20 Candy Cane Recipes And Crafts

Is it just me, or is the holiday season moving more quickly than usual? I swear it was back-to-school time just moments ago, yet here we are ready to celebrate the season with trees and candy canes and presents and more!

Today, in the spirit of this exciting season, I’ve rounded up a handful of fun and simple candy cane crafts that you can try out with your family! 

What is the Story of the Candy Cane?

The origin of the candy cane is surrounded by folklore rather than historical certainty. One popular legend suggests that a choirmaster in Germany created the candy cane in the 17th century to keep children quiet during long Christmas services. He supposedly shaped the candy in the form of a shepherd’s crook to remind the children of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.

Another version of the story ties the candy cane to a German-Swedish immigrant in the late 19th century. August Imgard is said to have decorated his Christmas tree with candy canes to represent Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

While these stories add a touch of charm to the candy cane’s history, the verifiable facts are more challenging to pin down. What is certain is that the candy cane has become a beloved symbol of the holiday season, with its distinctive red and white stripes often associated with Christmas joy and festivities.

What are Candy Canes Made of?

Candy canes are typically made from a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and water. The ingredients are heated to create a syrup, and the mixture is then cooled and shaped into the iconic cane form. Peppermint oil is commonly added to give candy canes their classic minty flavor. The candy is often colored with red stripes, and some variations may include additional flavors, colors, or decorative elements. After the candy is formed and shaped, it’s allowed to harden before being packaged and enjoyed as a sweet and festive treat, especially during the holiday season.

Candy Cane Crafts

1. Candy Cane Ornaments

via Jennie Masterson

2. Candy Cane Reindeers 

via Mom Spark

3. Candy Cane Soap

via Honest To Nod

4. Crystal Candy Canes

via Little Bins for Little Hands

5. Frozen Candy Cane Wreath

via Sugar Blossoms

6. Candy Cane Wreath

via Trendy and Wild

7. Candy Cane Garland

via Oh Yay Studio

8. Candy Cane Gift Tags

via Country Hill Cottage

9. Candy Cane Slime

via Kimspired DIY

10. Candy Cane Elf

via The Crafty Blog Stalker

Candy Cane Recipes

1. Peppermint Bark Candy Cane Hearts

via Oh! Nuts

2. Candy Cane Swirl Cake

via Raspberri Cupcakes

3. Reindeer Candy Cane Pudding Cups

via Snack Pack

4. Candy Cane Cake

via The Baker Mama

5. Candy Cane Pinwheel Cookies

via Pint Sized Baker

6. Candy Cane Cookies

via Home Cooking Memories

7. Candy Cane Fudge

via Kleinworth & Co

8. Candy Cane Frosted Sugar Cookies

via The Baking Chocolatess

9. Candy Cane Dip

via Dip Recipe Creations

10. Candy Cane Cocoa Pops

Wishing you all a fabulous candy cane-filled holiday season!