Candy canes are a yummy holiday treat all on their own when your sweet tooth strikes, but they're also a versatile, colorful and inexpensive addition to recipes, crafts, and home decor. Here are 10 creative uses for Christmas candy canes this holiday season. Try some of our ideas or let your imagination inspire some candy cane creations of your own:
1. Candy cane sprinkles for your favorite cut-out cookies
Don't limit your cookie decorations to traditional sprinkles and icing. Take your sugar cookies from mundane to merry with crushed candy canes. Or try this variation: give frosted brownies a peppermint twist with a sprinkle of Christmas candy canes on top.
2. Christmas candy cane vase filler
Want an elegant and simple Christmas centerpieceyou can put together in minutes? Take a glass vase or hurricane, put a candle of your choice in the middle, and fill the space in between the glass and candle with crushed candy cane pieces, about 2/3 of the height of your candle. Tie a bow around the outside of the vase and you've created a one-of-a-kind holiday glow for your table!
3. Decorations for Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands
Candy canes add a pop of color to your greenery, and the "hooks" on candy canes make for easy hanging. On a tree, they're a colorful and lightweight way to fill in empty spots while still going light on your wallet. Take a look at some ideas of Christmas ornament crafts.
4. A "stirring" addition to hot cocoa
Put some zing in your hot cocoa by adding crushed candy canes to each cup. They'll melt right into the cocoa, creating a delicious chocolate-peppermint flavor. Finish each cup off with whipped cream and a candy cane "stir stick" for a festive touch.
5. Gift toppers
Tie a ribbon around a candy cane and adhere to the top of each gift along with a gift card. It's just that little extra something to dress up your presents and show you care.
6. Homemade holiday cards
Be creative with your handmade Christmas cards this year and decorate them with candy canes! Use them as reindeer "antlers" or poking out of the top of a stocking or in the hands of a snowman or Santa. Pefect your kids give them to teachers and relatives.
7. Holiday place settings
Add a candy cane on top of a napkin in a napkin ring. It will dress up your table and provide an after-dinner mint for your guests.
8. Candy cane vase
Take an empty, clean soup can with the top removed. Glue candy canes around the side of the can, fill with your favorite greenery or flowers, and finish off with some holiday ribbon.
9. Felt crafts
Make adorable, affordable felt and candy cane crafts like felt mice and felt "snow people." Get your kids involved in the crafty fun and let them experiment with fun Christmas shapes!
10. Peppermint Bark
How could we forget this Christmas gift fave? Peppermint bark is easy to make and simply scrumptious. Place your bark in a pretty Christmas tin, and you've just made a homemade gift at a fraction of what you would pay in high end stores.