Candy canes Recipe
American · Dessert · 50 min total
Classic striped peppermint candy canes made from scratch with a simple sugar syrup and peppermint oil, perfect for holiday gifting or decorating.
20
min prep
min prep
30
min cook
min cook
12
servings
servings
150
kcal/serving
kcal/serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (gel preferred)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it. Have a pair of kitchen scissors or a sharp knife ready.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and bring syrup to a boil without stirring. Cook until temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in peppermint extract. Let cool for 2-3 minutes until bubbling subsides.
- Pour half of the syrup onto one side of the prepared baking sheet. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the remaining syrup in the pan and stir to combine; pour onto the other side of the sheet.
- Allow both portions to cool until they are cool enough to handle but still pliable (about 5 minutes). Use oiled hands or a metal spatula to fold the edges inward to form two separate logs.
- Pull and twist the white log into a rope about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the red log. Place the red rope alongside the white rope and twist them together gently.
- Cut the twisted rope into 12-inch lengths. Working quickly, bend each piece into a cane shape, pinching the curved end to form a hook. Place on the parchment to harden.
- Let candy canes cool completely at room temperature until hard, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Work quickly as the candy hardens fast; if it becomes too stiff, warm briefly in a 200°F oven.
- For a glossy finish, wipe candy canes with a clean, dry cloth after hardening.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms