Day 8/365: Old Fashioned Soft Peppermint Sticks Dipped in Chocolate

A New Twist on Old Fashioned Soft Peppermint Candy Sticks

Old fashioned soft peppermint sticks (rather than candy canes) make a perfect chocolate mint treat by themselves or can be dipped in hot chocolate (there is the chocolate again) for an extravagant chocolate experience.

Starting right after Thanksgiving nothing is safe from chocolate almond bark. Just about everything gets dipped because everything is better when covered in chocolate. I even dip dried apricots in chocolate. (hey, don’t knock it until you try it)

These are not the run of the mill candy cane sticks, these are SOFT Peppermint candy sticks that are easy to eat, especially when dipped in chocolate. Chocolate mint

Where to Buy Peppermint Sticks

Every year I search grocery stores and they are really hard to find. I actually do a “happy dance” in the aisles when I find them. I start stocking up on ingredients and supplies for my holiday candy making in October and by Thanksgiving weekend I am ready to get to work.

King Leo Soft Pure Peppermint Sticks 9ozSweetGourmet Piedmont Soft Peppermint Bulk Mint Sticks (5Lb)Bob’s Sweet Stripes Peppermint Stir Sticks (Pack of 2)

How to Make Chocolate Covered Candy Sticks

I always use a double boiler to melt chocolate instead of a microwave. The purpose of a double boiler is to heat or melt food without coming in direct contact with heat. It prevents the melting chocolate from getting too hot. The microwave creates hot spots in your chocolate and if it gets too hot it cooks it into a clumpy mess.

Cuisinart 7111-20 Chef’s Classic Stainless Universal Double Boiler with CoverPlymouth Pantry Make Your Own Almond Flavored Bark, Chocolate, 24 Ounce (Pack of 12)Ghirardelli Chocolate Melting Wafers (for Candy Making and Dipping), 1 Pound 14 Ounce Bag (Dark Chocolate)Regency Natural non-Stick Parchment Paper for Baking 20.66 Foot Roll

Best Way to Melt Chocolate for Dipping

Using a double boiler is really easy.  Don’t have an “official double boiler?” That’s okay. You can melt chocolate without a double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a saucepan full of water.

Step 1: Put about 1-2 inches of water in bottom container

Step 2: Place cubes of chocolate in top container

Step 3: Turn stovetop on medium to medium high and slowly melt your chocolate.

Step 4: Lay parchment paper, or waxed paper on a flat surface

Step 5: Dip soft peppermint sticks in chocolate, add sprinkles or other decorations when chocolate is still wet.

Now comes the hard part. Waiting for them to dry. 

I package these up for Sunday School Christmas gifts and tuck a few into the Christmas cookie boxes. They are fun to give as teacher gifts and to have handy when guests visit for the holiday. Just package a few chocolate covered soft peppermint sticks in a clear decorated bag and tie with curly ribbons.