Easy Homemade Christmas Peppermint Sticks Recipe

There’s something truly magical about holiday treats, and making your own peppermint sticks at home is a delightful way to bring that festive spirit to your kitchen. These easy homemade Christmas peppermint sticks are crunchy, minty, and just sweet enough to satisfy your seasonal cravings. Plus, they’re a fantastic treat to share with loved ones or to use as charming edible decorations.

this Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple recipe that captures the best flavors of the holidays, these peppermint sticks are a perfect choice. You’ll love how quick and fun it is to create these classic goodies that taste like a fresh winter breeze wrapped in candy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Perfect balance of sweet and refreshing peppermint flavor
• Crunchy texture that stays crisp even after storing
• Great for holiday gifting or party favors
• Customizable with crushed candy canes or chocolate drizzle

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your festive peppermint sticks come to life.

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes (optional, for garnish)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 sticks
• Calories: Approximately 140 per stick

How to Make Easy Homemade Christmas Peppermint Sticks: The Best Holiday Treat You Can Make!

1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Attach a candy thermometer to the pot and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract and red food coloring quickly but carefully, then pour the hot syrup onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into a large thin rectangle.
4. Allow the candy to cool just until it starts to set but is still pliable, about 3-5 minutes. Lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar, then lift the edges and start pulling the candy to incorporate air, folding it back and forth until glossy and opaque, about 5 minutes.
5. Roll the pulled candy into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 4-5 inch sticks using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife dusted with powdered sugar.
6. While still slightly sticky, gently press crushed peppermint candy canes onto the sticks for a festive finish. Let the peppermint sticks cool completely on parchment to harden.
7. Store your peppermint sticks in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and fresh.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage for perfect texture.
• Dust your hands and tools with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when pulling and shaping the candy.
• Work quickly when adding flavorings and color to avoid premature setting.
• Customize by adding white chocolate drizzle once cooled for an extra festive touch.
• If you don’t have cream of tartar, lemon juice can be used as a substitute to prevent crystallization.

Storage and Reheating

Store your peppermint sticks in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, to keep them crisp for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration as humidity may soften the candy.

Since these peppermint sticks are a hard candy, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy them fresh or at room temperature for their best flavor and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes! While peppermint is classic, you can experiment with spearmint or even cinnamon extracts for a different holiday twist. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain flavor balance.

How do I prevent the candy from sticking during shaping?

Dust your hands and any tools with powdered sugar or cornstarch before handling the candy. Working quickly and lightly will also help prevent sticking while pulling and cutting the sticks.

Can I add color variations to the peppermint sticks?

Absolutely! You can swirl in white food coloring with the red to create stripes or add green for a festive look. Just add colors right after removing the syrup from heat and before pulling.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, but if unavailable, test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should harden and crack easily at the hard crack stage. However, this method is less precise.