Traditional Candy Cane Recipe

Traditional Candy Cane Recipe

Traditional Candy Cane Recipe

Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Servings12
DifficultyMedium
Sébastien RossBy Menucochon|
|Updated: Apr 6, 2026
I rediscovered this recipe on a particularly hot day while flipping through my old family cookbook. It’s at least 30 degrees outside as I write this, which makes it an unusual time to talk about candy canes. But that contrast is exactly what inspired me to share it. Brightly colored and sweet, candy canes are a traditional treat that bring back memories of childhood, Christmas markets, and stockings filled with goodies. Making them at home is not only fun but also a great family activity. Here’s a simple way to craft your own candy canes, with or without food coloring. If you’ve ever tried making homemade treats like beaver tails, you know how rewarding it is to create your own sweets. Let candy canes bring a festive touch to your gatherings.

Ingredients

Servings
12
120 kcal
Preparation

Instructions

0/7
  1. Step 1

    Prepare the syrup: In a thick-bottomed saucepan, mix sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Heat gently until sugar is completely dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Cooking: Increase heat and bring mixture to 150 °C (300 °F) without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature. Remove from heat as soon as reached.

  3. Step 3

    Aromatize: Add peppermint oil or vanilla extract off the heat and stir well.

  4. Step 4

    Coloring: Pour syrup into two heat-resistant containers. Color one with a few drops of red food coloring and leave the other natural.

  5. Step 5

    Handling: Lightly oil a work surface or marble slab. Pour both sugar masses onto it and let cool until pliable. Stretch each mass into long rolls.

  6. Step 6

    Form candies: Twist the two rolls together, then cut into pieces 15 cm long. Bend one end to form traditional candy cane shape.

  7. Step 7

    Hardening: Let cool completely at room temperature until candies are hard. Store in an airtight container.

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Our Tips

Chef's tips for making this recipe

Work quickly, as sugar hardens fast. To stay safe, use heat-resistant gloves. You can also get creative and shape spirals, hearts, or lollipops. For the best results, carefully monitor the sugar’s temperature to achieve the perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade candy canes bring a sweet and festive vibe to your celebrations. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a chance to create special family memories. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or enjoying them during the holidays, this simple and fun recipe adds a unique touch to your sweet moments. Feel free to customize the colors and flavors to suit any occasion. Candy canes, with their timeless charm, are sure to delight everyone, young and old alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Work quickly: sugar hardens quickly.

  • For added safety, use heat-resistant gloves.

  • You can also create spirals, hearts or lollipops.

Have you tried this recipe?

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