Introduction
There’s something magical about candy canes — the peppermint aroma, the red-and-white swirls, and that nostalgic holiday vibe. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or just craving something sweet, these 24 gorgeous candy cane treats are sure to spread cheer all season long. From cookies and cupcakes to fudge and hot cocoa surprises — there’s something here for every peppermint lover.
1. Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
A classic no-bake treat that’s crunchy, minty, and melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Melt dark chocolate and spread evenly on a lined baking sheet.
- Let it set slightly, then pour melted white chocolate on top.
- Swirl with a knife to create a marble effect.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 45 minutes, then break into pieces.
How to Serve It
Arrange on a festive platter or pack into holiday tins for gifting.
2. Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
Soft, buttery cookies with a refreshing peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in crushed candy canes.
- Drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add a sprinkle of peppermint dust.
3. Candy Cane Brownies
These peppermint brownies combine rich chocolate flavor with a cool, minty crunch.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter and chocolate together.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract.
- Fold in flour and salt, then pour into a greased pan.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes and cool before slicing.
How to Serve It
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra crushed candy canes on top.
4. Candy Cane Fudge
Creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge that tastes like peppermint heaven.
Ingredients
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Few drops red food coloring
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt white chocolate with condensed milk over low heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Drop in food coloring and swirl.
- Pour into pan, top with candy canes, and chill 2 hours.
How to Serve It
Cut into small squares and store in an airtight tin.
5. Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Bombs
Fun and festive — these cocoa bombs burst with peppermint hot chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
- 12 oz milk chocolate
- ¼ cup hot cocoa mix
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and coat silicone molds evenly.
- Let set and remove half-spheres.
- Fill one side with cocoa mix, marshmallows, and candy canes.
- Warm the edges and seal halves together.
- Decorate with drizzled chocolate and candy cane dust.
How to Serve It
Drop into a mug, pour hot milk, and watch the magic happen.
6. Peppermint Bark Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes with a sweet peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup buttercream frosting
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
- Combine both mixtures and pour into liners.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes and let cool.
- Frost with buttercream, drizzle chocolate, and top with candy canes.
How to Serve It
Serve on a holiday dessert tray with mini candy canes tucked into the frosting.
7. Candy Cane Truffles
Rich chocolate centers rolled in crunchy peppermint coating.
Ingredients
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Heat cream until steaming and pour over chopped chocolate.
- Stir until smooth, then mix in peppermint extract.
- Chill 2 hours, then scoop and roll into balls.
- Roll each in crushed candy canes.
How to Serve It
Store in mini boxes or serve chilled with hot cocoa.
8. Peppermint Cheesecake Bars
Creamy peppermint cheesecake on a chocolate cookie crust.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Few drops red food coloring
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Mix cookie crumbs with butter and press into a lined 8×8-inch pan.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract.
- Add food coloring and pour over crust.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35 minutes.
- Cool, top with candy canes, and chill 2 hours.
How to Serve It
Cut into bars and serve with a drizzle of white chocolate.
9. Candy Cane Meringues
Crisp, airy meringues with a peppermint twist.
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C).
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks.
- Gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Add peppermint extract and swirl in red coloring.
- Pipe onto baking sheet and bake 1 hour.
How to Serve It
Use as toppings for hot cocoa or gift in jars.
10. Peppermint Popcorn Mix
Sweet, crunchy, and perfect for holiday movie nights.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- ¼ cup red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt white chocolate until smooth.
- Pour over popcorn and toss.
- Add crushed candy canes and sprinkles.
- Spread on parchment to set.
How to Serve It
Serve in festive bags tied with ribbons.
11. Candy Cane Ice Cream
A cool, creamy dessert with refreshing peppermint flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Whisk cream, milk, sugar, and extract.
- Chill 2 hours, then churn in an ice cream maker.
- Add crushed candy canes during the last 5 minutes.
- Freeze 3 hours before serving.
How to Serve It
Top with chocolate syrup and extra candy cane bits.
