After the holidays, candy canes seem to multiply like glitter. You swear you gave plenty away, and yet there they are. Bent. Sticky. Judging you from the pantry. Instead of letting them fossilize until next December, here are genuinely useful and fun ways to put leftover candy canes to work.
Contents
Turn Them Into Holiday Baking Gold
Candy canes are basically peppermint candy in disguise, which means they shine in baked goods.
- Crush and sprinkle over brownies, cookies, or chocolate bark
- Mix into cookie dough for peppermint sugar cookies
- Top cupcakes with crushed candy cane dust for instant flair
Pro tip: Put candy canes in a zip-top bag and whack them with a rolling pin. Cheap therapy, delicious results.
Upgrade Your Drinks
Candy canes are functional, not just decorative.
- Stir hot chocolate or coffee with one for a peppermint kick
- Add to tea for a light minty sweetness
- Use as cocktail stirrers for peppermint martinis or holiday mocktails
They melt slowly, which means flavor without instantly overpowering your drink.
Make Peppermint Sugar or Syrup
This is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” ideas.
- Peppermint sugar: Crush candy canes and mix with plain sugar. Perfect for rimming mugs or sprinkling on toast and oatmeal.
- Peppermint syrup: Simmer crushed candy canes with water and sugar. Use it in coffee, cocoa, or desserts.
Store in a mason jar and suddenly your leftovers feel intentional.
DIY Self-Care (Yes, Really)
Candy canes smell amazing, which makes them great for simple DIYs.
- Peppermint sugar scrub: Crushed candy canes + sugar + coconut oil
- Bath soak: Dissolve crushed candy canes with Epsom salt
- Foot soak: Peppermint helps tired feet feel refreshed
It’s festive spa energy without the spa prices.
Decor and Craft Ideas
If your candy canes are still intact, they can live a second life as decor.
- Tie bundles with ribbon and hang them in the pantry or on gift bags
- Glue into simple ornaments or wreath accents
- Use as place card holders for winter dinners
Even slightly crooked candy canes still have charm.
If you’re truly candy-caned out:
- Add them to classroom treat bins
- Drop them off at community centers or food pantries
- Hand them out with hot cocoa kits
Candy canes are shelf-stable, individually wrapped, and still festive long after Christmas.
The Bottom Line
Leftover candy canes don’t have to become a holiday relic. They can flavor drinks, elevate desserts, freshen up your self-care routine, or brighten someone else’s day. Worst case scenario? Smash them into peppermint dust and call it stress management.
If you’re staring at a bowl of candy canes right now, this is your sign to do something fun with them.
