These Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are a festive and delicious holiday treat made with crushed candy canes and smooth melted chocolate. They’re simple to make, visually stunning, and perfect for gifting, decorating holiday platters, or enjoying as a sweet peppermint-chocolate indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive & Fun – The perfect holiday treat with classic peppermint and chocolate flavors.
- Easy to Make – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for Gifting – Package in cute bags for a homemade holiday gift.
- Customizable – Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for different variations.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun activity for kids to help decorate!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini candy canes (to form heart shapes)
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate (melted)
- White chocolate (melted, for drizzling)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sprinkles for extra color
- Crushed nuts for crunch
- Sea salt for a sweet-salty balance
Directions
Prepare the Candy Cane Hearts:
- Line a Baking Sheet – Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Form Hearts – Arrange two mini candy canes together to create heart shapes.
Melt the Chocolate:
- Melt Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet or milk chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Fill the Hearts – Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate into the center of each candy cane heart.
Decorate & Set:
- Drizzle White Chocolate – Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle melted white chocolate over the hearts.
- Garnish – Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles on top.
- Let Set – Allow chocolate to harden at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from Paper – Once fully set, carefully peel the hearts off the parchment paper and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 hearts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Peppermint Hearts – Use white chocolate instead of dark or milk chocolate.
- Salted Caramel Version – Drizzle caramel over the chocolate before setting.
- Nutty Hearts – Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the chocolate filling.
- Extra Minty – Stir a drop of peppermint extract into the melted chocolate.
- Gluten-Free Option – Naturally gluten-free, just check candy cane ingredients for any additives.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use crushed candy canes inside the chocolate?
Yes! Mix crushed candy canes into the melted chocolate for extra crunch.
How do I keep the chocolate smooth when melting?
Stir frequently and melt in short intervals to prevent burning.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store well and can be made a few days before serving.
What’s the best chocolate to use?
High-quality chocolate melts best and provides a smoother texture.
Can I use silicone molds instead of candy canes?
Yes! You can pour chocolate into heart-shaped silicone molds instead.
Do these work as edible decorations?
Absolutely! They look beautiful on cookie platters or wrapped in clear bags for gifts.
How do I prevent the candy canes from moving?
Use a little melted chocolate to “glue” them in place before filling with chocolate.
Can I use sugar-free candy canes?
Yes! Sugar-free candy canes work just as well.
What’s the best way to package these for gifts?
Wrap in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a festive presentation.
Can I make these into lollipops?
Yes! Insert a lollipop stick into the chocolate before it sets for a fun variation.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are a simple yet elegant holiday treat that combines the classic flavors of peppermint and chocolate in a festive heart shape. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or indulging, they’re an easy way to spread holiday cheer. Try them today and enjoy a sweet, seasonal delight!
PrintCandy Cane Chocolate Hearts
These Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts are an easy, no-bake treat made with peppermint candy canes filled with smooth melted chocolate. They’re perfect for holiday gifting, Valentine’s Day, or a sweet winter treat!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 hearts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 mini candy canes (for 6 hearts)
- ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil (for smooth melting)
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle, optional)
- Crushed candy canes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Candy Canes:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange two mini candy canes together in a heart shape, making sure the ends touch.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Fill the Hearts:
- Carefully spoon or pipe the melted chocolate into the center of each candy cane heart.
- Tap the tray lightly to help the chocolate spread evenly.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the hearts.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces for extra peppermint crunch.
- Chill & Set:
- Let the hearts set at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Carefully remove from parchment and enjoy your peppermint-chocolate treat!
Notes
- No vegetable oil? Use 1 teaspoon coconut oil instead for a glossy finish.
- Want a different flavor? Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for the filling.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.