Nothing says Christmas quite like candy canes. These candy cane recipes will put you in the Christmas spirit in no time and help you share that spirit with others.
It seems like most people can’t wait for pumpkin spice season but I can’t wait for peppermint season. I love when all the fun peppermint flavored treats start coming out.
It’s not only that I love peppermint flavor but also what screams Christmas more than peppermint treats? A warm peppermint white hot chocolate while looking at Christmas lights or some chocolate peppermint cookies while watching a Christmas movie is a perfect way to spend a day in December.
A Brief History of Candy Canes
Did you know candy canes haven’t always had stripes or even had their traditional bent shape? They started out as white sugar sticks.
The legend is that in 1670, the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany created the bent shape we now know to represent a shepherd’s staff. The candy canes were given to children during the nativity services.
Experts also say “it’s just as likely Germans added the hook to hang them from trees, alongside cookies, fruits, and other treats.”
It wasn’t for several more years that the candy canes would get their red and white stripes. Based on Christmas cards it appears that it was around 1900 when the stripes appeared. This is around the time peppermint flavor was also added.
There is a legend that the stripes were a secret code among persecuted Christmas in the 17th century. Three stripes represented the trinity, one Jesus’ sacrifice). It’s also likely that the stripes were just for good marketing.
The Best Candy Canes
There are so many different candy canes out there. These are some of the best-selling candy canes. I’m sticking with the classic peppermint but there are so many other fun flavors out there.
If you have dietary needs and still want candy canes and other Christmas candy, check out Natural Candy Store. They always have really cool options for different food restrictions.
Don’t forget to save broken candy canes for use in your Christmas baked goods!
The Best Recipes That Feature Candy Canes
If you love candy canes you need to try these candy cane recipes. They are delicious and a great way to use up your candy canes or use those broken candy canes.
Don't throw out your candy canes when Christmas is over. Even in the summer months, you can enjoy candy canes with this peppermint ice cream.
Vintage peppermint fluff is a simple and delicious dish from the 1950s. Using only a few ingredients you can whip this dessert up in no time.
Your favorite chocolate chip cookies get a holiday make-over with these peppermint chocolate chip cookies.
Sweet vanilla peppermint fudge packed with crushed candy canes. This Candy Cane Fudge NEEDS to be included on your holiday dessert plate this year.
With a gorgeous festive red color, these Red Velvet Peppermint Crunch Cookies are always a holiday hit.
Cool, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth vegan peppermint patties coated with rich dark chocolate. These easy-to-make, 5-ingredient treats are a great idea for holiday gift-giving or special treats!
This easy peppermint bark recipe will let you make your own in just minutes! And with only 3 ingredients, you probably have everything you need right now!
This vegan marshmallow peppermint fudge was so easy to make. Will become your favorite recipe for Christmas fudge. Because it’s the best candy cane fudge recipe.
Making no-bake treats for the holiday season is perfect for kids. They don’t take long to prepare but still have lots of steps to get mini chefs involved. This Peppermint Puppy Chow is a great example. You can prepare this recipe in just 10 minutes and have a lot of fun with your kids in the kitchen!
Peppermint Mocha Chocolate Bark is an easy Christmas candy recipe inspired by your favorite seasonal drink from Starbucks.
These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups are made with ready-to-bake sugar cookie dough and pudding cups!
These adorable chocolate peppermint mini bundt cakes would be perfect for a Christmas party.
Check out this recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Cinnamon Buns that is quick, and easy to make for your guests this season.
This is a fun peppermint treat for adults. They are also simple to make.
This festive peppermint alexander holiday recipe will look amazing on the table at a holiday party or on New Year’s Eve! Crushed candy canes adorn the rim and a yummy mint chocolate cocktail will warm up colder days.
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