Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, and Christmas is just around the corner. That means it’s time to add peppermint flavoring to all your favorite drinks and snacks. Whether it’s Starbucks’ popular holiday drinks or your mother-in-law’s quirky new recipe, Christmas candy canes and peppermint flavor are an integral part of holiday foods.
Most historians trace the first form of the candy cane back to 1670 in Cologne, Germany. Legend has it that the priest gave young children flavored sugar sticks to suck on during mass to keep them quiet. The modern Christmas candy cane with the signature shape and red stripes was first marketed in 1919 when candymaker Bob McCormack started selling them at his shop in Albany, Georgia. (Learn more about the unique history of Christmas Candy Canes.)
As lovely as these signature treats are, they can be a bit boring on their own. There always seem to be dozens of them leftovers after the holidays have passed, too. Have no fear! Here are some fun and creative food and drink recipes based on Christmas candy canes.
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa
Nothing fights off the winter chill better than a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Make this holiday classic even more festive by making a smooth peppermint hot cocoa. This is a great activity to get the kids involved and create a warm beverage all ages can enjoy.
Kids are sure to love this hands-on activity. Begin by crushing up some Christmas candy canes. You can use a food processor or crush them inside a plastic bag. Then take some milk chocolate and sweet cream and melt them together over the stove. Add in the crushed candy cane pieces, and ta-da, you have an instant holiday classic! All that’s left is curling up next to the fireplace and enjoying quality time with the family.
Check out the full recipe here.
Candy Cane Peppermint Brownies
The ultimate guilty-pleasure food, there is nothing better than a warm and gooey brownie. You can dress up this delicious chocolaty treat during the holidays by adding some crushed Christmas candy cane pieces. Mint and chocolate aren’t a new flavor combo, but expanding this infusion beyond the world of ice cream is a great way to put a fun, festive twist on a traditional baked good.
Take a look at the recipe here.
Peppermint Popcorn
With streaming services churning out Christmas movies faster than we can keep up, there is no better time of the year to snuggle up and watch a wholesome holiday film. And there is no movie snack more iconic than popcorn. We’ve added butter, cheese, and garlic, but what about Christmas candy canes?
Dessert popcorn has been growing in popularity over the last decade or so. Other options include white chocolate or caramel-covered popcorn. For this quick and tasty snack, first, pop some popcorn and melt some white chocolate. Coat the popcorn with the melty goodness and let it cool for a minute or so. Then you can shake on some crushed candy cane bits and even some sprinkles for a little extra touch. Viola! You have a crunchy, sweet treat that you won’t be able to put down.
READ MORE: 15 Best Christmas Gifts For The Cook On Your Holiday List
Crunchy Candy Cane Pie
Everybody loves Oreos! They are the best-selling cookie worldwide, with some 500 billion packages sold since their creation in 1912. So combining Christmas candy canes and the much-loved cookie into a tasty treat is ideal for the holiday season. This Crunchy Candy Cane Pie has a delicious crunchy Oreo cookie crust, a fluffy, no-bake Candy Cane Pie filling, and is topped with crushed Christmas candy canes. It’s the perfect dessert idea for that holiday potluck or to impress your family on Christmas day. Also, the simplicity and no-bake method make it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice.
Candy Cane Truffles
Another great way to use extra Christmas candy canes is to incorporate them in these easy, no-bake chocolate truffles. Simply mix cream cheese and powdered sugar with some melted chocolate chips and shape them into small balls. After leaving them to chill in the refrigerator, you can roll them in the crushed candy pieces for a crunchy and flavorful coating.
Check out the full recipe here.
READ MORE: 34 Delicious Holiday Food And Drinks Make An Amazing Season Bright
Chocolate Candy Cane Lollipops
These adorable Chocolate Candy Cane Lollipops are a quick and easy way to incorporate Christmas candy canes into what is sure to become a new favorite holiday get-together staple. There are a couple of common methods of making these sweet treats. The easiest version is to mix sprinkles, decorations, or crushed candy cane pieces into Wilton chocolate melts, and pour the melted chocolate between two small Christmas candy canes, inserting a lollipop stick as shown. White chocolate is preferred, but you can also use dark or milk to match your tastes.
Another alternative is to place popsicle sticks inside Oreos and then dip those into the chocolate and crushed Christmas candy canes. These are a great idea for bringing to a holiday party or sending with your children to bring treats for the class.
Candy Cane Cocktails
After the kids have been sent off to bed, there’s no better way to kick back and relax than with a tasty cocktail.
This Instragramable candy cane cocktail features a delicious mix of white creme de cacao and peppermint schnapps decorated with Christmas candy cane stirring sticks. The delicate layers of alcohol give off the appearance of a perfectly striped candy cane.
You can also make a “virgin” cocktail using eggnog, another seasonal favorite, and substitute the peppermint schnapps with cranberry or cherry juice.
Find out how to make it at home.
READ MORE: 25 Home Chef Gifts To Cook Up Something Special
Candy Cane Ice Cream
Mix up your favorite ice cream with a refreshing twist. Grab a blender and scoop in some of your favorite flavors of ice cream. (Vanilla bean is a fantastic option!) Next, throw in a couple of Christmas candy canes and power up. You’ll have a delicious dessert in minutes with a minty fresh taste to bring joy to your holiday.
Give your holidays a minty fresh start with one of these dazzling recipes featuring Christmas candy canes! Whether you’re looking for a dish to bring to a party, or gift items for friends, one of these merry and bright choices is sure to be a hit.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Ready to take your kitchen skills up a notch, after testing out some recipes made with Christmas candy canes? Check out Christmas Food Competition: Why You Should Try This Tasty Tradition.
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