We 3 Homemade Christmas Candies: Seven Layer Bars, Coconut Balls, Rocky Road

I've been making Christmas candies every year since I was a kid and these are my favorites. They're all very easy and use many of the same ingredients so I'm making quarter recipes of each so I can have a variety of candies and still be able to eat them all within the month of December.
Timestamps:
Seven Layer Bars: 0:01
Coconut Balls: 5:07
Rocky Road: 16:07
Seven Layer Bars: (The version I made in the video is half of this. The original recipe is twice this.)
Dump into an 8x8" baking dish lined with parchment in the following order:
8 crushed graham crackers (or any other kind of hard cookie)
1 stick melted butter (or margarine or coconut oil)
A layer of chocolate chips (about 1/2 a bag) (or any other kind of melty candy)
A layer of butterscotch chips (about 1/2 a bag) (or any other kind of melty candy)
A layer of shredded sweetened coconut (leave out or replace with nuts if you don't like coconut)
A layer of chopped nuts (leave out or replace with coconut or seeds if you're allergic to nuts)
Half a can of sweetened condensed milk (if you can't have diary, you can make your own non-dairy sweetened condensed milk. Check out this lady's video: • How to Make Vegan Cond... )
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are brown (it will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the oven). Let cool on a wire rack, then cut into squares.
Coconut Balls:
Makes 60+ candies: (The version I made in the video is half of this. The original recipe is twice this.)
Combine in a very large bowl, in this order:
1/2-1 stick of butter (if you have a difficult time mixing stiff doughs with your hands, use the full stick)
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk (about 6-7 ounces)
1tsp vanilla extract
7 oz shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 pound powdered sugar (stir into the mixture in small batches)
About halfway through adding the powdered sugar, you will have to mix the dough with your very clean hands. Roll the dough into little balls. Consider that the balls will be larger when they're covered in chocolate. You should wind up with about 60 balls.
Chill the balls overnight.
Set up a double boiler (a medium sized pot with 3-4 inches of water, very lightly simmering, with a heat-proof bowl over it.)
Pour in:
2 bags of bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Gently melt the chocolate. Once it's completely melted, drop a candy into it and swirl until it's coated. Drop coated candy on parchment paper to harden. Repeat the process with all the candies. If you have leftover chocolate at the end, use it in 7-layer bars or rocky road candy!
Rocky road (in a loaf pan):
6 oz choc chips
6 oz butterscotch chips
1/4 cup peanut butter
5 oz marshmallows
1/8 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Full recipe (in a 9x13" dish):
2 bags chocolate chips (about 24 oz)
2 bags butterscotch chips (about 24 oz
1 cup peanut butter
20 oz mini marshmallows (or one 16 oz bag)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
*If you want, you can replace either of the chips with any other kind of melting chip you like: white chocolate, peanut butter, toffee, etc.
**If you want, you can replace the peanut butter with any other nut or seed butter (almond butter, sunflower butter, etc.)
With either method, melt the chips and peanut butter together in a big bowl in the microwave on low. Check every 30 seconds and stir. Pull out of the microwave when the chips are mostly melted and finish melting out of the microwave by stirring and letting the residual heat do its thing.
Stir in the mini marshmallows.
Line your baking dish with foil (up the bottom and sides), then pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out to the corners until the top is relatively even. Chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Remove from the pan (using the foil) and cut into squares.
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[@mandamorris7934]

The 7 layer bars were known as 'Hello Dollies' in my youth, and the dipped coconut balls were called 'Martha Washingtons'. Bringing back lovely memories!

[@CharMinsky]

I’m so grateful for the half size recipes. Now I have seven layer bars to look forward to!

[@barbaraness4507]

We call those Dipped candies, and my recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped pecans. These are my oldest son’s most favorite holiday food! He lives in Colorado, and we are in Texas so he hasn’t had them in years. The other night I mixed up the filling, and sent him a picture to let him know I’d be sending him some. He was so excited!! He actually asked me to send him a pallet or two of them! Lol

[@kimceleste600]

Well I am trying " ROCKY ROAD RECIPE" actually in HONOR of my DADDY He has been in HEAVEN for 34 yrs But the rocky road candy bars was his favorite... I don't have a lot of things that I remember...but this is indeed one of the best🌹💔 that I do....thank you❤🙏

[@roxanncrouch6066]

I share all my cookies and candy with my nabors, everyone love the old fashioned cookies there grandma made for them. This is my gift of love.

[@Soda3000Pop]

I love coconut 🥥 too especially in a coconut cake with a pineapple filling, Lord have mercy!

