10 Creative Candy Cane Recipes

They'll Make Your Holidays Extra Sweet

Written by
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
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Elizabeth LaBau
Updated 04/05/19

Candy canes are tasty on their own, but don't stop there — their crunchy texture, minty flavor, and bold stripes also make them a great addition to other homemade Christmas candies! These Christmas recipes use candy canes to add a seasonal twist to favorites like truffles, fudge, and meringues.

  • 01 of 10

    Peppermint Bark

    Peppermint bark

    The Spruce

    Peppermint bark is a Christmas classic and one of the most-requested Christmas recipes! Who can resist dark chocolate, white chocolate, and crisp bites of minty candy canes? This delicious, easy peppermint bark makes a wonderful holiday gift.

  • 02 of 10

    Homemade Candy Canes

    homemade candy canes

    Elizabeth LaBau

    Sure, you can buy all the candy canes you need, but there is something satisfying and rewarding about making your own. The process of boiling and pulling and twisting candy until it forms the familiar red and white stripes is magical.

  • 03 of 10

    Candy Cane Truffles

    candy cane truffles

    Elizabeth LaBau

    In this recipe for Candy Cane Truffles, Crunchy candy cane bits are folded into a smooth, minty, ultra-dark chocolate ganache. The result is an indulgent Christmas candy perfect for the holidays.

  • 04 of 10

    Peppermint Chocolate Spoons

    Peppermint chocolate spoons recipe

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    These Christmas candies are chocolate-covered spoons sprinkled with crushed candy canes. They're delicious when used to stir coffee or hot cocoa and make a great holiday gift. 

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Candy Cane Shapes

    Candy Cane Shapes

    Elizabeth LaBau

    If regular candy canes just won't do, make Candy Cane Shapes instead! By gently heating your candy canes, you can mold them into words, shapes, and more. These make a great gift — form them into holiday sayings, names of friends, or shapes to use as Christmas ornaments.

  • 06 of 10

    Candy Cane Popcorn

    Candy cane popcorn

    The Spruce 

    Candy Cane Popcorn is a cure for the Christmas munchies! Popcorn is coated in white chocolate and crushed candy canes for a sweet, minty treat that's a perfect party food or edible gift idea.

  • 07 of 10

    Peppermint Stick Marshmallows

    Candy Cane Marshmallows

    Elizabeth LaBau

    Peppermint Stick Marshmallows are an easy Christmas candy featuring marshmallows skewered with peppermint sticks and rolled in white chocolate and crushed candy canes. Try them in hot chocolate or coffee for a fun seasonal treat, or give them as a holiday gift!

  • 08 of 10

    Candy Cane Vase

    Candy Cane Vase with flowers in it

    Elizabeth LaBau

    Candy canes aren't just for eating — use them to make this beautiful candy cane vase! It just takes a few minutes to turn an ordinary vase into a perfect holiday decoration, complete with a ribbon bow.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Candy Cane Wreath

    Candy Cane Wreath

    Elizabeth LaBau

    Small candy canes are used to create a lovely red-and-white striped wreath. Enjoy the beauty of this long-lasting candy cane wreath all throughout the Christmas season.

  • 10 of 10

    Candy Cane Reindeer

    Candy Cane Reindeer

    Elizabeth LaBau

    This is a candy cane craft kids will love! Turn regular candy canes into googly-eyed, red-nosed reindeer with just a few dabs of glue and twists of pipe cleaner.