Peppermint candy ornaments are a delightful and festive craft that adds a burst of color and sweetness to your holiday decorations. Not only do these handcrafted ornaments look charming hanging on your tree or adorning your home, but they also infuse the air with a nostalgic peppermint scent. This creative activity is perfect for people of all ages, making it an excellent family project or fun gathering for friends. By transforming simple peppermint candies into eye-catching ornaments, you’ll not only enjoy crafting but also create lovely keepsakes that can be cherished for years to come.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Candy Ornaments:
- Festive and colorful addition to holiday decor
- Easy and fun project for all ages
- Sweet peppermint aroma fills your home
- Simple materials that are likely already on hand
- Satisfying crafting experience leading to a tangible result
Materials:
- Peppermint candies (soft or hard)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
- Cookie cutter shapes (optional)
- Oven (or microwave, for melting candies)
Full Step-by-Step:
Preparing the Candy:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the peppermint candies on the baking sheet in your desired shape. If using cookie cutters, place them on the parchment line and fill with crushed candies.
Melting the Candies:
- Melt the candies in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until they become bubbly and fully melted. You will know they are ready when you see the candies turn into a flowing liquid.
Shaping the Ornaments:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool briefly. If you’re using cookie cutters, carefully remove them now, being cautious of the hot melted candy.
- Poke holes at the top of the ornaments using a straw or skewer while the candy is still slightly warm, creating an opening for ribbons.
Cooling and Finishing Touches:
- Allow the ornaments to cool completely until hardened.
- Thread a ribbon or twine through the holes for hanging.
Tips & Variations:
- Customize colors: Use different flavored candies for a unique look, such as cinnamon or fruit-flavored.
- Add decorations: Sprinkle edible glitter or nonpareils on the melted candies before they cool for extra sparkle.
- Use other shapes: Experiment with different cookie cutter designs like stars or hearts.
- Create gift tags: Attach a small card with a message for extra personal flair.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use other types of candies?
A: While peppermint is classic for the holiday season, you can experiment with other hard candies like butterscotch or lemon drops.
Q: What if the candies don’t melt properly?
A: Ensure the candies are spaced enough apart on the baking sheet to melt evenly. If using the microwave, melt in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between.
Q: How do I store the ornaments?
A: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to avoid moisture getting to them.
Q: Can I eat the ornaments?
A: While they are made from edible candy, they are primarily designed for decoration and may not be as enjoyable to eat after being baked.
Suggestions:
- Pair your peppermint ornaments with gingerbread cookies for a themed holiday display.
- Use the ornaments as gift tags on presents for a personal touch.
- Incorporate them into wreaths or garlands for standout accents.
Final Thoughts
Creating peppermint candy ornaments is not just a craft; it’s a memory-making experience for you and your loved ones. These delightful decorations capture the spirit of the season, combining creativity with a touch of sweetness. We’d love to see your versions of this craft! Please feel free to share your photos or leave a comment about your experiences!
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Peppermint Candy Ornaments
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 ornaments
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peppermint candy ornaments that add color and sweetness to your holiday decorations, perfect for a fun family craft.
Ingredients
- Peppermint candies (soft or hard)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Ribbon or twine for hanging
- Cookie cutter shapes (optional)
- Oven (or microwave, for melting candies)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the peppermint candies on the baking sheet in your desired shape and fill with crushed candies if using cookie cutters.
- Melt the candies in the oven for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and fully melted.
- Remove from the oven, let cool briefly, and poke holes at the top for ribbons using a straw or skewer.
- Allow the ornaments to cool completely until hardened.
- Thread a ribbon or twine through the holes for hanging.
Notes
Customize colors with different flavored candies and add edible glitter for extra sparkle. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Crafts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ornament
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg