Candy canes are a classic holiday treat that adds a festive touch to any Christmas celebration. These sweet, striped confections are not only delicious but also fun to make at home.
This recipe provides a straightforward method to create your own candy canes, perfect for decorating your tree or sharing with friends and family.
Creating the Perfect Candy Cane Display
Setting the scene for your homemade candy canes is essential for capturing the festive spirit.
A beautifully arranged display can elevate the visual appeal of your treats, making them a centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Using a holiday-themed plate, you can showcase the vibrant red and white stripes of the candy canes against a backdrop of green pine branches and twinkling fairy lights.
Ingredients for Your Candy Canes
To create these delightful confections, you’ll need a few basic ingredients.
Granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and peppermint extract form the foundation of the candy canes, while red food coloring adds that iconic festive touch.
Don’t forget the powdered sugar for dusting, which helps prevent sticking and adds a nice finish to your candy canes.
The Candy-Making Process
Making candy canes at home is a rewarding experience that can be done in about an hour.
Start by preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Next, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage. This is where the magic begins!
Shaping Your Candy Canes
Once your sugar mixture is ready, it’s time to add the peppermint extract and divide the mixture.
Color one half with red food coloring to create the classic candy cane look.
After allowing the mixture to cool slightly, you can begin shaping the candy canes. Grease your hands and twist the red and white mixtures together, forming them into the iconic shape.
Cooling and Setting Your Treats
After shaping, place your candy canes on the prepared baking sheet to cool completely.
This step is crucial, as it allows the candy to harden properly, ensuring your canes maintain their shape.
Once cooled, the candy canes are ready to be enjoyed or packaged as delightful gifts for friends and family.
Presenting Your Candy Canes
When it comes to presentation, the right display can make all the difference.
Arrange your candy canes on a festive plate, surrounded by pine branches and fairy lights for a charming holiday look.
This not only highlights the vibrant colors of the candy canes but also adds a warm, inviting atmosphere to your holiday festivities.
Homemade Candy Canes Recipe
These candy canes are made with sugar, corn syrup, and peppermint extract, shaped into iconic candy cane forms. The process takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields approximately 12 candy canes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Add Flavoring: Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract. Divide the mixture in half; color one half with red food coloring.
- Shape the Candy Canes: Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s safe to handle. Grease your hands and pull each half until it becomes pliable. Twist the red and white mixtures together and shape them into candy canes.
- Cool and Set: Place the shaped candy canes on the prepared baking sheet to cool completely before serving or packaging.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 candy canes
- Calories: 50kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g