20+ Ways to Use Up Your Candy Cane Stash

Candy Cane Chocolate Loaves

When I had a bunch of leftover candy canes after the holidays, I was inspired to use them up by adding them to a chocolate bread. Coffee and cocoa intensify the flavor. —Shelly Platten, Amherst, Wisconsin

Peppermint Kisses

These are fun, refreshing and low in fat! —Lynn Bernstetter, Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

Candy Cane Punch

Peppermint ice cream makes this creamy drink taste—and look—more like a dessert than a punch! I've mixed it many times for ladies' lunches and buffets. For a fun garnish, hang mini candy canes around the punch bowl or on cups. —Neva Schnauber, Ft. Collins, Colorado

Candy Cane Shortbread Bars

I created these bars for my daughter, who loves peppermint. The buttery shortbread texture just melts in your mouth. It’s a hit wherever I take it. —Susan Ciuffreda, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes

I couldn't resist combining my two loves—peppermint and chocolate—in this recipe. These are so easy, but if one breaks in the process, just pop it in your mouth. —Sandra Baumgarten, Vancouver, Washington

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

We make batches of this minty, malted milk-flavored hot chocolate to give as gifts. Be prepared—friends will return the jars for refills! —Sara Tatham, Plymouth, New Hampshire

Candy Cane Souffle

I came up with this recipe by modifying one of my mom's gelatin-based desserts. The pretty pink sweet is a welcome sight on the table.—Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

White Chocolate Peppermint Crunch

This is my favorite confection to make at Christmas. Not only is it easy, it's delicious as well. I like to fill small bags with the crunchy candy to place in gift baskets.—Nancy Shelton, Boaz, Kentucky

Candy Cane Blossom Cookies

We like to stir different flavored candy canes into the dough for fun variety. —Joan Cossette, Colbert, Washington

Crushed Peppermint Cheesecake

We’re cheesecake fans. When we first tried peppermint Oreos, we knew they'd make an awesome crust. The minty cool crunch makes our favorite dessert even better. —Jeannie Burkhead, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota

Spearmint Thins

No time to bake cookies from scratch? Create a tasty treat in little more than half an hour by doctoring butter-flavored crackers with vanilla chips and mint candies.—Kathleen Felton, Fairfax, Iowa

Peppermint Meringues

Peppermint lovers won't be able to get enough of these light and airy delights. They make terrific Christmas gifts or lovely treats to pass around when guests drop in. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois

Ornament Popcorn Balls

These gooey-sweet treats are great for dressing up the tree with a little more than the classic popcorn string. And they're yummier and fun for the family, too. — Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

This dazzling cookie showcases one of my family's favorite flavors: peppermint. It's always one of the first to disappear from the cookie tray. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California

Peppermint Cheesecake

People are thrilled when they see me coming with this rich, smooth cheesecake—it's always a crowd pleaser. Not only does it look sensational, but it is so scrumptious. —Carrie Price, Ottawa, Illinois

Chocolate-Candy Cane Meringue Wreath

These stunning meringues melt in your mouth. Set the minty masterpiece in the center of the table to accent your spread, then enjoy it for dessert later. —Nicole Tran, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Chocolate-Filled Cookies with Peppermint Frosting

Baking is one of my favorite traditions around the holidays. These special cookies draw you in with candy-topped frosting and seal the deal with a chocolate center. —Deborah Puette, Lilburn, Georgia

Candy Cane Fudge

Everyone enjoys fudge, especially around the holidays, so I created this easy recipe. Store it in the refrigerator for a refreshingly cool treat.—Vicki VanValkenburg, Demorest, Georgia