Handmade Holiday: DIY Candy Ornaments

A favorite holiday pastime, there is nothing quite like getting the family together, throwing on your favorite holiday tunes, and decorating the home. Sorting through ornaments collected over the years brings back all sorts of memories: the baubles you bought for your first holiday on your own, the popsicle stick trinkets your kids made with their Kindergarten class, and the well-loved garlands passed down from your grandparents.

Each year we also like to add some new decor to the collection, and this DIY is one the whole family can get in on. Easy to make after school or in a free afternoon, your kids will love watching these crafty creations come to life!

(PS: If you got an Honest bundle delivered this month, you've already got the cookie cutter covered!)

DIY Candy Ornaments

Materials

Peppermint candies

Metal cookie cutters

Parchment paper

Baking sheet

Non-stick cooking spray

Toothpick or wooden skewer

String or ribbon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Unwrap peppermint candies and set aside.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the inside of each cookie cutter with non-stick cooking spray.

3. Spread out cookie cutters on tray and fill each one with a layer of peppermint candies.  Make sure to use enough peppermints; if the layer melts down and is too thin it will be more likely to break when removing it from the mold later.

4. Bake for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye. As soon as the candies have melted down, remove from oven and allow to cool.

5. Once the candies have slightly cooled, but not yet hardened, use a toothpick or wooden skewer to form a hole at the top of each ornament. Honest Tip: Spray the stick with cooking spray first to prevent from sticking.

6. Allow ornaments to cool completely then carefully “pop” them out of the cookie cutter. We found it easiest to work corner by corner and slowly massage it out, careful not to break.

7. String a ribbon through the top of each ornament and hang them throughout the house with holiday cheer!

Optional: Spray with a clear sealant to protect from pests and help ornaments last a little longer. This will also make ornaments more "giftable" — perfect for teachers, neighbors, and other loved ones!

These ornaments are super easy to make, so have fun experimenting with different shapes and colors of candy. If at first you don’t succeed, don’t fret! Ornaments that come out too thin or crack are perfect to use as a festive topper for your holiday treats (see below) or a garnish for hot cocoa.

What are your favorite ways to decorate for the holidays? Share your stories with us below!