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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Desserts

    Easy Dark Chocolate Billionaires – Homemade Christmas Candy

    December 7, 2017 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated December 14, 2019 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Dark Chocolate Billionaires Candy

    Not only are Dark Chocolate Billionaires delicious, but this easy confection makes a wonderful homemade Christmas candy for those special people in your life.

    Billionaires candy in a Christmas bowl with gifts in the background.

    With a name like Billionaires, you would think this dark chocolate candy is pretty unique, and you would be right. With only four ingredients, this old-fashioned Christmas candy only takes minutes to prepare. 

    This Christmas candy recipe is so easy; even your children can make it themselves, or help you make them. And talk about delicious, the crunchy, chewy, caramelly interior is covered with a yummy dark chocolate coating, and it all comes together in one heavenly bite!

    A gift box containing homemade chocolate Christmas candy.

    More homemade edible Christmas or hostess gifts:

    If you like this recipe, you might also be interested in these recipes for other homemade edible Christmas or hostess gifts:

    • How to Make Preserved Lemons
    • Mixed Olive Tapenade
    • Cranberry Infused Vodka
    • Classic Jezebel Sauce
    • Forgotten Cookies aka Forgotten Kisses
    • Lemon Shortbread Cookies 
    • Caramel Corn with Chocolate Drizzle 

    Billionaires Ingredients:

    You will need the following ingredients for this delicious candy: caramels, roasted pecans, Rice Krispies, and dark chocolate melting wafers. I used Ghiradelli.

    How to make Billionaires: 

    Combine the caramels and one tablespoon of water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the caramels are melted, and the mixture is smooth. This will take four to five minutes.

    Melting caramels in a saucepan to make homemade Christmas candy.

    Remove from the heat, add the pecans and Rice Krispies and stir to combine.

    Combining caramel, Rice Krispies and pecans to make homemade Christmas candy for gifts.

    Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.

    Caramel, Rice Krispies and pecans rolled in balls to make homemade Christmas candy.

    Place the melting wafers in a small microwave-safe container and microwave at half-power or defrost setting for 30 seconds. Stir well. Continue to microwave and stir at 15-second intervals until the mixture is smooth.

    Dip each piece of candy into the melted chocolate, coating all sides. (I used two wooden skewers to do this, or you could use toothpicks.)

    Place the dipped candy on parchment paper or wax paper and allow it to harden.

    Dark Chocolate Billionaires Candy on a piece of parchment paper waiting for the chocolate to set.

    When the chocolate is fully set, store the Billionaire in an airtight container.

    Billionaires candy in individual festive paper cups ready to package up as a Christmas gift

    Sharon’s Tips:

    The first time I made this candy, I used a 1-½ inch scoop, and the candy came out too large. A teaspoon or a melon-baller works much better and produces a beautiful bite-size piece of candy.

    I found the decorative gift boxes and Christmas tins at Hobby Lobby, but you can also find them online and in other specialty stores during the holidays.

    Billionaires will keep in an air-tight container on your kitchen counter for four to five days. Or, they can be wrapped up tightly and frozen for up to a month.

    ★ If you make this candy, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thanks so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    Dark Chocolate Billionaires Candy piled in a bowl and ready to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth

    Dark Chocolate Billionaires Candy

    Sharon Rigsby
    Dark Chocolate Billionaires Candy is delicious, and this easy confection makes a terrific edible homemade Christmas gift for those special people in your life.
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 36 pieces
    Calories 128 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 14 oz caramels unwrapped
    • 1-½ cups pecans roasted and chopped
    • 1 cup Rice Krispies
    • 3 cups dark chocolate melting wafers or candy coating

    Instructions
     

    • Combine the caramels and 1 tablespoon of water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. This will take 4-5 minutes.
    • Remove from the heat, add the pecans and Rice Krispies and stir to combine.
    • Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
    • Place the melting wafers in a small microwave-safe container and microwave at half-power or defrost setting for 30 seconds. Stir well. Continue to microwave and stir at 15-second intervals until the mixture is smooth.
    • Dip each piece of candy into the melted chocolate, coating all sides. (I used two wooden skewers to do this or you could use toothpicks.)
    • Place the dipped candy on parchment paper or wax paper and allow to set.
    • When the chocolate is fully set, store in an airtight container.

    Notes

    The first time I made this candy, I used a 1-½ inch scoop, and the candy came out too large. A teaspoon or a melon-baller works much better and produces a beautiful bite-size piece of candy.
    I found the decorative gift boxes and Christmas tins at Hobby Lobby, but you can also find them online and in other specialty stores during the holidays.
    Billionaires will keep in an air-tight container on your kitchen counter for four to five days. Or, they can be wrapped up tightly and frozen for up to a month.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 34mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    1. Maria

      August 12, 2019 at 10:45 am

      Hi, I love your photos. I have a question csn I freeze them???

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        August 14, 2019 at 3:21 pm

        Hi Maria, yes this candy freezes well. Be sure to store them in an airtight container and they should be fine.
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    2. Denise

      December 16, 2017 at 12:17 pm

      This was the easiest holiday candy EVER, only took a few minutes and came out perfectly! I added extra rice krispies to make it crunchier. This was the most popular candy on my Christmas tray for several events this year, flew off the platter every time!

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        December 17, 2017 at 5:14 pm

        Hi Denise,
        I’m so glad you liked the candy. I agree it is really easy and I will try adding the extra rice crispies next time I make it. Thanks so much for letting me know!
        Merry Christmas!
        Sharon

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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