Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts

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:

  1. Line a Baking Sheet – Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  2. Form Hearts – Arrange two mini candy canes together to create heart shapes.

Melt the Chocolate:

  1. Melt Chocolate – In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semi-sweet or milk chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Fill the Hearts – Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate into the center of each candy cane heart.

Decorate & Set:

  1. Drizzle White Chocolate – Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle melted white chocolate over the hearts.
  2. Garnish – Sprinkle crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles on top.
  3. Let Set – Allow chocolate to harden at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.

Serve & Enjoy:

  1. 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!

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Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts

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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!

  • Author: Beth
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Decorate (Optional):
    • Melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the hearts.
    • Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces for extra peppermint crunch.
  5. Chill & Set:
    • Let the hearts set at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
  6. 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.

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