“Ragtag Candies” isn’t a single, standardized recipe, but the name charmingly refers to homemade candies made from leftover bits and pieces—like the “ragtag” remnants from your pantry. They are the candy version of “everything but the kitchen sink.”
Think of them as no-bake, customizable candy bites that use up things like broken cookies, cereal, nuts, chocolate chips, and even small candies.
Here’s a basic template to make your own batch of Ragtag Candies:
Ragtag Candy Formula
Base Binder (choose one):
· 1 cup melted chocolate (chips, bars, or coating chocolate)
· OR 1 cup peanut butter, melted with a little honey or syrup to help bind
· OR 1/2 cup melted butter + 1 cup powdered sugar (for a firmer base)
Mix-Ins (about 2–3 cups total of any combination):
· Crushed cookies (Oreos, graham crackers, etc.)
· Crispy rice or corn cereal
· Chopped nuts
· Pretzel pieces
· Mini marshmallows
· Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
· Leftover candy pieces (M&M’s, chopped candy bars)
· Shredded coconut
· Sprinkles
Coating/Topping (optional):
· Extra melted chocolate for dipping
· Powdered sugar
· More sprinkles or crushed nuts
Basic Method
Prepare pan: Line a small baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
Melt binder: Gently melt your chosen binder (chocolate, peanut butter mixture, or butter-sugar mix) until smooth.
Mix: Stir in your chosen mix-ins until everything is well coated.
Press & chill: Spread mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours until set.
Cut or shape: Once firm, cut into squares or bars, or roll into balls.
Finish: Dip or roll in optional toppings if desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Example: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ragtag Bites
· Melt 1 cup chocolate chips + 1/2 cup peanut butter.
· Stir in: 1 cup crushed pretzels, 1/2 cup Rice Krispies, 1/4 cup mini M&M’s.
· Press into a lined pan, chill, and cut into squares.
The beauty of Ragtag Candies is their improvised, waste-not spirit—they’re different every time and always a sweet surprise! Perfect for clearing out the pantry and making something delicious. 🍫✨