The holidays sparkle a little brighter in Cincinnati thanks to a family-owned candy maker that’s been delighting generations since 1871. Inside Doscher’s Candies, copper kettles still bubble, peppermint fills the air and the same hands-on craft that began more than a century ago continues to define one of America’s oldest sweet shops—proving that some traditions never lose their flavor.
“Claus Doscher created his first candy cane using the best tools known to man—his hands,” says owner Amy Gilligan, who runs the business with her husband, Kevin. “We still use the same recipe, same kettles and same techniques from pulling and kneading to striping and hooking. I truly think it’s our small-batch approach that has helped the business endure.”
Gilligan and her husband joined Doscher’s in 2015 after meeting longtime owner Greg Clark.
“We were looking for a small, family-run business to be part of,” Gilligan explains.
Together with her parents and two brothers, they partnered with Clark to grow the brand. The business later moved from downtown Cincinnati to Newtown, where they built a new facility, coffee shop and gift store. At the beginning of this year, they took full ownership—marking a new chapter in the company’s long, sweet history.
Today, a team of six candy makers keeps Claus’s legacy alive behind the factory walls, while a friendly front-of-house crew greets guests with coffee, confections and conversation. Best known for its handcrafted candy canes, Doscher’s candies are a holiday staple at Kroger and a fan favorite on QVC. The addition of Candy Buttons has drawn a whole new crowd.
“We purchased that brand from Necco in 2018,” Gilligan shares. “They’re a fun, happy and eye-catching candy that appeals to children—and brings back memories of penny candy.”
While honoring the past, the Gilligans continue to innovate with new candy cane flavors like grape, blue raspberry, s’mores and birthday cake, turning seasonal treats into year-round favorites.
“Growth is important, but we never compromise quality,” says Gilligan. “Our biggest priority is keeping the integrity of our products.”
For Gilligan, the sweetest part of her job is the heritage. “As someone who grew up here, it’s been fun to be so emotionally invested in a small piece of [Doscher’s] history,” she shares.
Moving locations has been equally rewarding.
“We feel like we exist in a Hallmark movie— the holidays here are special, the town is decorated to the nines and we all love to support one another’s businesses and families.”
Looking ahead, Doscher’s is working on new variations of its Pillows—a bite-sized version of a candy cane—and expanding its Candy Buttons line with fresh packaging and more local collaborations.
“We’ve [worked] with March First, Braxton Brewery, Tickled Sweet, the Candle Lab, Lucca, as well as several others to combine our flavors with their products,” Gilligan explains.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Doscher’s Candies in Newtown for a festive experience, or unwrap the full range of goodies online.
Doscher's Candies | 6926 Main Street, Cincinnati | 513.381.8656 | DoschersCandies.com