The holidays are the perfect time to bring a little extra sweetness and cheer into your home. That’s why I’m excited to share this irresistibly easy homemade peppermint sticks recipe with you. These festive treats are not only beautiful but also incredibly simple to make, even if you’ve never crafted candy before.
You’ll love how the cool peppermint flavor combines with the classic red-and-white stripes to create a nostalgic and fun holiday snack. Plus, making your own peppermint sticks is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your celebrations or gift them to friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- No baking or special equipment required—perfect for beginners.
- Quick prep time means you can make them anytime during the holidays.
- Customizable candy cane shapes to suit your style and occasion.
- Great for gifting or adding festive flair to holiday desserts and drinks.
Ingredients
Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to make about 12 peppermint sticks.
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons red food coloring
- Vegetable oil or nonstick spray, for preparation
- Crushed candy canes for garnish (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 12 sticks
- Calories: Approximately 130 per stick
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Homemade Peppermint Sticks for a Sweet Holiday Celebration!
- Lightly oil a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking before you start.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then clip in a candy thermometer.
- Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
- Divide the hot syrup into two heatproof bowls. Stir peppermint extract into both. Add red food coloring to one bowl and leave the other clear.
- Working quickly but carefully, pour the two mixtures onto the prepared surface in separate strips. Using a lightly oiled spatula or scraper, pull and fold each strip to cool slightly and develop a glossy texture.
- Twist together the red and white candy strips, stretching and rolling into long ropes about 1/2-inch thick. Shape into sticks as you go.
- Place the peppermint sticks on the baking sheet and while still tacky, sprinkle with crushed candy canes if desired for extra festive crunch.
- Allow sticks to cool and harden completely at room temperature, about 20-30 minutes.
- Once firm, break or cut into individual sticks and store as directed below.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the right temperature for perfect texture.
- Work quickly when pulling and shaping the candy because it hardens fast.
- If the candy becomes too hard to shape, warm it briefly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave.
- Keep your hands lightly oiled to prevent sticking while shaping the peppermint ropes.
- Store sticks in an airtight container to preserve their crispness and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store your homemade peppermint sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky or soft.
If your peppermint sticks lose some of their crispness, gently warming them in a low oven (around 200°F) for 5 minutes can help restore their texture. Let them cool before enjoying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different flavor extracts?
Yes! While peppermint is classic, you can experiment with extracts like spearmint or wintergreen for a twist. Just be sure to use food-grade extracts and adjust quantities to taste.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Making candy without a thermometer is tricky but doable. You can test syrup by dropping a bit into cold water; if it hardens into brittle threads, it’s at the right stage. However, a thermometer ensures consistent results.
How can I make the peppermint sticks more colorful?
Adding more food coloring or swirling in additional colors like green can create festive variations. Just be careful not to add too much liquid coloring as it can affect the candy’s texture.
Are homemade peppermint sticks gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten ingredients. Just double-check any flavorings or additional garnishes to be sure.
