How to Make DIY Christmas Sweet Cones 

In this article

1. What are DIY Christmas Sweet Cones?
2. What you Need to Make Christmas Sweet Cones
3. Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Sweet Cones
4. Personalisation Ideas for Christmas Sweet Cones
5. Top Tips for Making Christmas Sweet Cones
6. Creative Ideas and Tips for Making Sweet Cones
7. When and Where to Use Your Christmas Sweet Cones 
    

If you’re looking to spice up the festive fun this silly season, then DIY Christmas sweet cones are where the magic’s at. These cheery, cone-shaped gifts make ideal party favours, stocking fillers, secret Santa gifts and are great to share!  We’ve got everything you need in our simple guide, including our best suggestions from all your favourite Nestlé Confectionery goodies! Think layers of colourful, chewy and gummy Rowntree’s® sweets, creamy Milkybar® Buttons, crunchy Smarties®, snappy KitKat®, bubbly Aero®, creamy Rolo® and festive Quality Street®. There’s something for everyone, so let’s go!  

For even more inspiration and ideas delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter. Happy baking! 

What are DIY Christmas Sweet Cones?

Besides being tasty and fun, Christmas sweet cones are clear, cone-shaped bags (preferably compostable) filled with layers of your favourite treats and goodies. The bags are tied with festive ribbons and finished with tags, labels, stickers and fun items that add a personal touch.  

They’re popular at Christmas because they tick every box: easy to make, budget-friendly, fun to personalise and, most importantly, delicious! Everyone loves them and they’re a great excuse to block out a night in busy December for some calm, quiet crafting. 
 

What you Need to Make Christmas Sweet Cones

Follow our handy two-step checklist, and you’ll be on your way to Christmas sweet cone success.

1. Choose Your Packaging 

• Since it is a single-use cone, we recommend using compostable cellophane cone bags. They come in many sizes and are clear so you can see your gorgeous goodies, plus they’re better for the environment! Grab yours online and save a trip to the shops. In a pinch, recyclable piping bags are a good alternative.  
• Another fun option is to craft a few DIY paper cones decorated with wrapping paper – or even baking paper. Trace and cut out festive stars or reindeers and decorate with stickers and glitter. The only downside is that the sweets won’t be as visible.  
• Twist-ties, Christmas-coloured ribbons, tinsel or twine are all good options to secure the cone.
• When it comes to decorations, get festive! Think Santa stickers, name tags, mini-Christmas decorations, pine cones, or forage some holly.

2. Best Sweets for Christmas Sweet Cones 

• Rowntree’s® has just about every kind of chewy and gummy sweet you need to fill your Christmas sweet cones. You can divide them up into layers of chewy Fruit Pastilles, squishy Jelly Tots®, or a playful selection of Randoms®. You could also mix things up with Pick & Mix bags.  
• For a chocolatey twist, go for Aero® Peppermint Bubbles, Milkybar® Buttons or Rolo®s.  
• For an extra colour, crunch and chew, add Smarties® and everyone’s favourite Christmas treat, Quality Street®.
• For extra special Santa bonus points, you could include a freshly baked reindeer Christmas Cookie that also doubles as a Christmas tree decoration! 

Everyone loves them and they’re a great excuse to block out a night in busy December for some calm, quiet crafting.
 

Step-by-Step: How to Make Your Christmas Sweet Cones

1. Make Your Cone  

The size of your cone depends on the size of your audience. Small- to medium-sized cones are recommended for adults. Larger formats can be used for gifting or if the sweet cone is part of a hamper meant for two or more. If possible, always go for an eco-friendly option. Remember, a clear bag is best so you can see all those colourful treats.  

2. Choose Your Sweets 

A great sweet cone is all about the lovely layers with festive touches! Stick to 3-4 types of sweets to keep things visually appealing. Red, white, green, gold and silver are all classic Christmas colours, so pick a few and stick to your theme. Assembling the cones is half the fun, so if something is not working, tip it out and start again. Create tasty layers that mix chewy and chocolatey flavours and textures. Or keep the treats separate on distinct sides of the cone. You are the Christmas elf in the sweet cone workshop, so make it your own!  

 3. Layering Technique 

A good rule of thumb for a well-filled Christmas sweet cone is to put smaller sweets at the bottom (think Jelly Tots®) and larger sweets (such as Rolo®s or Randoms®) at the top, to fit. As the old saying goes, we eat with our eyes first, so build your cone in colourful layers. The more visual interest, the more your cone will stand out! Also, keep in mind that more treats mean more weight and pressure when the cone is being carried or held upright. So save delicate treats like Aero® Peppermint Bubbles for the top layers.  

 

4. Sealing the Cone

Once filled, twist the top of the cone tightly and secure it with a twist tie. From there you can get festive with all your Christmas goodies. Think red, green and white ribbons, tinsel or small decorations like baubles and candy canes secured with a piece of twine. Twist the cone closed just enough to keep the treats from moving around without squashing any delicate treats. 

Personalisation Ideas for Christmas Sweet Cones 

Cute stickers like snowflakes or reindeer are a quick and easy way to add festive flair to the outside of your cone. You could also add some festive name tags, or print your family Christmas photo in ugly jumpers with a handwritten season's greetings message on the back. For more fun and tasty activities to keep you busy, read our Christmas Baking Recipes article!  

Creative Ideas and Tips for Making Sweet Cones 

The best part about Christmas sweet cones is that you can customise them to suit your needs. From specific colour schemes and festive themes to the contents, you’re in complete control, unlike the store-bought options! Cater to dietary needs like allergies with ease, and if you fancy a savoury twist, there are plenty of options like mixed nuts and pretzels. You can even take a page out of Santa’s book and hide a small surprise, a secret message or a few Christmas Jokes in the middle of the cone.  

When and Where to Use Your Christmas Sweet Cones 

Now that you’ve mastered the power of the Christmas sweet cone, it’s time to spread some cheer! Think end-of-year functions, Christmas parties, gifts for teachers, December birthdays, mini cones for festive table settings – or simply be the crafty secret Santa that everyone hopes has pulled their name out of the hat. 

 A Christmas Wrap 

Christmas sweet cones are more than just a bag of tasty treats – homemade presents are a unique way to give a meaningful gift. So, grab some supplies, get a selection of your favourite Nestlé Confectionery treats and create something memorable this festive season!