homemade candy canes

Forked River, NJ
Updated on Oct 29, 2025

These homemade candy canes are SO much better than store-bought, and so fun to make! Just make sure you have a stick of butter handy to keep your hands buttered for pulling so it doesn't stick to you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (photo from bing images)

prep time 5 Min
cook time
method Stove Top
yield 10 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups - sugar
  • 1/2 cup - light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup - water
  • 1/4 tsp. - cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. - peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp. - red food coloring

How To Make homemade candy canes

  • Step 1
    In heavy-bottomed large saucepan or small pot, combine first 4 ingredients and stir until sugar dissolves. Cook, without stirring to hard-ball stage. (265 degrees.)
  • Step 2
    Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Divide into 2 portions, and add coloring to one part. Pour out onto buttered cookie sheets. (Pour half onto one sheet, then add coloring to the rest and then pour onto second sheet.) when it's cool enough to handle, start pulling each part separately. (Best done with 2 people, but if doing alone, go back and forth pulling each.)
  • Step 3
    When you feel like you just can't pull anymore, form into ropes and twist them together. Cut into 8" lengths, form into the shape of candy canes, and place on lightly buttered platter til fully hardened.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 204kcal, carbohydrates: 53g, cholesterol: 0mg, fat: 0g, fiber: 0g, protein: 0g, saturated fat: 0g, sodium: 12mg, sugar: 53g, unsaturated fat: 0g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Candies
Keyword: #pepermint
Keyword: #candycanes
Keyword: #candy cane
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top
Ingredient: Sugar

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