15 Tasty Recipes That Use Leftover Candy Canes

Posted by Jenny Potter on December 21, 2016

Before you throw away the those last few candy canes, consider turning them into something fresh, minty and festive. So gather up those broken candies, and get hooked on one of these tasty recipes that are so good, you'll wish candy canes were around all year long.

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Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate

There’s a good chance your guests will simply be stuffed after a massive Christmas feast. Instead of desserts, try smooth and sweet hot chocolate. Thick and creamy with peppermint schnapps, this dark chocolate treat pairs well with fires and caroling. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-peppermint-hot-chocolate/19286/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate</a>
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Pulverize Candy and Cookies

Crushing ingredients like candy canes and graham crackers inside a sealed freezer bag makes for perfectly pulverized pieces without any added mess.
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Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars

A dessert lover's dream come true, these brownie-cheesecake bars are topped with crushed candy canes for some crunch and a little kick of holiday flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-cheesecake-candy-cane-bars/19262/" target="_blank">Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars</a>
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Crushed Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies. Put a holiday-inspired spin on this classic dessert with crushed candy canes mixed into the dough. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/crushed-candy-cane-chocolate-chip-cookies/17247/" target="_blank">Crushed Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>
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Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies

Crushed candy canes add a zesty, minty burst of holiday flavour to these chocolate pinwheel cookies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-peppermint-pinwheel-cookies/17526/">Alton Brown's Chocolate Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies</a>
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Gingerbread, 4-Ways

 While gingerbread men are the classic cookie shape, there are lots of ways to customize your cookies without cutters. We’ve got four new varieties to try: sugar-coated crackle cookies, jam-filled thumbprints, gift tags, and candy cane icebox cookies. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/holidays/blog/delicious-alternatives-to-gingerbread-men/" target="_blank">4 Delicious Alternatives to Gingerbread Men</a>
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Chocolate Candy Cane Tower

A mile-high dessert worthy of your holiday table, chocolate pancakes are layered with cream cheese and peppermint frosting for an indulgent dessert that's a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/giadas-holiday-handbook/recipe/chocolate-candy-cane-tower/17687/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis' Chocolate Candy Cane Tower</a>
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Quick and Easy Peppermint Fudge

You won't be able to resist the chewy, minty goodness of this decadent candy cane-topped fudge from Ree Drummond. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-and-easy-peppermint-fudge/15022/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Quick and Easy Peppermint Fudge</a>
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Candy Cane Martini

Amp up your cocktail game with this recipe, loaded with flavourful "festive spirit"!Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/candy-cane-martini/13861/" target="_blank">Candy Cane Martini</a>
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Peppermint Nanaimo Bars

Turn this nostalgic treat into a fancy holiday dessert with this simple recipe. A chewy cocoa graham base is topped with a creamy custard filling, a chocolate glaze hit with a splash of peppermint, and dotted with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to complete the festive look. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/holly-jolly-peppermint-nanaimo-bars/" target="_blank">Peppermint Nanaimo Bars</a>
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Peppermint Sugar Cookies

This is a great, simple dough to make up a batch of holiday cookies peppered with crushed candy canes and have your kids decorate them. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peppermint-sugar-cookies/11482/" target="_blank">Peppermint Sugar Cookies</a>
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Peppermint and Chocolate Shortbread

A sweet candy and crumbly cookie are packed into one decadent square. To serve, top the shortbread with silky white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy or candy canes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peppermint-and-chocolate-shortbread/11471/" target="_blank">Peppermint and Chocolate Shortbread</a>
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Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies

Perfect for any holiday dessert table, a sweet peppermint-flavoured filling is sandwiched between two soft and chewy chocolate cookies in Giada’s indulgent recipe. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peppermint-patty-sandwich-cookies/17603/" target="_blank">Giada De Laurentiis’ Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies</a>
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Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate sandwich cookie fans, rejoice! You can make the classic cookies-and-cream treat at home. For a bite that’s even more holiday-esque and chocolate-filled, use peppermint fondant in place of vanilla, give them a dunk in melted white chocolate and dredge in crushed candy canes. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chocolate-vanilla-sandwich-cookies/12654/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies</a>
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Peppermint Crunch Bark

If you have more candy canes than you can handle, this recipe is for you. Get smashing and turn those cracked and broken candy canes into a crunchy, minty bark. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/peppermint-crunch-bark/6159/" target="_blank">Peppermint Crunch Bark</a>
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