You probably associate candy canes exclusively with cellophane wrapping, but homemade candy canes are not that hard to make, and they’re a fun Christmas craft, not to mention a great homemade food gift.
The candy cane started out as a straight stick flavored with peppermint oil that was enjoyed in Germany at Christmastime. There is a theory that in 1670, a choirmaster in Cologne shaped the straight sticks to reflect the staff of the shepherds who visited Jesus at his time of birth, but this has never been definitively proven.
What we do know is that candy canes are one of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season, enjoyed by all ages for centuries. While they’re readily available in the supermarket, a homemade candy cane is something special, an unexpected addition to the holiday celebration that will surely be appreciated and admired for the effort it took to make them and for their charming homemade aesthetic.
Here’s what you need, and how to make them.
Special Equipment:
You only need two rimmed baking sheets and a few other tools to make homemade candy canes, including a candy thermometer, heat-safe gloves, and a bench scraper.
Ingredients:
- cooking spray
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- A pinch of salt
- Pure peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (or green, or any color/s you like)
How to make homemade candy canes:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to keep the candy warm and pliable throughout the process.
2. Spray a liberal amount of cooking spray into two rimmed baking sheets to prevent the candy from sticking to the tray after it’s poured. Don’t hold back on the oil. There should be a generous layer standing between the pan and the candy.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, thoroughly stir together a third of a cup of water, three cups of granulated sugar, one cup of corn syrup, one half teaspoon cream of tartar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Continue to stir until the candy thermometer reaches a temperature of 295 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not stir during this step in order to prevent the sugar crystals from attaching to the side of the pan. Should crystals form, use a pastry brush to carefully brush them from the sides.
4. Liberally spray a bench scraper with cooking spray while the candy reaches temperature.
5. Once the candy reaches the proper temperature, carefully pour the liquid into one of the baking sheets. Sprinkle the dough with 2 1/2 teaspoons peppermint oil.
6. Put on heat-retardant gloves, or if you don’t have them, put on thin winter gloves and three layers of plastic gloves to prevent the hot candy from burning your hands.
7. Using your prepared bench scraper as a mixer, stir the oil into the dough while also scraping up the bottom layer of the dough to the top in order to cool it down and create uniform pliability. Continue this step until the dough cools and becomes pliable.
8. Using a sharp, oiled paring knife, cut the dough in half. Transfer half of it to the second baking sheet and put it in the oven to keep it warm and pliable.
9. Now it’s time to add the sheen. Be sure your gloves are still well-oiled. Pick up the dough and pull it out to lengthen it until a rope is formed. Double the rope up and pull the dough into another long rope. Continue working the dough in this way until it starts to become glossy. This step not only adds the shine but it will also transform the clear dough into the trademark white candy cane color. Should the dough start to stiffen while you’re working, just put it in the oven for a minute or two to soften it up again. Transfer the cooking sheet to the oven once your desired sheen and white color has been reached.
10. Remove the other half of the dough from the oven and sprinkle it with a teaspoon of red food coloring. Using the bench scraper, fold the coloring into the dough until it’s fully incorporated and the color is uniform. Add more food coloring to reach your desired red color. This half does not need to be stretched like the other portion did. Place the baking sheet back into the oven.
11. Let both portions warm up for about six to seven minutes until they are both soft and pliant.
12. Remove each pan from the oven and, still wearing your gloves, form a log out of both pieces as long as the baking sheet. Cut each log into five pieces. Remove a red and a white portion from each pan and place them next to each other on a clean, oiled work surface. Return the two sheets back to the oven.
13. It’s time to form the candy canes. Do this by stretching out the logs and then gently twisting them. Stretch and twist until your desired thickness and twist is achieved. Using the oiled paring knife, cut the rope into individual canes and bend the top into the familiar candy cane shape. Let your canes cool down on the work surface for at least 20 minutes.
14. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Store your canes in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to three months.
Give them as gifts, use them to decorate your tree or wreath, or crush them up for truffles, peppermint bark, hot cocoa, cakes, or anything else you like.
Jessie Sheehan
For more festive tips, tricks, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Christmas and Holiday Entertaining Headquarters.
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