The holiday season is all about fun, creativity, and of course, sweet treats! Candy canes bring a festive flair and a hint of peppermint to everything they touch. If you’re looking for exciting ways to incorporate these iconic candies into recipes your kids will cherish, this list has you covered. Get ready for scrumptious snacks that will have the little ones smiling from ear to ear!
1. Candy Cane Cookies
Soft and chewy cookies that are a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
Process:
- Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the flour and peppermint extract.
- Split dough in half, tint one half red and leave the other plain.
- Roll into ropes, twist together, shape into candy canes, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
2. Peppermint Bark
A crunchy, sweet treat that’s a holiday classic!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt the dark chocolate and spread it on a parchment-lined tray. Let it set.
- Melt the white chocolate, pour over the dark layer, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes before it hardens.
Make it Unique:
Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter twist.
3. Candy Cane Milkshake
A delicious drink that shakes up your holiday spirit!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Process:
- Blend the ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Switch vanilla ice cream for chocolate for a minty chocolate shake.
4. Candy Cane Brownies
Rich, gooey brownies with a festive twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix
- ¼ cup peppermint frosting
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Bake brownies according to the box instructions and let cool.
- Spread peppermint frosting on top and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Add some chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra richness.
5. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Warm up with this festive drink that’s pure joy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
Process:
- Heat milk in a saucepan, whisk in cocoa and sugar until dissolved.
- Stir in peppermint extract, pour into mugs, and top with whipped cream and candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Use a flavored hot chocolate mix for extra fun!
6. Candy Cane Cupcakes
Fluffy, festive cupcakes that are perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup water
- Red and white frosting
- Mini candy canes for decoration
Process:
- Prepare cake mix as directed and fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
- Bake as directed and let cool before frosting with pink and white swirls.
Make it Unique:
Add a small piece of candy cane in the batter for a surprise inside!
7. Candy Cane Truffles
Decadent truffles that melt in your mouth!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
- 1 cup crushed candy canes for coating
Process:
- Mix cream cheese and chocolate crumbs together until smooth.
- Roll into balls, then coat in crushed candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Dip the truffles in melted chocolate before coating with candy canes.
8. Candy Cane Popcorn
A crunchy, sweet snack that’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 10 cups popped popcorn
- 8 oz white chocolate, melted
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Toss popcorn with melted chocolate until coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with candy canes, and allow to cool.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some M&M’s for added color and crunch!
9. Candy Cane Cheesecake
A rich, creamy cheesecake that’s a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Graham cracker crust
Process:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add eggs and crushed candy canes.
- Pour into crust and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes, then chill.
Make it Unique:
Add chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful surprise!
10. Candy Cane Pancakes
Start your day off sweet with these festive pancakes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pancake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Process:
- Prepare pancake mix according to package directions.
- Cook pancakes on a griddle, then top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Make it Unique:
Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for a hot cocoa twist!
11. Candy Cane Fruit Kabobs
A fruity and festive snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients:
- Assorted fruits (strawberries, bananas, grapes)
- Mini candy canes
- Skewers
Process:
- Cut fruit into bite-sized pieces.
- Alternate threading fruit and mini candy canes onto skewers.
Make it Unique:
Use chocolate sauce for dipping the fruit before topping it with candy canes.
12. Candy Cane Holiday Chex Mix
A crunchy, sweet snack that’s perfect for holiday parties!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup nuts
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Process:
- Melt white chocolate and pour over the Chex mix, stirring to coat.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and let cool before serving.
Make it Unique:
Add seasonal M&M’s for extra color and sweetness.
13. Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Not a recipe for eating, but a sweet treat for the skin!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Process:
- Mix sugar, coconut oil, and peppermint extract in a bowl. Separate into two bowls and tint one red.
- Layer the red and white mixtures in a jar, ready to pamper!
Make it Unique:
Add a few drops of essential oil for a spa-like experience.
14. Candy Cane Dog Treats
Let your pet join the festivities with these tasty treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey
Process:
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough. Roll out and cut into candy cane shapes.
- Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until hard.
Make it Unique:
Use pureed pumpkin for added flavor and nutrition.
Embrace the magic of the season and let your creativity flow in the kitchen! These candy cane recipes are sure to delight kids and adults alike. Try one (or all!) and create wonderful festive memories together!