Not sure what treat to bring to your holiday parties this week? Need a cheerful pick me up after finals are over? These eight candy cane desserts are for you!
1. Peppermint bark
A holiday staple, peppermint bark can make even the most bah-humbug holiday guest light up with cheer. Although it takes a little patience, making your own chocolate-ly treat is its own reward. You’ll need semisweet and white chocolate chips, peppermint extract, and a few crushed-up candy canes. Melt the semisweet chips in a double boiler, mix in some peppermint extract and spread on a cookie sheet (don’t forget the wax paper!). Let cool, then repeat with the white chocolate chips. Sprinkle the candy canes on top, wait for one excruciatingly long hour, and break into pieces. Impress your friends and family with your exceptional chocolate skills.
2. Candy cane hot chocolate
For the baking-challenged people who still want that minty holiday flavor, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up. Make your favorite hot chocolate, whether grandma’s from scratch or Swiss Miss. Stir with a candy cane for a hint of festive flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, top with whipped cream or marshmallows (or both!) and crushed candy cane pieces. Best served with a snowy view.
3. White chocolate peppermint Oreos
4. Candy cane ice cream
This is the perfect dessert for a quiet night at home relaxing after finals, and if you’ve ever wanted to work at Cold Stone Creamery, this is the treat for you. Simply add crushed candy cane pieces on top of your favorite ice cream (vanilla or chocolate is delicious) and fold the ice cream over to mix the pieces in. Viola, cold treat for a cold night!
5. CCCC Cookies
Chocolate chip candy cane cookies are the perfect twist on a classic dessert. Make chocolate chip cookie dough. After adding in the chocolate chips, add in crushed candy cane pieces. Bake and enjoy a crunchy chocolate delight.
6. Iced pound cake with candy cane crumble:
Make (or buy, I won’t tell) a plain pound cake. Add royal icing—made with egg whites, sugar, and a little citrus. While the icing is wet, sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces. Let the icing harden. This could be served as a dessert-for-breakfast cake to light up any holiday brunch!
7. Peppermint bark popcorn
If you’re craving salty-sweet this holiday season, this is the dessert for you! Pop popcorn and spread it on a large cookie sheet. Melt white or milk chocolate chips (or both!) and drizzle it on top of the popcorn. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, and then add more chocolate. Let harden and savor the salty, chocolate-ly, minty flavors!
8. Candy cane brownies
The ultimate chocolate and peppermint lover’s dream is the peppermint brownie. Make brownies, adding a dash of peppermint extract to the batter. Bake, then let cool. Add chocolate frosting on top for extra fudge goodness, and then top with crushed candy cane pieces. These treats taste great and look even better, making the perfect Christmas party Instagram.
