Okay, friend, gather ’round the counter! I’ve got a sweet treat to share that’s become a Christmas tradition in my house – it’s my Christmas Cool Whip Candy. Just picturing it makes my mouth water: the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the festive colors swirling through, and that hint of peppermint that screams “holidays!” I remember one year, I was so busy with…well, everything that comes with Christmas, and I totally forgot about bringing a dessert to the family gathering. Panic set in! But then I remembered my grandmother’s Christmas Cool Whip Candy recipe. It was a lifesaver! It’s a no-bake wonder, so it came together in a flash, and everyone raved about it. My biggest “aha” moment came when I realized that the secret to that perfect fudgy consistency is all in the chilling time. Seriously, don’t rush it! It makes all the difference. I like to think of this Christmas Cool Whip Candy as my little contribution to making the holidays a little sweeter, and a whole lot easier, especially when life gets crazy (which, let’s be honest, it always does this time of year!). It’s a simple treat that brings big smiles, and that’s what cooking is all about, right? So, grab your apron, and let’s whip up some Christmas magic together – you’re going to love how easy and delicious this Christmas Cool Whip Candy recipe is! If you’re looking for other easy holiday candy recipes, check out this similar recipe for no-bake Cool Whip Candy.

What You’ll Need for This Christmas Cool Whip Candy

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. You know, the heart and soul of our Christmas Cool Whip Candy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Christmas Cool Whip Candy including cream cheese, cool whip, sweetened condensed milk, peppermint extract, vanilla, peppermint candies and food coloring

1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese, softened: I always use full-fat cream cheese for my Christmas Cool Whip Candy, it gives it that extra richness and decadent flavor. Trust me on this one!
1 (8 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed: Don’t even think about using any other whipped topping! Cool Whip is the star of this show, and it gives the Christmas Cool Whip Candy that signature light and airy texture.
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes it all sweet and gooey and wonderful. Make sure you get the sweetened kind, not evaporated milk!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla extract can really bring out all the flavors in your Christmas Cool Whip Candy. I like to use pure vanilla extract, but imitation will work in a pinch.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is optional, but I highly recommend it for that classic Christmas flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste. I love peppermint anything around the holidays. If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can always crush some candy canes and add them to the mix.
1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Speaking of candy canes, this is what makes our Christmas Cool Whip Candy so festive! You can use store-bought crushed peppermint candies, or you can crush your own candy canes. I like to put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s very therapeutic!
Optional: Red and green food coloring: If you want to make your Christmas Cool Whip Candy extra festive, you can add a few drops of red and green food coloring to the mixture. I like to swirl it in for a marbled effect.

When making Christmas Cool Whip Candy, you can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store. I always stock up on Cool Whip around the holidays because it’s so versatile. Here’s a Christmas Cool Whip Candy trick I learned from my grandmother: make sure your cream cheese is really softened. Otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your candy. Nobody wants lumpy Christmas Cool Whip Candy! For another holiday-themed treat, check out this Christmas Cracker Candy recipe for your next holiday gathering! And if you’re looking for more ways to use up leftover candy canes, I have tons of ideas. As for cost-saving tips, keep an eye out for sales on cream cheese and Cool Whip, especially around the holidays. And if you have leftover ingredients, you can store the cream cheese and Cool Whip in the fridge for later use. Just make sure to seal them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Let’s Make This Christmas Cool Whip Candy Together

Alright, friend, let’s get our hands dirty and make some Christmas Cool Whip Candy! Don’t worry, it’s so easy, even the kids can help.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. I’m talking no lumps here, people! You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step. If you don’t have a mixer, you can use a whisk, but it will take a little longer.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Make sure you scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every last bit of that sweet, sweet goodness.
Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using). Give it a good sniff – your Christmas Cool Whip Candy should smell like Christmas already!
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Be careful not to overmix, or your candy will be flat. We want it light and fluffy! I learned the hard way with Christmas Cool Whip Candy that gentle folding is the key.
Fold in the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. This is where the magic happens! The red and white stripes will start to swirl through the mixture, making it look all festive and Christmasy.
If using food coloring, divide the mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and a few drops of green food coloring to the other bowl. Gently swirl the food coloring into the mixture until you get a marbled effect. You can also use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less of it.
Spread the Christmas Cool Whip Candy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan. You can use cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is the most important step! Don’t rush it! The longer it chills, the firmer and more fudgy it will become. In my kitchen, Christmas Cool Whip Candy usually takes about 6-8 hours to fully set up. This gives the flavors time to meld together and create that perfect creamy texture.
Once the candy is firm, cut it into squares and serve. And that’s it! You’ve just made Christmas Cool Whip Candy!

While the Christmas Cool Whip Candy is chilling, I like to get all the dishes washed and put away. That way, when it’s time to serve, all I have to do is cut it into squares and enjoy! This easy holiday candy recipe is great for getting the kids involved too! Don’t worry if your Christmas Cool Whip Candy doesn’t look perfect. The most important thing is that it tastes good! And I promise you, this recipe is a winner.

