This delightful recipe transforms ordinary Bugles corn snacks into whimsical Christmas treats. With colorful candy melts, festive sprinkles, and a touch of creativity, you can create edible Santa hats, elf hats, and miniature Christmas trees that are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with loved ones. These charming snacks are sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Christmas Bugles are incredibly easy to make, even with kids! They require no baking, making them a perfect activity for little hands. The recipe is also very versatile. You can customize the colors, sprinkles, and decorations to suit your preferences and create unique variations. They are also a delicious combination of sweet and salty, offering a satisfying crunch with a burst of festive flavor. They are guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering! They make a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert table, a fun treat to package and give as gifts, and a great activity to do with children. These are sure to make lasting memories.
Ingredients:
- 6 Cups Bugles, or similar corn snacks
- 1 ½ Cups candy melts, red
- 2 Cups candy melts, green
- 1 ½ Cups candy melts, white
- Coconut oil, refined (optional)
- Holiday themed sprinkles
- Edible gold, or yellow star sprinkles (small)
Preparation:
Step 1: Melt Red Candy Melts
Begin by melting the red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each burst to prevent burning. Continue until the candy melts are completely smooth and melted. If the candy melts are too thick, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening, stirring until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Add just a little bit of coconut oil at a time, so it doesn’t get too runny.
Step 2: Melt Green Candy Melts
Repeat the melting process with the green candy melts in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Ensure the green candy melts are smooth and melted before proceeding. Again, adjust consistency with coconut oil if necessary.
Step 3: Dip the Bugles
Now it’s time to transform the Bugles into festive hats. Working with a few Bugles at a time, dip them into the melted red candy to create Santa hats, or dip them into the melted green candy to create elf hats. Make sure each Bugle is well-coated, but allow any excess candy to drip off before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Dry the Coated Bugles
Place the candy-coated Bugles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make for easy cleanup. Allow the candy coating to set completely before moving on to the next step. If the candy melts begin to harden during this process, simply remelt them in the microwave as needed.
Step 5: Melt the White Candy Melts
Once the red and green candy-coated Bugles are set, melt the white candy melts using the same method as in step 1.
Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Decorations
Carefully dip or drizzle the base edge of the hat in white candy to make the trim on the hats. Immediately add holiday sprinkles before the white coating hardens. Dip or drizzle the pointed tip of each Bugle hat into the white melts to create the “pom-pom” on top of the hat.
Step 7: Make the Christmas Tree Bugles
To create the Bugle Christmas trees, use the same bowl of melted green candy from step 2. Completely dip each Bugle into the green candy, ensuring it is fully coated from tip to base. If the coating has started to thicken, warm it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, stirring until smooth again.
Step 8: Decorate the Christmas Trees
Gently shake off any excess candy coating from the green-coated Bugles and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Before the coating sets, decorate the Bugle trees with colorful sprinkles to resemble ornaments. For the finishing touch, press a small star sprinkle on the tip of each tree to act as the tree topper.
Step 9: Trim and Serve
Once the candy coating has fully set and hardened on all the Bugles, carefully trim off any excess dried candy to create a neat and polished appearance. Now, your Christmas Bugles are ready to serve and enjoy! If you’re not serving them immediately, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming sticky.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Festive Appeal: High
- Taste: Sweet and Salty
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a festive snack at holiday parties.
- Package in cellophane bags as gifts for friends and neighbors.
- Include in a Christmas-themed dessert platter.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or warm apple cider.
- Use as edible decorations for gingerbread houses.
- Add to a dessert charcuterie board.
Tips:
- Use high-quality candy melts for the best results.
- Add a touch of peppermint extract to the melted candy for a festive flavor.
- Use a variety of sprinkles and edible decorations for a unique look.
- Work in small batches to prevent the candy from hardening too quickly.
- Store the finished Bugles in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- If you do not have candy melts, chocolate can be used.
- If you don’t have holiday themed sprinkles, you can use regular sprinkles.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 50 calories per Bugle
- Protein: Less than 1 gram per Bugle
- Sodium: Approximately 50mg per Bugle
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Conclusion
These Christmas Bugles are a delightful and easy way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your celebrations. With their colorful candy coatings, festive sprinkles, and playful shapes, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas music, and get ready to create these adorable and delicious treats. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular chocolate instead of candy melts?
A: Yes, you can use regular chocolate instead of candy melts. However, candy melts are specifically designed to melt smoothly and harden quickly, which makes them ideal for coating. If you use chocolate, you may need to add a bit of shortening or coconut oil to help it melt smoothly, and it may take longer to set.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These Christmas Bugles can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky.
Q3: What if I don’t have holiday-themed sprinkles?
A: No problem at all! You can use any kind of sprinkles you like. Rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or even crushed nuts would work well. Get creative and use what you have on hand.
Q4: Can I use different colors of candy melts?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different colors of candy melts to create your own unique Christmas Bugles. You could use blue and silver for a winter wonderland theme, or gold and white for a more elegant look.
Q5: How do I prevent the candy coating from getting too thick?
A: If the candy coating starts to thicken while you’re working, simply reheat it in the microwave in 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it’s smooth again. You can also add a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