[@charleneking2935]

I love butterscotch! One of the candies I make at Christmas is hay stacks, just melt butter, butterscotch chips and those dry chow mein noodles! Delicious

[@robynevans1287]

We make those & call them "Haystacks" too! 👍👍 Easy & YUMMY!! I learned of it by watching my Mom make them when I was a child.

[@bmscott130]

Coconut balls with a cherry in the middle 😋 Thank You for the lovely recipes

[@donnalassey9613]

So great not to have a long-winded intro before getting into the recipe!!

[@maryellenanderson6756]

What recipes.

[@stillwater62]

No, it is incorporated during the preparation process. She is most obnoxious in her unwanted opinions.

[@katherinemonk8174]

I subscribed because I like your recipes plus the smaller portions.

[@mariaphilomena1422]

Oh I've always put the coconut on the top layer of the seven layer bars because then sometimes it gets a little brown and looks really pretty

[@sandrareeder9884]

I make these every Christmas and peanut butter balls!

[@mydobie130]

As a kid, I lived overseas. I fell in love with fresh coconut in all its glory.

[@elizabethshaw734]

You need a can of sweetened condensed milk over the crust and everything else you push into it and it will bubble up through and create almost a candy around all of the chips and nuts!

[@elanefike5407]

Watch out this is very addicting I ate a whole pan😂😂😂😂😂

[@r.msphonics7201]

I LOVE THE MUSIC PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND AND THESE ARE GREAT AND EASY RECIPES! THANKS THANKS THANKS!

[@loveit7484]

Of all the channels Ive watched lately ( few dozen) I enjoyed yours the most.

[@francescamacho4863]

Thank You 🙏 for these candy recipes. They are so easy. And I’m glad you gave us the measurements, cause I sure do hate when people put measurements in grams. Thank You

[@kathleenhill1754]

Making memories.... So nice. Thanks for sharing😲🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

[@canditamcguckian1031]

When I make mine before, I put my coconut in, I always put it in my food processor to kind of make it a little more fine. Some people don’t like the texture of coconut. So I find this is more welcoming to people that dislike the texture of coconut. And I also do that for my bounty balls as well ❤

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

This has got to be one of the most pleasant and relaxing to watch videos I’ve watched all year 2022. The sound of your voice, the tempo you kept at while doing each delicious sounding recipe, not rushed or in a hurry, the very lightly/quietly played Christmas music in the background, the instructions and stories you shared were all just so relaxing and spot on. Even though I chose this video for the recipes, I don’t really even care what you made so much as it is everything else!! It was so awesome I didn’t hesitate to hit the like button and smash the subscribe button. I so look forward to watching ALL of your other videos and future videos!!! Much Love, Bunches of Mama Bear Hugs and an Abundance of Blessings, to you and yours!!!!❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗🎊🎊🎊 Merry Christmas!!🎄🎁 🎉❤

[@judygillespie3242]

You took the words out of my mouth. I subscribed also.

[@angeleliza8485]

Coconut milk (the thick stuff from the can) makes an INCREDIBLE sweetened condensed milk - there's lots of recipes on the internet, but it is arguably the superior non dairy condensed milk! And it's not heavy on the coconut flavour because of all the sugar, and a great add in for vietnamese style iced coffee!

[@cynthialewis4313]

He is pure almond extract with that coconut that is awesome because it just accentuate the flavor of the coconut

[@judithompson3243]

Look wonderful...definitely a keeper. My 13 yo grandson loves coconut. I've always used vanilla "extract" too. 🤗🤗

[@koalabear3427]

I make rocky road with melted semi-sweet chocolate, marshmallows, turkish delight cubes (or red gummies), and roasted salted peanuts. It's loved by everyone and super easy to make.

[@debraward1813]

Those candles look soooooo yummy! Santa needs to bring you a larger spoon and longer knife 😘

[@lindaberg9960]

These recipes bring back warm memories of many years past ❤ Thank you very much!

[@coopie624]

So glad I found you and this video! I want to make candy for Christmas this year!

[@beckygriggs7827]

This has always been my favorite cookie bars, my aunt made these every Christmas for the family in the 70's and 80's , I still make them now it's a holiday tradition. I LOVE coconut!!!

[@WilletteB]

This takes me back to my younger years when my aunt made her homemade confections. She is fabulous at candy making and meal preps. I never tasted anything she made that wasn't exceptional. I miss those times. Thanks for sharing, Sarah. 🙂

[@AG-zt9gj]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Something yummy and easy to make. Thank you soooo much! Merry Christmas everyone!

