Candy canes are basically a Christmas holidays mascot. The peppermint candy sticks with a hook on the top, so you can hang them on your trees are a traditional held for 250 years if you can believe it! They began as a straight sugar candy stick, with the wintergreen and peppermint flavors being integrated in the 1900’s. The story of their shape and why they have that “cane” appearance varies, but the tradition remains. Candy canes at Christmas. It’s just, tradition is cool and everything – but we can always improve on a good thing! These recipes combine the tradition, with baking, drinking, celebrating and a whole lot of Christmas spirit.
Of course I’m going to start the list here. I mean, lets get the party started – am I right?! And yes, it’s as easy as it sounds – candy canes and vodka in a jar. Mason jars are for more than just storing spaghetti sauce you know.
http://www.thespeckledpalate.com/candy-cane-vodka/ Photo by: The Speckled Palate
An easy no-bake recipe the kids can join in on too. If the kids are joining and you’re a little OCD about how perfect these should look, please refer to recipe #1.
http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/chocolate-candy-cane-reindeer Photo by: Smart School House
Time to get smashy!! Break up those candy canes and use them as a sprinkle topping on these incredibly delicious cupcakes. Chocolate and peppermint never looked so good, and festive.
http://thetoughcookie.com/2014/12/07/chocolate-cupcakes-with-an-amazing-candy-cane-buttercream/ Photo by: The Tough Cookie
Go grab those dixie cups from your bathroom counter and get these bad boys whipped up. Wrapped they make the perfect little handout, perhaps a party takeaway, bake sale item, neighbor treat or cookie/treat exchage. Each receiver then can make a hot chocolate using the pops with an edible treat at the end – a candy cane! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
http://boulderlocavore.com/candy-cane-hot-cocoa-pops/ Photo by: Boulder Locavore
Awwww, well look at that sweetness. Two candy canes equals, a heart! They also make for the perfect mold for little white chocolate pops! Simple and easy, but charming and impressive. Who doesn’t want to grab one of these?
http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-candy-cane-hearts/ Photo by: One Little Project
I love drop cookies! The “drop” means: no rolling, no cutting, no talent required. Stop, drop, and bake! The candy canes crushed up adds the special crunch in each bite.
http://icecreaminspiration.com/white-chocolate-candy-cane-drop-cookies/ Photo by: Ice Cream Inspiration
Hold on, one big thing to note here – besides it being freaking fabulous fudge…with candy canes…it’s made in fiiiiive freaking minutes. Yes, 5!
http://www.ebay.com/gds/5-Minute-Candy-Cane-Fudge-/10000000206526681/g.html?roken2=ti.pTWFyeSBZb3Vua2lu Photo by: Ebay
Set it, and forget it…but you won’t be able to forget it, and neither will your guests. This hot cocoa is made in large batch form in a crock pot in a couple of hours of slow cooking delight and served up with whip, and crushed candy canes.
http://littlespicejar.com/cozy-peppermint-hot-chocolate-slow-cooker/ Photo by: Little Spice Jar
The triple “C”! How absolutely incredible will this look as the centerpiece/star-of-the-show at your holiday dessert table?
http://sayitwithcake.org/candy-cane-cake/ Photo by: Say It With Cake
Truffles always look so impressive, don’t they? When in reality, they can be an very simple treat to whip up. Rolled in crushed candy canes, it makes them look flawless, festive and fun. Plus, a peppermint chocolate finish to any meal is exactly what everyone wants and needs. Peppermint is good for digestion, and chocolate is good for the soul. It’s practially medicine, guys.
http://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/easy-candy-cane-chocolate-truffles/ Photo by: Self Proclaimed Foodie
