f you’re looking for a quick, no-bake holiday treat that’s sure to impress, Christmas Rocky Road is the perfect choice! This festive version of the classic rocky road candy is filled with crunchy nuts, chewy marshmallows, and bright red and green holiday M&Ms, all wrapped up in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate coating. It’s the perfect treat to add to your holiday cookie tray or to give as a sweet, homemade gift.
What makes this Christmas version of rocky road so special is its combination of textures and flavors. The rich, creamy chocolate balances beautifully with the crunch of nuts, the chewy marshmallows, and the pop of color from the holiday M&Ms. It’s the ultimate easy-to-make dessert for anyone who loves chocolate and festive treats.
I first made Christmas Rocky Road when I needed something simple yet special to add to my holiday spread. It was a huge hit with my family, and now I make it every year! It’s a great recipe to make with kids, as it’s easy, fun, and they’ll love getting involved with the colorful M&Ms and marshmallows.
Why This Christmas Rocky Road Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
- Quick and easy: With no baking required, this treat comes together in just a few simple steps.
- Festive and fun: The bright red and green M&Ms make this rocky road extra festive and perfect for the holidays.
- Decadent and satisfying: The rich chocolate, combined with crunchy nuts and chewy marshmallows, creates a perfect bite of sweetness and texture.
- Great for gifting: This is a wonderful treat to pack into holiday gift boxes or give as a homemade present.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts or mixed nuts (or your favorite nuts)
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms (or more for extra color)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional, for added texture)
- 1/2 cup pretzels or small crackers (optional, for crunch)
How to Make Christmas Rocky Road
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan or a small baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap. This will make it easier to remove the rocky road once it’s set.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, butter, and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the mix-ins: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in the mini marshmallows, nuts, M&Ms, shredded coconut (if using), and pretzels (if using). Make sure everything is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Spread in the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Press down gently to make sure everything sticks together.
- Chill and set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the rocky road has fully set and is firm to the touch.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the rocky road out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Customize the add-ins: Feel free to swap out the marshmallows for mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, or replace the M&Ms with other holiday candies.
- Use high-quality chocolate: For the best flavor, use good-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars.
- Let it chill fully: Be sure to let the rocky road chill in the fridge until it’s firm, otherwise, it may be too soft to cut and hold together.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use dark chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, try using almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a different flavor.
- Vegan version: For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut condensed milk to replace the sweetened condensed milk.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use dark chocolate: Dark chocolate has less sugar and more antioxidants, making it a slightly healthier option.
- Swap the condensed milk: Try using a lighter version of sweetened condensed milk or a homemade coconut milk sweetener to reduce the sugar content.
- Use raw nuts: If you want a less processed option, use raw or unsalted nuts instead of roasted or salted varieties.
Closing
And there you have it! Christmas Rocky Road is the perfect no-bake treat to add to your holiday spread. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and colorful M&Ms makes for a festive and indulgent snack. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s sure to bring smiles to your family and friends. Don’t forget to let us know how your rocky road turns out, and check out more of our fun and delicious holiday recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Rocky Road ahead of time?
Yes! Christmas Rocky Road can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. - Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces if necessary. - Can I make this without M&Ms?
Yes, you can substitute M&Ms with other holiday candies or even mini chocolate chips for a different twist. - Can I use dried fruit instead of marshmallows?
Yes! Dried cranberries or raisins would make a great substitute for the marshmallows, especially if you want a more tart flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover rocky road in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. - Can I use white chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute white chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor. Keep in mind that it will be sweeter than regular chocolate. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply ensure that the M&Ms and any other add-ins are labeled gluten-free. - Can I add more flavors to this Rocky Road?
Absolutely! Try adding flavored nuts, coconut flakes, or even a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist. - How do I know when it’s set?
The rocky road is set when it’s firm to the touch and has cooled completely in the refrigerator. - Can I make this with different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
Christmas Rocky Road
4
30
minutes40
300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 oz 12 (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup 1/4 unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup 1/4 butter
1/2 cup 1/2 sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
1/2 cup 1/2 mini marshmallows
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted peanuts or mixed nuts (or your favorite nuts)
1/2 cup 1/2 red and green M&Ms (or more for extra color)
1/4 cup 1/4 shredded coconut (optional, for added texture)
1/2 cup 1/2 pretzels or small crackers (optional, for crunch)
Directions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan or a small baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap. This will make it easier to remove the rocky road once it’s set.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips, cocoa powder, butter, and sweetened condensed milk together, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the mix-ins: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, fold in the mini marshmallows, nuts, M&Ms, shredded coconut (if using), and pretzels (if using). Make sure everything is evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
- Spread in the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Press down gently to make sure everything sticks together.
- Chill and set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the rocky road has fully set and is firm to the touch.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift the rocky road out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or bars. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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