Holy holidays, Batman!  Christmas is NEXT WEEKEND!  If you’re anything like me, this month has really gotten away from you.  I’m not even sure what I have on hand.  I need to take present inventory, wrap some stuff, and buy for anyone I may have forgotten.  And then just when you think you’re done, you come face to face with those empty stockings!  Or some holiday party!  Or your delivery people!  Or, or, or!

Have no fear!  I have yet another great and easy stocking stuffer / quick goodie / nice token of appreciation:  Candy Cane Hearts.  Crazy easy, I whipped up a bunch of these and put them in goodie bags last year for friends, made a tray of them for my buddies at the post office (they don’t get much love this time of year!) , and gave them to anyone I suddenly realized “Oh, shoot!” when I encountered them.  And the way this month has gone, I’ll definitely be making them again!

Candy Cane Hearts

• mini candy canes
• bag(s) of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white – or all of the above!)
• decorations of choice (sprinkles, jimmies, non-pareils, edible glitter, etc.)
• small sandwich bags
• wax paper
• food dye (opt)

On a baking sheet lined with wax paper, align 2 mini candy canes tip to tip, creating the shape of a heart.  Repeat to create as many hearts as desired.

Pour chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave until melted, in 30-second increments so as not to scorch.

Once the chocolate is fully melted, spoon into the corner of a small sandwich bag.  Cut off a very small piece of the corner end.  Squeeze out chocolate gently, filling in the middle part of the candy canes.  Make sure that the chocolate goes all the way to the edge of the candy canes.  This is what holds them together.

Here is where you can get creative!  If you want to add a different color of chocolate, melt another type and create swirls and patterns of your choice.  Go even further with white chocolate mixed with food coloring.  I went with simple dark chocolate and Christmas colored non-pareils last year, but this year I think I’m going to go crazy.  ‘Tis the Season, after all!

Once all the chocolate is in place, sprinkle with decorations of choice.  Again, get creative!  Mix them up, alternate, make patterns.  Whatever your little heart desires.

Refrigerate for at least an 30 minutes to be sure chocolate is fully solidified.  Gently peel off wax paper and place in decorative baggies tied with ribbon or whatever packaging you prefer.

These are super easy to make and great for kids to help with.  Go classy or sassy or silly.  Just do whatever makes you happy!  I promise, they’ll make whoever receives them happy, too!