Craft . . . Holiday Candy Trains
Create adorable holiday candy trains using gum, candies, and ribbons, perfect for festive gatherings or fun family treats that showcase creativity and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 (16-inch) lengths 3/8-inch wide red or green ribbon
- glue gun and glue sticks
- 12 packages gum (5 sticks each)
- 80 hard peppermint candies
- 12 rolls ring-shaped hard candies
- 4 foil-wrapped milk chocolate kisses ⓘ
Instructions
- Glue the end of 1 ribbon onto the wide side of 1 gum package to form the base of the train.
- Glue 4 peppermint candies onto the side of the gum package to serve as wheels.
- Glue a roll of ring-shaped candies onto the ribbon-topped gum package to create the engine.
- Glue 1 chocolate kiss and 1 caramel onto the engine.
- Glue peppermint candies onto the sides of 2 ring-shaped candy rolls and 2 gum packages to make train cars.
- Glue the remaining ribbon onto the top of the gum and candy train cars, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.
- Glue assorted candies onto the top of the ribbon on the gum and candy train cars to decorate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a festive touch, consider using different colored ribbons or a mix of peppermint flavors. If you can't find ring-shaped hard candies, you can substitute with other hard candies or even small cookies. Ensure your glue gun is set to a low temperature to prevent melting the candies. Always let the glue cool slightly before attaching to avoid slips.
Serving Suggestions
These candy trains make delightful holiday centerpieces or party favors. Serve them alongside other festive treats like Walnut Squares or Bahamian Banana Fritters for a fun dessert table. You can also use them as a creative addition to your holiday decorations, bringing a whimsical charm to your celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
These candy trains can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating them as it may cause the candies to become sticky. If you need to transport them, use a sturdy box to prevent any damage during travel.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Craft . . . Holiday Candy Trains contains roughly 384 calories, with 2g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of candies for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any of the candies with your favorites, such as chocolate-covered pretzels or gummy candies. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold their shape when glued. The variety will also add a unique twist to each train car.
How do I make the trains more durable?
To enhance durability, consider reinforcing the base of the gum package with a piece of cardboard before adding the candies. This will provide a sturdier foundation, especially if you plan to display them for an extended time.
Can children help with this project?
Yes, this is a fun and creative project for kids! Just supervise them while using the glue gun, as it can get hot. Let them choose their favorite candies and get creative with the decoration, making it a fantastic holiday activity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).