Our sweet little mice are so cute, you'll want to take a picture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Bonbons

My grandmother gave me this tasty chocolate bonbons recipe when I was a girl. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of her huge kitchen and all the delicious treats she made. —Joan Lewis, Reno, Nevada

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Homemade Holiday Marshmallows

This recipe was my grandpa’s favorite. Every year, he would busy himself by making Christmas marshmallows for his family and friends. —Diana Byron, New London, Ohio

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

data-position="recipe image" data-adobe-analytics="true">

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

Go to Recipe

Peanut Butter Snowballs

This recipe for peanut butter ball cookies is a nice change from the typical milk chocolate and peanut butter combination. I once prepared them for a bake sale at my granddaughter's school, and I've also put them in gift boxes to share with neighbors at Christmas. —Wanda Regula, Birmingham, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy

With only 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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Caramel Pretzel Bites

I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

(Or try out this classic peanut brittle for the holidays!)

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Peppermint Meringues

Peppermint lovers won't be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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 in place of the cranberries. —Marcia Snyder, Grand Junction, Colorado

Go to Recipe

Coconut Joys

If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Butter Pecan Fudge

Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch to this creamy fudge, perfect for holiday giving. People always seem to rave about its wonderful caramel flavor. —Pam Smith, Alta Loma, California

Go to Recipe

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 most popular part of that collection. We love the nutty pieces draped in chocolate. —Mildred Duffy, Bella Vista, Arkansas

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

Texas Pecan Pralines

My pecan 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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

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

Go to Recipe

The post Joanna Gaines Just Shared Her Cherry Mash Candy Recipe, and We’re Making It for Christmas appeared first on Taste of Home.

source https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/cherry-mash-candy-recipe/

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on Google+

Share on LinkedIn

Subscribe to receive free email updates: