Create a festive and edible treat for the holiday season with these adorable candy sleighs. Perfect for decorating your tree or giving as gifts, these sugary delights are a fun and easy way to add a touch of sweetness to your Christmas celebrations. Made with a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, these candy sleighs will surely impress your friends and family.
To begin crafting your candy sleighs, you’ll need some hard candies, toothpicks, and a bowl of water. Choose an assortment of red, green, and white candies to create a festive look. First, arrange three candies in a triangle shape to form the base of your sleigh. Secure the candies together with toothpicks, pushing them through the center of each candy.
Next, create the sides of your sleigh by attaching two more candies to each side of the base, using toothpicks to hold them in place. Then, form the front and back of your sleigh by attaching one candy to each end. Use toothpicks to secure the candies together, making sure the sleigh is sturdy enough to hold its contents. Finally, add a few small candies to the inside of your sleigh to represent the presents or gifts.
Melting the Candy
To begin, you will need to melt the candy. This can be done in a microwave or on the stovetop. If you are using a microwave, place the candy in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the candy is completely melted. If you are using the stovetop, place the candy in a saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the candy is melted.
Creating the Candy Sleighs
Once the candy is melted, dip the pretzel rods into the melted candy and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To create the sleigh runners, dip the ends of two pretzel sticks into the melted candy and then attach them to the bottom of the pretzel rod sleigh. Once the candy has cooled and hardened, the sleighs are complete.
Decorating the Candy Sleighs
Once the candy sleighs have cooled, you can decorate them with any desired toppings. Some popular options include sprinkles, candy melts, or edible glitter. You can also use a toothpick to draw designs on the sleighs. Once the candy sleighs are decorated, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Melting Candy
Here are a few tips for melting candy:
- Use a double boiler to melt the candy. This will help prevent the candy from burning.
- Do not overheat the candy. Overheating the candy can cause it to burn or seize up.
- Stir the candy constantly while it is melting. This will help prevent the candy from burning or sticking to the pan.
| Method | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave | 30 seconds at a time | Medium power |
| Stovetop | Low heat | Stir constantly |
Pouring the Candy into the Mold
Once the candy has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to pour it into the molds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Prepare Your Molds:
Lightly grease the molds with a thin layer of non-stick spray or oil. This will help the candy release easily when it’s set.
2. Pour the Candy Carefully:
Using a spoon or a small ladle, carefully pour the hot candy into the prepared molds. Fill each cavity evenly, but don’t overfill. Tap the mold gently to remove any air bubbles.
3. Smooth the Surface:
Use a dampened spoon or a small spatula to smooth the surface of the candy. This will remove any excess candy and give your sleighs a neat finish. Here are some additional tips to ensure smooth surfaces:
| Tip | Effect |
|---|---|
| Use a high-quality mold | Less imperfections, smoother surface |
| Heat the molds slightly before pouring the candy | Prevents the candy from sticking |
| Pour the candy at a steady pace | Prevents overflow and uneven surfaces |
| Tap the mold gently | Removes air bubbles |
Removing the Candies from the Mold
Once the hard candies have hardened completely – usually within 30 minutes – it’s time to remove them from the mold. To do this, follow these steps:
- Turn the mold upside down: Carefully flip the mold over so that the candies are facing downward.
- Tap gently: Use a spoon or your fingers to lightly tap the bottom of the mold. This will help loosen the candies from the mold.
- Peel away the mold: Gradually peel away the mold from the candies, starting from one corner. Be careful not to pull too hard or you may break the candies.
- Handle with care: Once the candies are removed from the mold, handle them gently as they may still be a bit delicate. Allow them to cool completely before storing or packing them.
Tip: If the candies are difficult to remove from the mold, you can try placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes before attempting to remove them.
| Tip |
|---|
|
If you’re making a complex candy design, it may be helpful to use a toothpick or other sharp object to gently pry the candy away from the mold. |
Shaping the Sleighs
To shape the candy sleighs, follow these steps:
1. Cut Out the Base
Use a sharp knife to cut a rectangular shape from the candy bar for the sleigh’s base. Make the rectangle about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long.
2. Cut Out the Sides
Cut two triangles from another candy bar for the sleigh’s sides. Make the triangles about 2 inches tall with a base of 2 inches.
3. Cut Out the Front and Back
Cut out a semicircle from a third candy bar for the sleigh’s front and back. Make the semicircle about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Assemble the Sleigh
Place the base, sides, and front/back pieces together to form the sleigh. Use melted candy or hot glue to secure the pieces.
5. Add Details
Use small pieces of colored candy or sprinkles to add details to the sleigh. For example, you could add a red nose to the front or a white mustache to the back. Use your imagination and creativity to customize your candy sleighs.
Decorating the Trim
Now it’s time to add some festive flair to the sleighs. Get creative and use a variety of candies and sprinkles to create unique designs. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Candy Canes
Use candy canes to create a classic holiday look. You can line them up along the edges of the sleigh, or break them into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top.
Sprinkles
Sprinkles add a touch of color and fun to the sleighs. You can use them to create a variety of designs, such as stripes, polka dots, or even snowflakes.
Candy Melts
Candy melts are a great way to add a smooth, glossy finish to the sleighs. You can use them to create designs, such as swirls or zigzags, or simply dip the entire sleigh in candy melts.
| Candy | Description |
|---|---|
| Candy Canes | Classic holiday treat that creates a festive look |
| Sprinkles | Add color and fun, allowing you to create unique designs |
| Candy Melts | Provide a smooth, glossy finish, perfect for creating designs |
Once you’re happy with your design, let the candy melts dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Adding the Runners
To add the runners to your candy sleigh, you will need:
Materials:
- 8 pretzel sticks
- Candy melts (in a color that matches your sleigh)
Tools:
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
1. Prepare your workspace by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the candy melts according to the package directions.
3. Dip one end of four pretzel sticks into the melted candy melts.
4. Immediately attach the dipped ends to the bottom of the sleigh, one on each side of the front and back.
5. Hold the sticks in place for a few seconds to allow the candy melts to set.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining four pretzel sticks, this time attaching them to the top of the sleigh, one on each side of the front and back.
7. To create the arching runners, gently bend the pretzel sticks upward. To facilitate this, you can soften the sticks by gently heating them with a hairdryer or microwave them for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat the sticks, as they will become brittle and easily snap.
8. Hold the arched sticks in place until the candy melts have set.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare your workspace by lining it with parchment paper. |
| 2 | Melt the candy melts according to the package directions. |
| 3 | Dip one end of four pretzel sticks into the melted candy melts. |
| 4 | Immediately attach the dipped ends to the bottom of the sleigh, one on each side of the front and back. |
| 5 | Hold the sticks in place for a few seconds to allow the candy melts to set. |
| 6 | Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining four pretzel sticks, this time attaching them to the top of the sleigh, one on each side of the front and back. |
| 7 | To create the arching runners, gently bend the pretzel sticks upward. |
| 8 | Hold the arched sticks in place until the candy melts have set. |
Finishing Touches
9. Details and Embellishments
To make your candy sleigh truly unique, consider adding details such as candy canes or mini marshmallows to represent the runners, or small chocolate chips to create the appearance of reindeer antlers. You can also use edible paint or frosting to draw festive patterns or messages on the sleigh. Remember to keep all embellishments edible and secure them carefully to ensure they stay in place during transport and storage.
| Decorative Idea | Materials |
|---|---|
| Candy cane runners | Candy canes |
| Marshmallow runners | Mini marshmallows |
| Chocolate chip antlers | Small chocolate chips |
| Painted designs | Edible paint, fine brush |
| Frosted messages | Frosting, piping bag |
Tips for Troubleshooting
Melting the Candy
If the candy doesn’t melt smoothly, you can add a small amount of water or corn syrup and stir until the candy is smooth.
Shaping the Sleighs
If the candy is too sticky to shape, you can wet your hands with cold water or wear plastic gloves.
Inserting the Skewers
If the skewers are too thick to insert into the candy, you can sharpen the end of the skewer with a knife.
Decorating the Sleighs
If the candy decorations are not sticking to the sleighs, you can use a small amount of melted candy to glue them in place.
Storage
If the sleighs are not stored properly, the candy can become sticky or melt.
Candy Proportions
Hard Candy:
| 500g Hard Candy |
|---|
| 100ml Water |
Isomalt:
| 250g Isomalt |
|---|
| 60ml Water |
Lollipop Candy:
| 500g Lollipop Candy |
|---|
| 120ml Water |
How To Make Candy Sleighs
Candy sleighs are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. They are also a great way to use up leftover candy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make candy sleighs:
- Gather your materials. You will need candy canes, chocolate chips, pretzels, and toothpicks.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, or it will seize up.
- Dip the ends of the pretzels in the chocolate and then insert them into the candy canes. This will form the runners of the sleigh.
- Spread some chocolate on the top of the candy canes and then add the chocolate chips. These will form the seats of the sleigh.
- Use toothpicks to attach the pretzels to the candy canes. This will help to keep the sleighs together.
- Allow the sleighs to cool and harden before serving. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
People Also Ask
How do you make a chocolate bell with candy canes?
To make a chocolate bell with candy canes, you will need:
- 1 candy cane
- 1 chocolate kiss
- 1 ribbon
Instructions:
- Unwrap the candy cane and the chocolate kiss.
- Place the chocolate kiss on the top of the candy cane.
- Tie a ribbon around the top of the candy cane to secure the chocolate kiss.
How do you make candy cane snowmen?
To make candy cane snowmen, you will need:
- 3 candy canes
- 1 mini chocolate chip
- 1 pretzel stick
Instructions:
- Break one candy cane in half. These will be the arms of the snowman.
- Break the second candy cane into three pieces. The largest piece will be the body of the snowman, and the two smaller pieces will be the head and the hat.
- Break the third candy cane into two pieces. One piece will be the scarf, and the other piece will be the base of the snowman.
- Assemble the snowman by stacking the pieces on top of each other. Use the pretzel stick to attach the arms to the body.
- Place the mini chocolate chip on the head of the snowman for the eyes.