How I Love to Serve This Christmas Cool Whip Candy

Okay, so you’ve made your Christmas Cool Whip Candy – congratulations! Now comes the fun part: serving it up and watching everyone’s faces light up.

My family loves this Christmas Cool Whip Candy when I serve it chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s the perfect after-dinner treat, or a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. I also like to crumble some extra crushed peppermint candies on top for a little extra sparkle. This Christmas Cool Whip Candy is perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in with the family. It’s so easy to make and transport, and everyone always raves about it. For presentation, I like to cut the candy into small squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. You can also add some fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. If you have extra Christmas Cool Whip Candy (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to keep it covered tightly to prevent it from drying out. Sometimes, I like to get creative with the leftovers and use them as a topping for ice cream or hot fudge sundaes. Talk about decadent!

One year, I tried a seasonal Christmas Cool Whip Candy variation by adding some chopped pecans and dried cranberries to the mixture. It was a huge hit! The nuts added a nice crunch, and the cranberries gave it a tangy sweetness. Friends always ask for this Christmas Cool Whip Candy recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s such a simple and reliable recipe, and it always brings smiles. The Lifestyle of a Foodie blog has a similar recipe, which you should check out for inspiration! As for go-to side dishes, I don’t really serve this with a side dish, since it’s a dessert. But I do like to pair it with a warm beverage, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Your Christmas Cool Whip Candy Questions Answered

I get a lot of questions about this Christmas Cool Whip Candy, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here:

Can I use a different flavor extract besides peppermint? Absolutely! You can use any flavor extract you like. Almond extract, vanilla extract, or even rum extract would be delicious. Just experiment and see what you like best. You know what I do when my Christmas Cool Whip Candy needs a little extra flavor? I add a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream!
Can I use a different type of candy besides peppermint candies? Of course! You can use any type of candy you like. Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts would be great. My kids love it when I add mini marshmallows.
Can I make this Christmas Cool Whip Candy ahead of time? Definitely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a day in advance so that it has plenty of time to chill and set up. I often make it several days ahead of time and just store it in the fridge until I’m ready to serve it.
What if my Christmas Cool Whip Candy is too soft? This usually means that it didn’t chill long enough. Just pop it back in the fridge for a few more hours and it should firm up. I’ve also found that using full-fat cream cheese helps to prevent it from being too soft.
What if my Christmas Cool Whip Candy is too hard? This usually means that it chilled for too long. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting it into squares.
Can I freeze this Christmas Cool Whip Candy? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change when it thaws. The Cool Whip can get a little grainy. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy it within a week.
Can I make this recipe vegan? I haven’t tried making it vegan, but I’m sure it’s possible. You would need to find a vegan cream cheese substitute and a vegan whipped topping substitute. I’m not sure how it would affect the taste and texture, but it’s worth a try! My family is obsessed with the traditional version of Christmas Cool Whip Candy!

A follower on Facebook had a similar question and posted about Easy peppermint Christmas dessert ideas needed, and there were some great vegan alternatives in the comments.

My Final Thoughts on This Christmas Cool Whip Candy

This Christmas Cool Whip Candy recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandmother. She was the one who taught me how to make it, and it’s been a family tradition ever since. It’s such a simple and easy recipe, but it always brings so much joy.

My Christmas Cool Whip Candy Pro Tips:

Don’t overmix the Cool Whip: Gently fold it in to keep the candy light and fluffy.
Chill it long enough: At least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, for the best texture.
Get creative with the toppings: Add your favorite candies, nuts, or sprinkles to make it your own.

Finished Christmas Cool Whip Candy cut into squares on a plate.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few different Christmas Cool Whip Candy variations. One of my favorites is to add a layer of crushed Oreos to the bottom of the pan before pouring in the Cool Whip mixture. It gives it a nice chocolatey crunch. I’ve also tried adding a swirl of caramel or hot fudge. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate Cool Whip fudge version. My kids love the version with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. And my husband loves the one with chopped pecans and dried cranberries. I hope you’ll make this Christmas Cool Whip Candy your own and create some sweet memories with your family. It’s the perfect no-bake Christmas treat! So, gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas music, and get ready to whip up some holiday magic! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Check out this recipe for No Bake Cool Whip Candy if you’re looking for other options! If you’ve been searching for “Christmas dessert recipes,” I hope this one becomes a favorite in your home! You’re going to love how easy and delicious this Christmas Cool Whip Candy is! Happy baking (or should I say, no-baking!), friend!

\n \n Print

Christmas Cool Whip Candy

Print Recipe

This Christmas Cool Whip Candy is a festive and easy no-bake treat perfect for the holidays! It’s creamy, sweet, and loaded with colorful sprinkles.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Christmas sprinkles

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the Cool Whip, vanilla pudding mix, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles.
Spread the mixture into a 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/4 cup of crushed peppermint candies to the mixture before refrigerating.