Dessert

Holiday Rocky Road Recipe

ByMaya Arden November 27, 2025November 27, 2025

Introduction

Holiday Rocky Road is a festive and indulgent treat combining rich chocolate, warm spices, and chewy marshmallows. Perfect for gifting or enjoying during cozy winter evenings, this no-bake candy brings together a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Several rectangular slices of a rocky road dessert are spread out on a white marbled surface. Each slice has a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate base layer filled with visible chunks of white marshmallows, light brown walnut pieces, green and red jelly candies, and purple jelly pieces. The edges of the slices are rough and uneven, showing the mix of ingredients inside. Some small colorful sprinkles are scattered on the top edges of the slices, adding red, white, and green dots to the top layer. The overall look is colorful and textured with a mix of soft and crunchy ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Nonstick spray or neutral oil, for pan
1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup (125 grams) speculoos cookie butter
¾ teaspoon pumpkin or apple pie spice

½ teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1 cup (60 grams) coarsely broken speculoos cookies

1 cup (50 grams) mini marshmallows
¾ cup (150 grams) spice drops or gumdrops
¾ cup (89 grams) toasted and salted pecans

Sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Lightly grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or oil. Line the bottom and the two long sides with a parchment paper sling, leaving enough overhang to lift out the candy later.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, cookie butter, pumpkin or apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Heat in 15 to 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the mixture in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water.

Step 3: Add the broken speculoos cookies, mini marshmallows, spice drops, and toasted pecans to the melted chocolate mixture. Fold gently until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Press it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the top with sprinkles and firmly tap the pan on the counter a few times to settle the mixture.
Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the candy is set. Once firm, use the parchment sling to lift the candy out. If needed, run a hot butter knife along the edges to loosen it.

Step 6: Cut the candy into slices using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between slices.

Tips & Variations

Toast pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to enhance their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
Swap out speculoos cookies for graham crackers or ginger snaps for a different twist.

Use your favorite chewy candies like jellybeans or chocolate-covered raisins instead of spice drops.

Storage

Store the rocky road candy tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for easier slicing and softer texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two pieces of chocolate fudge stacked on a white plate against a light pink background with a white marbled texture. Each fudge piece has a dark brown base with visible chunks of nuts and white marshmallow pieces embedded inside. The top piece has a large cream-colored nut on the surface and small red bits, while the bottom piece shows green pistachio nuts and white marshmallows clearly within the chocolate. The fudge looks rich and slightly glossy with a dense texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this rocky road without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the chocolate and cookie butter in a heatproof bowl placed over gently simmering water, stirring until smooth.

What is speculoos cookie butter?

Speculoos cookie butter is a creamy spread made from crushed spiced cookies, offering caramelized and cinnamon flavors that enhance this recipe’s festive taste.