Chocolate-dipped candy canes are an easy, festive homemade gift that pair perfectly with hot cocoa. Made with just a few ingredients, they’re affordable, kid-friendly, and ideal for a holiday mug or cookie tray.
My kids love creating homemade gifts, whether it’s a craft from school or a simple edible treat. After making candy cane treats recently, Wes and I put together these chocolate-dipped candy canes to give as gifts. They worked nicely alongside a coffee gift basket and would be lovely presented with a tin of cocoa and a festive mug.
This project is great for children of all ages. Some homemade candies require more care or adult help, but dipping candy canes is straightforward and fun—similar to other easy recipes kids enjoy helping with.
How to Make Chocolate Candy Canes
Dipping candy canes in chocolate is an easy holiday activity. Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment, wax paper, or a silicone mat. Mini candy canes are perfect, though full-size candy canes also work. Melt your chocolate (we used milk chocolate chips) with a little oil to smooth it, then dip each candy cane about halfway. For a whimsical touch, sprinkle extra-small marshmallows over the chocolate before it sets—kids especially enjoy this step and a few tastes along the way.
This is also a convenient way to use up leftover chocolate from other dipping projects. Only a small amount is needed and the canes are quick to coat.
Once dry, arrange the candy canes in a small box lined with parchment for protection, or place them in clear cellophane bags for a simple presentation. They make a cheerful addition to gift baskets or stand nicely on their own.
I had a few extra candy cane treats from a recent reindeer candy cane project and decided to dip some without sticks as an experiment—both versions turned out great and were adorable paired together.
Pairing a few chocolate-dipped candy canes together makes a charming little gift set.
Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes for Gift Giving
These chocolate-dipped candy canes are perfect for kids to help make. They’re a simple homemade candy gift ideal for the holidays—pair with hot cocoa and a mug for a thoughtful present. Mini candy canes are especially fun to dunk in hot drinks.
Homemade Food Gift / Snack / Dessert
American
candy canes, candy gifts, Christmas, easy recipes, homemade gifts, hot cocoa, kid friendly, mini candy canes
Ingredients
- 15 mini candy canes
- 1/3 cup milk chocolate chips or your preferred chocolate
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
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Melt chocolate chips with the oil in short bursts in the microwave or gently over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
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Dip each candy cane halfway into the melted chocolate.
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Place dipped candy canes on the lined baking sheet to set.
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Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the chocolate before it fully hardens.
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Allow to dry completely.
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Store in an airtight container, box, or cellophane bag until gifting.
These chocolate-dipped candy canes are delicious on their own and also complement hot drinks like cocoa or coffee. They’re quick to make, kid-approved, and pack neatly for gifting.
What have you and your mini chefs been making this week?
I’m joining Mini Chef Mondays with a group of bloggers—check out their posts for more kid-friendly ideas!
Be sure to browse each contributor’s Mini Chef post for additional fun recipes and activities.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls Rice Krispies // Courtney’s Sweets
- Easy Christmas Snacks That Look Like Trees // Eating Richly
- Chocolate Candy Canes // Giggles, Gobbles and Gulps
- Mini Cannolis 3 Ways // Vegging at the Shore
- Salt Dough Christmas Trees // My Mini Adventurer
