Last-Minute Christmas Candy Crafts

Just a few days until Christmas! I'm sharing some quick ideas from our book, Candy Aisle Crafts, that utilize the candy canes and peppermint candy that we have around at this time of year. This HO HO HO cake topper can also be used on top of frosted brownies or cupcakes. 

MATERIALS:
unbleached parchment paper
3 candy sticks (plus more in case of breakage)
scissors
3 starlight mint candies

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the candy sticks into pieces to make the three Hs. Place the pieces on the baking sheet in as close to an H-shape as possible and place in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 seconds. Gently (and carefully -- it will be HOT!) push the pieces together to adhere. Return to the oven for 1 minute. Remove, and after 30 seconds, gently press the pieces together to strengthen the bond. Let cool.

4. To make the Os, place 3 starlight mints on the parchment-lined baking sheet and heat in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes, until they have softened and spread slightly. Remove from the oven and let cool.

And...candy ornaments, also from our book!  
MATERIALS:
unbleached parchment paper
starlight mint candies
toothpick
peppermint candy stick, cut into 1" pieces
baker's twine

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. For the round ornaments, place starlight mint candies 2" apart on the prepared baking sheet. Heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute.

3.  To make a hole, press the toothpick into the candy and wiggle it around.

4. For the tree ornaments, place two starlight mint candies on the baking sheet right next to each other so they are touching. Heat in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute. Press the candies together and shape them into a triangle. Press the candy stick onto the bottom, as shown. Return to the oven for 1 to 2 minutes to adhere. Remove from the oven and add a hole (see step 3). After the ornaments are cool, thread string (such as baker's twine) through the hole and knot.

These candy tree lollipops/cake toppers were an early version of the peppermint tree pops below, from our book.

You can find the how-to for these peppermint tree lollipops from our book, over here, at Martha Stewart

I made these peppermint ornaments last year for Parents magazine...link with instructions can be found here.

I hope you have a sweet holiday!!