Save Nothing says holiday spirit like chocolate-dipped candy canes I make these every December to stir into cocoa or add a dash of cheer to dessert platters The combination of cool peppermint with rich chocolate never fails to impress and they are just as fun to make as they are to receive
I first made these for a Christmas movie night and they instantly became a family tradition My kids love picking out sprinkles and dipping their own candy canes
Ingredients
- Mini or regular candy canes: great for stirring cocoa or gifting look for well-shaped ones with bright color
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate bars or chips: melt smoothly and complement peppermint choose high-quality chocolate with a shine for best results
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: helps make the chocolate silky and glossy use just a touch if your chocolate is too thick
- Festive sprinkles crushed peppermint mini marshmallows or white chocolate drizzle: these add crunch and visual flair try to pick nonpareils or decorations with vibrant color and check for freshness
Instructions
- Prep Your Station:
- Line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper so the chocolate canes do not stick and cleanup is a breeze
- Unwrap Candy Canes:
- Remove all wrappers and set the candy canes aside ready for dipping Smooth unbroken canes work best for coating
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place chocolate with coconut oil if using in a microwave safe bowl Heat in 20 second intervals stirring in between until perfectly melted and no lumps remain The coconut oil helps if your melted chocolate seems too thick or grainy
- Dip and Decorate:
- Carefully dip each candy cane about one third to halfway into the warm chocolate Gently twirl to coat and let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl Sprinkle immediately with your chosen decorations so they stick before the chocolate sets
- Arrange and Set:
- Place dipped canes onto the prepared baking sheet Keep the chocolate covered ends apart so they do not merge together Let sit at room temperature for half an hour or in the fridge for ten to fifteen minutes until firm
- Store or Gift:
- Once set move your candy canes into an airtight container Store at cool room temperature for up to two weeks If gifting wrap each in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a festive touch
Save My favorite part is picking out the decorations each year Sometimes we go classic with red and green sprinkles other times we drizzle with white chocolate for contrast I still remember the first year we made these and my youngest went wild with rainbow nonpareils
Storage Tips
Chocolate dipped candy canes will stay crisp and delicious for two weeks in a cool dry place Be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out and the peppermint fresh Always keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid melting or color fading
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile Dairy free chocolate chips work well for vegan or dairy sensitive friends You can swap coconut oil for vegetable shortening or simply omit if your chocolate is already silky enough Decorations can be anything crunchy and colorful such as crushed nuts freeze dried raspberries or sparkling sugar
Serving Suggestions
Serve these as hot cocoa stirrers on a holiday drink bar or tuck them into mugs as edible place settings They also add a pretty touch to dessert trays with cookies and brownies Wrap them individually for gifts or party favors for a sparkling homemade touch
Save Enjoy sharing these easy treats with friends and family for a joyful holiday moment Try making a batch for a cheerful homemade gift that is sure to impress
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use white or dark chocolate?
Absolutely. Both white and dark chocolate work well for coating candy canes and add visual variety.
- → How do I keep the chocolate smooth?
Adding a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening when melting chocolate helps achieve a smoother finish.
- → What decorations can I use?
Popular choices include festive sprinkles, crushed peppermint, mini marshmallows, or white chocolate drizzle for contrast.
- → How should I package these for gifts?
Wrap each dipped candy cane in cellophane and tie with decorative ribbon for an attractive holiday gift.
- → How long do these treats last?
Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these treats are vegetarian-friendly. Always check chocolate and decorations for dietary compliance.