Level Up Your Holidays with Homemade Candy Canes

The holiday season is a special time in which we can all come together and celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. It’s a time of year when we can be thankful for what we have and spread joy and goodwill to those around us. One of the best parts of the holiday season is all of the delicious treats that come with it. From scrumptious holiday cookies and cakes to hot apple cider and candy canes, there are so many delicious treats to enjoy during the holiday season.

For those with a sweet tooth, the holidays are a time to indulge in all kinds of sugary delights. From gingerbread men to sugar cookies to peppermint bark, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Even those with a more savory palate can find something to love during the holiday season. From roasted chestnuts to eggnog-flavored bread pudding, the holidays bring a variety of savory treats that can please even the pickiest of eaters.

Of course, no Christmas season would be complete without candy canes. The minty-sweet, cool flavor of a candy cane is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. But why settle for mass-produced store-bought candy canes when you could make your own? If you’re looking for a way to level up your holiday season and impress your family, friends, and loved ones, look no further than homemade candy canes!

What Makes a Candy Cane a Candy Cane?

The history of the candy cane dates back centuries and is believed to have originated in Germany. It is said that in 1670, the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral asked a local candy maker to make a stick-shaped candy to help keep the children in his church quiet during services. The candy maker added a crook at the top of the stick, which was said to have been inspired by a shepherd’s staff, and he flavored the candy with peppermint. The candy cane was meant to represent the shepherds who visited Jesus at his birth. The candy canes were then passed out to children during Christmas Mass as a treat. Today, candy canes are a popular sweet treat for the holiday season and are found in a variety of flavors and colors.

Sure, the cane-like shape of a candy cane certainly helps define the very nature of a candy cane, but it’s not the only thing that makes a candy cane a candy cane. A true candy cane must also have a certain flavor and texture qualities in order to be considered an authentic one. For example, the classic red-and-white striped candy cane should be peppermint flavored with a crunchy texture that almost melts in your mouth when bitten into.

When thinking about DIY candy canes that you can do from the comfort of your own kitchen, it is important to keep these flavor and texture qualities in mind. While there is a seemingly endless variety of flavors that you can use to create your own unique candy canes, it’s best to stick with the classic peppermint flavor when making this holiday treat.

Making Your Own Candy Canes at Home

Before you dive into a homemade candy cane recipe, there are a few pieces of equipment that you’ll need. The most important item is an electric mixer, as this will help you create the dough for your candy canes. You’ll also need baking sheets, wax paper, and peppermint extract in order to make the batter correctly. Once you have all the necessary items, you’re ready to get started on your very own homemade candy canes.

Candy Cane… Dough?

If you’ve never made candy canes, then it might be surprising that candy cane dough is what you need to make candy canes. But don’t get discouraged! The dough for candy canes is fairly straightforward to make and only requires a few basic ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, water, cream of tartar, food coloring, and peppermint extract. The following recipes are some classic and unique takes on the traditional Christmastime treat, and we encourage you to try one or all this holiday season. They are delicious, and festive, and will certainly impress all of your holiday guests this year!

The Classic Homemade Candy Cane

Making a classic homemade candy cane is a fun and rewarding experience. Starting with a simple sugar and corn syrup mixture, you can use food coloring and flavoring to customize the flavor and color of your candy cane. You will then need to knead the dough to make it pliable and roll it out with a rolling pin before shaping it into the traditional candy cane shape. Once you’ve done that, you can then hang your candy canes on a greased baking sheet and bake them in the oven until they are golden brown. Enjoy your homemade candy cane with a cup of hot cocoa or as a delicious holiday treat!

Get the Classic Homemade Candy Cane recipe at Just A Pinch.

Festive Peppermint Sticks

Making homemade peppermint sticks is another great way to enjoy a sweet treat without all the artificial flavoring and added sugar found in store-bought varieties. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also healthy and delicious. They are the perfect addition to any holiday treat tray, and the bright peppermint flavor is sure to please everyone. They also make great gifts, as they can be packaged up in festive tins or boxes and given to friends and family. Making your own peppermint sticks is an awesome way to bring a unique, homemade touch to the holiday season.

Get the Peppermint Stick recipe at Delish.

Soft Peppermint Sticks

Some sweet tooth owners may not enjoy the hard and sometimes sticky nature of a traditional candy cane or peppermint stick. For those who prefer something a bit softer and more creamy, try making these soft peppermint sticks. They are made with all of the usual suspects in terms of ingredients and are delightful holiday treat that is not so hard on the teeth. Make sure to use gel food coloring instead of regular food coloring in order to get the desired color.

Get the Soft Peppermint Stick recipe at Griswold Home Care.

Peppermint Cream Candy Canes

For a more challenging take on the Christmas classic, give peppermint cream candy canes a try. What makes these a little different for the most part are the ingredients, which include egg whites and icing sugar. With a little patience and some baking expertise, you can create these delicious treats in your own home. The resulting candy cane is soft and creamy on the inside with a crunchy exterior that will make your mouth water.

Get the Peppermint Cream Candy Cane recipe at Sainsbury Magazine.

Jolly Peppermint Lollipops

Making candy cane lollipops this holiday season is a great way to spread festive cheer. Not only are they a delicious treat, but they also make for a great decoration. They look beautiful arranged in a bowl or hung from the tree, and they can be made with a variety of colors and flavors. Plus, they’re easy to make, so they’re great for a fun activity with family and friends. You can even get creative and decorate them with sprinkles, chocolate, or other fun toppings. So this holiday season, why not make some candy cane lollipops and get creative with your festive treats?

Get the Candy Cane Lollipop recipe at Sweet 2 Eat Baking.

Vanilla and Peppermint Candy Cane… Cookies

Okay, so these don’t quite meet all of the necessary qualifications for being an actual candy cane, but the peppermint flavor and the candy cane shape are enough for this Christmastime delicacy to make our list. These vanilla and peppermint candy cane cookies are a delicious and festive treat to make during the holiday season. Not only are they easy to make, but they are also sure to delight your family and friends. You can get creative with your own recipe, adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other mix-ins to make these cookies your own. These cookies are great for gifting, for a cookie exchange, or for a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa. Give these vanilla and peppermint candy cane cookies a try, and you won’t be disappointed!

Get the Vanilla and Peppermint Candy Cane recipe at Bakes & Blunders.

Level Up Your Candy Cane Game Today

Making homemade candy canes and peppermint treats is a great way to spark the holiday spirit. From the aroma of peppermint to the joy of creating something with your own hands, candy-making is an activity that can bring so much joy to the season. Whether you are giving the treats as gifts, or eating them yourself, you are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Level up your candy cane game today!

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