Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Hearts are a delightful holiday treat that captures the festive spirit in every bite. These sweet and peppermint-flavored shapes are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing with friends and family. The unique combination of chocolate and crushed candy canes creates a tasty treat that looks as good as it tastes. They are great for holiday parties, gifts, or just to enjoy at home!

How to Make Candy Cane Hearts

Ingredients

24 large candy canes
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy coating
12 oz white chocolate chips or candy coating
1 cup candy cane bits

Directions

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Carefully unwrap 24 large candy canes.
Arrange pairs of candy canes on the parchment paper, forming heart shapes.
Bake for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the candy canes are just pliable.
Remove from the oven and quickly press the ends together to seal the heart shape.
Let the hearts cool and harden completely.
Melt 12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips or candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
In a separate bowl, repeat the melting process for 12 oz of white chocolate chips.
Dip the cooled candy cane hearts partially into one type of melted chocolate, or drizzle both chocolates over the hearts.
Immediately sprinkle with 1 cup of candy cane bits.
Place the decorated hearts on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving or storing.

How to Serve Candy Cane Hearts

Serve the Candy Cane Hearts on a festive platter for a holiday party or as a sweet snack. They make excellent gifts when placed in a clear bag tied with a ribbon or added to gift baskets. Enjoy them with hot cocoa or coffee for a perfect winter treat!

How to Store Candy Cane Hearts

Store the Candy Cane Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips to Make Candy Cane Hearts

Ensure you watch the candy canes closely as they bake to avoid melting them too much.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Feel free to mix different flavored candy bits to create a unique topping for your hearts.

Variation

Try using colored candy melts or adding drizzles of caramel for an extra twist. You can also create larger hearts by using larger candy canes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Candy Cane Hearts a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of candy canes?
You can use other types of hard candies or even chocolate-covered pretzels to create different shapes.

3. How do I make sure the chocolate sets properly?
Allow the chocolate to cool at room temperature or place the hearts in the refrigerator for a short time to help the chocolate set quickly.