Candy canes might be the most underutilized treat of the holidays. Instead of letting them sit untouched, it’s time to put them to work. These recipes make candy canes the star, turning them into festive desserts and snacks that actually get eaten. Perfect for parties, gifts, or simply making your day more festive, they bring a fresh twist to holiday baking.
Peppermint Bark Cookies
These chewy brownie cookies, dipped in white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, pack holiday flavors into every bite. A great treat for cookie swaps or sprucing up your dessert tray.
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Candy Cane Cupcakes
These red-and-white cupcakes look as festive as they taste. Candy cane bits add a holiday crunch, making them perfect for parties or sharing with friends and family.
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Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies topped with buttercream and crushed candy canes hit the sweet spot between classic and festive. A great choice for anyone who loves holiday baking traditions.
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Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with fluffy peppermint frosting and a candy cane crunch. Quick to make from scratch, these are great for holiday gatherings or just a treat for yourself.
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Peppermint Bark
Layers of white and dark chocolate topped with candy canes make this an easy holiday classic. Perfect for last-minute gifts or keeping around for your own holiday snack stash.
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Peppermint Bark Brownies
These rich brownies are loaded with peppermint bark and topped with crushed candy canes. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s great for holiday movie nights or dessert tables.
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Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Packed with chocolate chips and candy cane pieces, these cookies are as festive as they are rich. Perfect for gifting or pairing with a cup of cocoa during the holidays.
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Candy Cane Frosted Cookies
Soft sugar cookies topped with peppermint frosting and candy cane crunch. A fun and festive addition to your holiday baking lineup that’s sure to stand out.
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Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Graham Crackers
These graham crackers covered in chocolate and candy canes are a super simple treat to make. Great for sharing at holiday parties or adding to your gift boxes.
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Peppermint Brownie Bites
Rich, fudgy brownies topped with crushed candy canes bring together chocolate and mint in a bite-sized treat. Great for parties or cozy evenings at home by the fire.
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Candy Cane Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes infused with crushed candy canes make breakfast feel extra festive. Add whipped cream and more candy cane bits for the perfect holiday morning.
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Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Marbled white and dark chocolate layered with candy canes. Quick to whip up and perfect for gifting or munching while you wrap presents.
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Peppermint Oreo Truffles
Oreo crumbs, cream cheese, and peppermint come together for a no-bake treat that’s as easy as it is crowd-pleasing. Great for gifting or holiday party trays.
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Candy Cane Brownies
Brownies topped with peppermint buttercream and crushed candy canes are a great way to combine chocolate and mint for your holiday dessert table.
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Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Rich chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. They’re like your favorite winter drink, but better—and in cupcake form.
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Peppermint Mocha Cookies
These soft, brownie-like cookies combine coffee, chocolate, and peppermint, then get dipped in white chocolate and topped with candy canes. A great treat to share with friends or coworkers.
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Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Chocolate-dipped shortbread sprinkled with crushed candy canes adds festive flair to your cookie tray. They’re easy to make and great for gifting or enjoying yourself.
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Candy Cane Tea Cake Cookies
Light, fluffy cookies topped with white chocolate and crushed candy canes. Great for holiday gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea by the fire.
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White Chocolate Candy Cane Fudge
Creamy white chocolate fudge topped with candy canes is a great holiday treat. Simple to make and perfect for gifting or adding to your dessert spread.
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Peppermint Sugar Cookies
Soft, chewy sugar cookies studded with candy cane bits. A great addition to your Christmas cookie platter and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Sugar Cookies
White Chocolate Peppermint Chex Mix
This sweet Chex mix is coated in white chocolate and sprinkled with candy canes. It’s a perfect snack for holiday parties or cozy movie nights at home.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Peppermint Chex Mix
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
