Easy Candy Cane Treats to Make

The Holidays in my home begin with baking and we do not just make cookies. Some of my favorite Christmas treats are candies and anything with candy cane in the recipe. The following recipes are super easy to make and all family friendly.

Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Sticks

I love candy canes because they remind me of all the Christmas Holidays growing up at home. We knew it was holiday time in my house when the baking started. Chocolate Candy Cane Sticks were always my favorite because no matter how young (or old) I was I could help with them, plus they were done in minutes which meant I got to eat one right away!

What You Need: Large candy cane sticks, 1/2 lb baker's chocolate, crushed nuts (your favorite) or Christmas colored sprinkles, wax paper, christmas cellophane

What You Do: In a large saucepan over low/medium heat melt bakers chocolate till no lumps are visible. Unwrap your candy canes and dip half of the candy cane into the chocolate and lay sticks on a layer of wax paper. Before chocolate melts sprinkle candy cane sticks with nuts or Christmas sprinkles. Let cool. Done!

To Give: Wrap candy canes individually or as a bunch in decorative cellophane and tie off with a ribbon. Or find a tall glass jar with a lid and fill it with the candy cane sticks add a huge bow or ribbon to the lid and you have a sweet gift.

You can do this recipe using pretzel rods instead using candy cane bits instead of nuts.

Candy Cane Popcorn Balls

Who says popcorn balls are only for Halloween? When I was younger we used to make popcorn balls, decorate them and wrap them up to hang on the tree. When visitors came over we let them take popcorn balls home from our tree. This is a great family treat to make because everyone can make their own candy cane design.

What You Need: 6 cups popped popcorn (about 1/3 cup unpopped popcorn), 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp. vinegar, chopped candy cane pieces

What You Do: Pop popcorn and set aside in a bowl. In a heavy saucepan mix sugar, syrup, water and vinegar. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly use a candy thermometer to test mix. When the temperature reaches 260 degrees remove from heat and immediately pour mixture over the popped popcorn. Grease a large spoon and mix popcorn until all of it is completely covered. Let the popcorn cool slightly so that it can be handled. Form popcorn into balls with buttered fingers. Press the crushed candy cane pieces into the sides of the popcorn balls. You can get creative and do stripes or outline Christmas designs with the candy cane bits.

To Give: You can individually wrap each popcorn ball with decorative cellophane and tie off and leave a long ribbon tie to make each one look like an ornament and fill a basket. Or you can fill a Christmas tin with the popcorn balls and top the lid with a bow.

Easy Candy Cane and Chocolate Truffles

These are the hardest of all these recipes to make but even they are easily done and everyone in the family can pitch in.

What You Need: 1/4 cup heavy cream, 8 oz bittersweet chocolate cut in smallpieces,1/4cup fine cocoa, 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened, 1/4 cup crushed candy cane

What You Do: In a medium saucepan bring cream to a boil then remove from heat and stir in chocolate pieces and butter. Stir chocolate till it is all melted and all ingredients are well blended. Refrigerate mixture for two hours in a glass container. Line another glass container with wax paper and set aside. Form 1/2" size balls with a melon baller. Roll balls alternately in the finely grated cocoa and candy cane bits. Put truffles in the waxed container making sure to put a sheet of wax between each layer, cover tightly and refrigerate. Done!

To give: Fill a small tin with festive cellophane and fill with a layer of truffles. Top the tin with a bow or bright ribbons.