14 Creative Christmas Candy Cane Recipes That Kids Adore

Christmas is a time for warmth, joy, and delicious treats! For many kids, candy canes are synonymous with the holiday season. Why not take those iconic sweet sticks and transform them into delightful recipes that children will love? Here are 14 unique candy cane creations that will bring sweetness and cheer to your festive celebrations.

1. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

Warm up on a chilly day with this festive drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 candy cane, crushed
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Process:

1. In a small pot, mix milk, cocoa powder, and sugar over medium heat until hot.
2. Stir in crushed candy cane until dissolved.
3. Serve in a mug topped with whipped cream and more crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Add a splash of peppermint extract for extra minty flavor.

2. Candy Cane Cookies

Bite into these soft, minty delights.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring

Process:

1. Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and extracts.
2. Gradually mix in flour. Divide dough; color half red.
3. Roll both colors, twist them together, and shape into candy canes. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:

• Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a sweet finish.

3. Candy Cane Bark

Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz white chocolate, melted
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Process:

1. Mix melted white chocolate with vegetable oil.
2. Spread it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top and let it cool until set. Break into pieces.

Make it Unique:

• Use dark chocolate instead of white for a richer taste.

4. Candy Cane Milkshake

This shake is a holiday treat in a glass!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 crushed candy cane (for garnish)

Process:

1. Blend ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Add chocolate syrup to the blender for a chocolate peppermint twist.

5. Candy Cane Cupcakes

Cupcakes that capture the spirit of the season beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup milk
• Crushed candy canes for frosting garnish

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
2. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, flour, baking powder, and milk.
3. Divide batter into liners and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool and frost.

Make it Unique:

• Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

6. Candy Cane Fudge

A melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for sharing!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. In a saucepan, combine white chocolate chips and condensed milk over low heat until melted.
2. Stir in half the candy canes, pour into a lined pan, and sprinkle the remaining candy on top.
3. Chill until firm and cut into squares.

Make it Unique:

• Add crushed nuts for added crunch.

7. Candy Cane Cheesecake

Decadent and delightful, this cheesecake is a showstopper!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies
• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Process:

1. Combine crushed cookies and butter; press into a springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract together until smooth and pour over crust.
3. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. Cool and top with whipped cream and candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Use a chocolate crust instead of Oreo for a different flavor.

8. Candy Cane Rice Krispie Treats

These treats are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies
• 4 cups marshmallows
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. Melt butter and marshmallows in a pot until smooth. Stir in Rice Krispies and crushed candy canes.
2. Press mixture into a greased pan and let cool. Cut into squares.

Make it Unique:

• Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.

9. Candy Cane Pretzel Bites

A sweet and salty snack that everyone loves!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag pretzel snaps
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. Melt white chocolate and drizzle over pretzels.
2. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let set on parchment paper.

Make it Unique:

• Use milk chocolate for a different taste.

10. Candy Cane Truffles

Indulgent bites that are perfect for gifting!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 cup chocolate chips (for coating)

Process:

1. Mix cream cheese and cookie crumbs until combined. Roll into balls.
2. Dip each ball into melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Roll truffles in powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

11. Candy Cane Popcorn

Popcorn gets a holiday makeover with this sweet treat!

Ingredients:

• 10 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. Melt white chocolate and pour over popcorn. Toss to coat.
2. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over popcorn and let set.

Make it Unique:

• Add nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture.

12. Candy Cane Pancakes

Start your holiday morning off sweetly!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Process:

1. Prepare pancake mix according to package instructions.
2. Cook pancakes on a griddle until golden brown. Serve with whipped cream and candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Add chocolate chips to the pancake batter for a sweet twist.

13. Candy Cane Dipped Strawberries

A light and festive treat that’s perfect for parties!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Process:

1. Melt white chocolate and dip each strawberry. Allow the excess to drip off.
2. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and set on parchment paper to dry.

Make it Unique:

• Use dark chocolate for a delicious contrast.

14. Candy Cane Smoothie Bowl

A healthy twist that still feels festive and fun!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes (for topping)

Process:

1. Blend spinach, banana, almond milk, and peppermint until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and top with crushed candy canes.

Make it Unique:

• Add granola for extra crunch.

As you prepare to get cooking, let the holiday spirit guide you! Whether it’s a warm drink, a sweet treat, or a fun party snack, these candy cane recipes are sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike. Get ready to share some festive cheer with each delectable bite!