[@sharonhamilton6107]

Make your own vanilla, it's amazing. The difference is unmistakable. Jar, vanilla beans, vodka. Let sit. Shake it every other day for ,3-6 weeks. Mine sat up almost 3 months. Cheese cake was awesome. I do spilt my beans. It would be great in this

[@glendastouffer1470]

My grandmother always had a large batch of it brewing. All her friends would place orders for it and when she got enough orders she would start another batch!

[@Pamela_Gram]

Thank for posting the recipes for these delicious candy & cookies. I've made them all through the years. Gonna do them again this year.

[@christinewilliams7005]

OMG these look wonderful! I can’t wait to make the coconut balls! Thank you for sharing the paired down recipes - I’m in the same boat as you.

[@gingyyycakes]

I'm so excited to try making these!!! Thank you for sharing :)

[@angelwild5665]

Wow. People can be really harsh and hard to please. You are being kind in sharing your recipes. Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@louiserobinson6704]

I kept wanting you to get a rubber spatula to stir and fold ingredients together 😂😂❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@barbaraness4507]

I’ve always known the “Coconut Balls” as dipped candy. Our recipe calls for chopped pecans, & semi-sweet chocolate chips for dipping and our family loves them! I’ve made Stolen before, and it was delicious! I have German ancestors, and lived there for three years when I was growing up. I really loved it there!

[@maryreynolds5310]

I will just say it simply...I love everything sweet! Thank you for the recipes, I will definitely enjoy them all! Merry Christmas 🎁🎄

[@nadinebouchard9843]

I love watching you cook. You are very skilled and knowledgeable. Everything look absolutely delicious!😋

[@karensheart]

What a wonderful idea! Have a very Merry Christmas!❤

[@lilyb5968]

Looking forward to trying some of your delicious recipes for Thanksgiving! Thank you❤

[@christinewilliams7005]

Thanks for the recipes - can’t wait to try the coconut balls!

[@darlenewhite8622]

I love coconut, and coconut recipes, love candy too, gotta try it.😊❤.

[@marygrove45]

This is the first time watching one of your videos, and it was wonderful. You explain things clearly, show us clearly what to do, and share some ideas for substitutions. I subscribed and can’t wait to make these treats and other recipes from you!

[@beextravegant]

Wow, those look so decadent. I must try them out. I'm so gonna try the seven layer bars first and veganize it. Looks like my type of a treat!

[@suzannedavies2480]

Oooohhhh they look fabulous!!! I’m going to make some of these . Thank you

[@joanshute3384]

Oh these candies look delicious. I can't wait to make these. Thank you for sharing this with us. I am new to your channel. Can't wait to see what you make next. So until next time God Bless you and may you have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. ❤❤❤

[@yvonnemoniz6244]

Yummy, going to try these, thank you for the recipe Yvonne

[@user-xh6bh4il7w]

Love these b/c i love coconut!!!! So thank you for these

[@ThePatii7]

I really enjoyed your channel. Magic bars are a favorite. I will definitely make the coconut balls💚

[@tinag8725]

These look delicious!! Thank You Happy Holidays 🎄

[@nordwest23]

I was so love to watch you make that schtolen YUMMM!!!

[@rochelleb973]

All the candies look amazing and delicious 😋

[@deniseview4253]

Yummy chocolates. Thank you for sharing.

[@maybee...]

I love coconut and will add this recipe to my mix. Parafin makes the chocolate easier to dip into.

[@freddyheynssens1950]

Did you add paraffin to the chocolate?

[@penneyburgess5431]

I think you just saved my Christmas. Thank you.

[@carolharris7399]

The coconut balls we use to put a half of marchino cherry in the middle, and called it out of this world candy. Thanks for the recipes

[@bellascreations929]

Wow been searching for weeks of what to make for christmas besides my traditional baking and opened up your video and vuola a miracle video lol U r truly amazing yes u r right they r simple ways but what a show piece it filled my cookie gift trays also beautifully xoxo Merry Christmas and blessing for the new year ☃️🎄🎁🎀🤜⛄

[@cynthiachronister4082]

Thank you I'm gonna try all the recipes 😊 Happy Thanksgiving

[@user-qp8wb1ly6l]

Yuuuuum, and easy!!!

[@debbiep952]

These look heavenly! I will b making some of these. Happy Holidays to you and your family

[@deniseadkins1869]

I love that tip, yes it’s kinda hard fixin anything for 1 or maybe 2 so thanks so much for sharing

[@joyce9523]

WOW THEY LOOK AMAZING 😋♥️

[@pamlatulippe8665]

These look great I have made the 7 layer bars for years and the rocky road bars to but I think I will try the coconut candies this year

[@rob2132]

Just found your site! Thanks for all the good candy recipes,I’ve never made coconut balls they sound yummy,as all your recipes sound and looked!! Yum!! Will definitely be trying these!!!