12. Peppermint White Chocolate Pretzels
Sweet, salty, and peppermint-perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Melt white chocolate and dip pretzels halfway.
- Place on parchment paper.
- Sprinkle candy canes while wet.
- Let set 30 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve in jars or holiday gift bags.
13. Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Bars
Soft sugar cookie base with a creamy peppermint topping.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup frosting
- ¼ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add egg and extracts.
- Stir in dry ingredients.
- Press into pan and bake 18–20 minutes.
- Cool, frost, and top with candy canes.
How to Serve It
Slice into squares and serve with hot cocoa.
14. Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
Rich mocha flavor with a hint of peppermint.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brewed coffee
- ⅓ cup oil
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup mocha frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until smooth.
- Fill liners halfway and bake 18 minutes.
- Cool and frost with mocha frosting.
How to Serve It
Top with mini candy canes for decoration.
15. Candy Cane Rice Krispies Treats
Crispy, chewy, and full of peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Melt butter and marshmallows together.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Mix with cereal and press into pan.
- Sprinkle candy canes and drizzle chocolate.
How to Serve It
Cut into squares once cooled.
16. Peppermint Chocolate Donuts
Fluffy baked donuts with a festive mint glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients.
- Fill donut molds and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Dip cooled donuts in chocolate glaze and sprinkle candy canes.
How to Serve It
Serve with coffee or hot cocoa.
17. Candy Cane Biscotti
Crunchy, minty, and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix all ingredients and form into logs.
- Bake 25 minutes, cool, slice, and bake again 10 minutes.
- Dip ends in melted chocolate and add candy canes.
How to Serve It
Pair with hot coffee or cocoa.
18. Peppermint Oreo Truffles
A no-bake holiday hit.
Ingredients
- 24 Oreo cookies
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz white chocolate
- ¼ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Crush Oreos and mix with cream cheese.
- Roll into balls and chill 30 minutes.
- Dip in melted chocolate and top with candy canes.
How to Serve It
Keep chilled until serving.
19. Candy Cane Marshmallows
Soft, pillowy marshmallows with a minty touch.
Ingredients
- 3 envelopes gelatin
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Bloom gelatin in ½ cup water.
- Boil sugar, syrup, and water until 240°F (115°C).
- Beat mixture with gelatin until fluffy.
- Add extract and swirl food coloring.
- Spread in pan, set 6 hours, cut squares.
How to Serve It
Drop in hot chocolate or dip in chocolate.
20. Peppermint Cream Puffs
Light pastry filled with minty whipped cream.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup flour
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup whipped cream
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Boil butter and water, add flour, stir until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Pipe mounds and bake 25 minutes.
- Fill with peppermint whipped cream.
How to Serve It
Dust with sugar and top with candy cane pieces.
21. Candy Cane Chocolate Mousse
Rich and silky with a peppermint finish.
Ingredients
- 6 oz dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and let cool slightly.
- Beat eggs and fold into chocolate.
- Whip cream and fold in.
- Add peppermint extract.
- Chill 2 hours and top with candy canes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with mini candy canes.
22. Peppermint Shortbread Bites
Buttery cookies with a peppermint crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix butter, sugar, and extract.
- Add flour and press into pan.
- Bake 25 minutes, cool, drizzle icing, and add candy canes.
How to Serve It
Store in tins for gifting.
23. Candy Cane Layer Cake
A show-stopping dessert for any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- 2 cups buttercream frosting
- ½ cup candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and extract.
- Mix in dry ingredients and milk alternately.
- Divide, tint half pink, and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Frost and decorate with candy canes.
How to Serve It
Slice and serve with hot cocoa or coffee.
24. Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
Creamy, cozy, and the perfect drink to end your candy cane feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Heat milk and white chocolate until melted.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and candy canes.
How to Serve It
Add a candy cane stir stick for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Candy canes are more than just tree decorations — they’re the key to dozens of festive, delicious creations. From crunchy bark to creamy mousse and sparkling cupcakes, these 24 candy cane treats make every bite taste like Christmas joy. Try a few, gift them to loved ones, and make your holidays sweeter than ever.
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