Description
There’s nothing quite like crafting your own Homemade Candy Canes—glossy, festive, and bursting with minty goodness. Whether for gifting or decorating, these sweet holiday classics are easier to make than you think.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp vinegar or cream of tartar
- 1½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Butter or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Grease a silicone mat or marble slab with butter. Set out gloves, scissors, and food coloring.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and vinegar in a heavy saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Stop stirring once dissolved. Brush the pot sides with a wet pastry brush. Heat to 300°F using a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat, let bubbles settle, then stir in peppermint extract gently.
- Pour half the mixture onto your greased surface. Add red coloring to one half and leave the other clear. Let cool slightly.
- When safe to handle, pull each portion until opaque and glossy.
- Form two ropes—one red, one white. Twist together and cut into 6–8” lengths. Curve one end to form the cane shape.
- Let cool and harden at room temperature. Wrap in wax paper or cellophane once cooled.
Notes
Be sure to work quickly when shaping the candy—once it cools too much, it becomes brittle and difficult to twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade candy canes, peppermint, holiday candy, DIY candy, Christmas treats