Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are the perfect holiday treat, combining rich, velvety chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint. These adorable heart-shaped delights are simple to make and are great for festive gifts, dessert platters, or a sweet way to celebrate the season. Whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate, these treats will bring a bit of holiday magic to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun – Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or winter celebrations.
- Easy to make – Requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
- Great for gifting – A beautiful homemade treat for family and friends.
- Customizable – Use dark, milk, or white chocolate to suit your taste.
- Crunchy and creamy – Smooth chocolate meets the crispness of peppermint candy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Candy canes (crushed)
- Dark, milk, or white chocolate (chopped or in chips)
- Peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Sprinkles or extra crushed candy canes (for decoration)
Directions
- Prepare the Candy Canes
- Crush candy canes into small pieces using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Stir in a few drops of peppermint extract if using.
- Shape the Hearts
- Arrange candy cane halves into heart shapes on a parchment-lined tray.
- Spoon melted chocolate into the center of each heart, filling the space.
- Decorate
- Sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles.
- Set the Chocolate
- Let the hearts cool at room temperature or refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Carefully remove from the tray and enjoy or package as gifts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 hearts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Peppermint Hearts – Use white chocolate for a sweeter touch.
- Salted Chocolate Hearts – Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Drizzled Delight – Drizzle with contrasting chocolate for a decorative effect.
- Nutty Version – Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: No reheating needed—just enjoy straight from storage!
FAQs
Can I use mini candy canes?
Yes, mini candy canes work perfectly for smaller hearts.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
High-quality baking chocolate or chocolate chips work best for melting.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Melt the chocolate slowly and avoid adding water or steam.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store well and can be made days in advance.
How do I crush the candy canes without making a mess?
Place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to break them into small pieces.
Can I add food coloring to white chocolate?
Yes, use oil-based food coloring to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
How do I package these for gifts?
Use clear treat bags tied with ribbon for a festive touch.
Can I make these without peppermint extract?
Yes, the candy canes provide plenty of peppermint flavor.
What’s the best way to shape the hearts?
Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter as a mold for perfectly shaped treats.
Can I use flavored candy canes?
Yes, experiment with different flavors for a unique twist!
Conclusion
Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are a delightful combination of rich chocolate and crunchy peppermint, making them a perfect festive treat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, as a homemade gift, or just for yourself, these easy and delicious treats will bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the taste of the holidays!
Print
Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy hearts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treat
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are the perfect holiday treat! Crushed peppermint candy canes add a refreshing crunch to creamy chocolate, making these heart-shaped sweets great for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 12 mini candy canes (to form 6 hearts)
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (for smoother chocolate)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Candy Cane Hearts:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange two mini candy canes together to form a heart shape.
- Repeat to make 6 hearts.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips with coconut oil, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Fill the Hearts:
- Spoon or pipe melted chocolate into the center of each heart, filling the space.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
- Add White Chocolate Drizzle (Optional):
- Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the chocolate hearts for extra decoration.
- Let Set:
- Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until firm.
- Enjoy or Gift!
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper and serve.
- Package in cute gift bags for holiday treats!
Notes
- For a twist, use milk chocolate or mix white and dark chocolate.
- Make it extra festive by adding sprinkles or edible glitter!
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~150
- Sugar: ~14g
- Sodium: ~15mg
- Fat: ~9g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~17g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~0mg
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