Description
Delightfully festive Candy Cane Hearts with smooth melted chocolate centers, perfect for holiday treats or gifting. These charming candies combine the classic crunch of candy canes with rich chocolate and optional toppings for a sweet and decorative snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Candy Cane Hearts
- 28 mini candy canes
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Topping
- 1-2 tablespoons crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, mini white chocolate chips, or your favorite toppings
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a medium baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Clear some space in your refrigerator to place the sheet later and set it aside.
- Form candy cane hearts: Lay two unwrapped mini candy canes flat on the prepared sheet, facing each other so they form a heart shape. Make sure the candy canes are touching and as close together as possible while laying flat.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is just softened and smooth. Be careful not to overheat as the chocolate will continue melting from residual heat.
- Fill candy cane hearts: Spoon the melted chocolate carefully into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small tip cut off. Pipe the chocolate into the center of each candy cane heart. Press candy canes gently together if needed to ensure the chocolate holds.
- Chill to set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Serve and store: Enjoy immediately or store the candy cane hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer as per storage instructions.
Notes
- Store candy cane hearts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-3 weeks to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, freeze the candy cane hearts in an airtight, freezer-friendly container for 1-2 months.
- You can customize toppings to your liking: crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, or mini white chocolate chips add great texture and visual appeal.
- Be careful when melting chocolate to avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.
- If candy canes do not stick well initially, gently press them together after piping the chocolate for better hold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