[@ourlifeinwashington4114]

Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas

[@jmarcos1008]

Looks very delicious, thank you.

[@josanewagner8422]

I make this but call it Martha Washington balls. These are so yummy.

[@tammiekennedy7490]

They all look yummy 😋 thank you and Merry Christmas

[@karenquick8737]

I'm new to your channel and thanks for the recipes. I'll have to run out and get more supplies! These are favorites of ours and I love easy!!

[@susaneads1590]

Love that you use the leftover stuff for extra recipes! You're real not fakey bakey! Lol 😂

[@marilyncarr6630]

I freeze my coconut balls before dipping. Works great.

[@caMpBeIIA]

Yup making a shopping list right now. 🙏

[@rdavidbrungard4567]

I use no other chips, but I do use pecans and we love rocky road candy.

[@robynevans1287]

👉 13:25 👍👍That totally sounds like something I'd say while stirring that melty chocolate-y goodness!😄🤣

[@nachis3]

You’re cracking me up with your calling people weird because they don’t like coconut. I say the same thing. But there’s so many people that don’t. It’s one of my favorite flavors. And when it’s toasted, man I could eat it for my 3 meals. Anyways those people are NUTS!!!!Lol

[@pamelamorris3148]

Me too & I know so many people who don't eat coconut. Leaves more for me.

[@Deborahtunes]

I personally know 4 people who don't like coconut. Sometimes it's the texture of the coconut flakes they have a problem with. Others simply don't care for the flavor. Me, I LOVE it. Coconut is one of my favorite flavors/textures...

[@lillymason5021]

A

[@deniseadkins1869]

I toast some… for my toasted marshmallows man oh man love it,

[@wendygreen5304]

I hate coconut! I guess I'm one of the weird ones lol

[@conniewatson5010]

Cool I like everything about these candies,.. my flavor ,. Can't wait until I try to make them...😁😊🎅🤶🎄⛄💕👍😋😋

[@jadedgramma]

Great video..and can't believe I have all ingredients to make them. 😊

[@gailmartin3731]

We call this "Magic Cookie Bars".

[@juliestockstill3957]

Great ideas!

[@florinefulwider6042]

Yummy yummy

[@lindajonesartist]

I've always known your 7 layer bars to be Everything Bars, because they have a little bit of everything. They're a great way for me to use up all the little odds and ends that I have left over from all my Christmas candy making. I always use shortbread cookies for the crust.

[@sarahdeason493]

Yummm .. All looks so Delish ❣❣❣

[@deannawiederhold3326]

Magic Cookie Bars

[@anitak8056]

Thank you so much for tip on vegan sweetened condensed milk 🌱💚

[@janicekennedy2047]

Looove coconut but yeah I hear a lot of people don’t like it, I think I’m gonna try it with almond extract and finely chopped almonds. Thanks for sharing.

[@grannys-cooking-faith]

I'm a new viewer. Wonderful video

[@jesusistheonlywaytothefath9020]

You can also use another slightly larger pot/saucepan for the top half of the faux double boiler. That's what I do...just gotta hold it in place while you stir. These candies look delicious!

[@barbarasheridan7927]

You tube videos - Kenny rogers and Dolly Parton

[@BrendaBodwin]

Very nice. 😁👍🏻❤

[@nancydebiasio5273]

Your 7 layers are Magic bars here in Ginny and can’t wait to try the coconut balls.

[@lindamartinez4342]

❤

[@delphiaeldridge7094]

Wow she herd me about the spatula LOL

[@barbaraness4507]

For years I used a fork for dipping, but a couple of years ago I tried using a steel spider strainer, and it was a lot better for me.

[@woodworkinggirl2163]

yummy looking. 🤗

[@Penneypepper]

FYI...they sell vegan evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk also !

[@tonimoule5649]

In England Rocky rod has cherries and cookies in it.

[@anneramirez9577]

Thanks!

[@birchandmorley]

what you call Seven Layer Bars, I have always known as Hello Dollies, I make this bar at least 3 times a year, no matter how many Christmas cookie recipes I do each year, these are always my fav orite

[@grannys-cooking-faith]

My mom use to make the coconut balls. She used it for chocolate cover cherry is

[@crazyconnie06]

New subscriber.. thank you so much for your videos.. it helps me love you 💓