Ingredients
Main Components:
- 24-30 large fresh marshmallows
- 24-30 lollipop sticks or paper straws (6-inch)
- 12 ounces pink candy melts
- 12 ounces white candy melts
- 8 ounces red candy melts
Decorations (choose your favorites):
- Valentine-themed sprinkles (heart shapes, pink and red jimmies)
- Edible glitter or luster dust
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- Small conversation heart candies
- White chocolate for drizzling (4 ounces)
Optional Add-ins:
- Paramount crystals or vegetable shortening (for thinning coating)
- Coconut oil (for glossier finish)
Instructions
- Prepare workspace: Cover counter with parchment paper and set up styrofoam block or cardboard drying station with holes for holding pops upright.
- Insert sticks: Push a lollipop stick or paper straw into the bottom center of each marshmallow, penetrating halfway through. For extra security, dip stick tip in melted candy coating first. Let set 5 minutes.
- Melt candy coating: Place pink candy melts in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals until smooth. Repeat with white and red candy melts in separate bowls.
- Dip marshmallows: Hold pop by stick and dip straight down into candy coating, submerging completely. Lift out slowly, allowing excess to drip back. Tap stick gently against bowl rim 3-4 times, then rotate slowly for even coating.
- Add decorations: While coating is wet (within 20-30 seconds), sprinkle with chosen decorations. Press larger pieces gently into coating. Work quickly for best adhesion.
- Create drizzle effects: Once base coating has set (10 minutes), drizzle contrasting color over pops using piping bag or zip-top bag with corner snipped. Add edible glitter to wet drizzle if desired.
- Set completely: Insert finished pops into drying station, ensuring they don’t touch. Let set at room temperature for 30 minutes until coating is no longer tacky.
- Package or serve: Once completely set, individually wrap in cellophane bags, arrange in displays, or store in airtight containers layered between parchment paper.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions:
- For vegan pops: Use plant-based marshmallows and dairy-free candy coating
- For gluten-free: Verify marshmallow and candy melt labels (most are naturally GF)
- For nut-free: Use certified nut-free candy coating and decorations
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare up to 2 weeks in advance when stored properly
- Best made 3-5 days before serving for optimal freshness
- Can freeze for up to 2 months if individually wrapped
Troubleshooting:
- If coating is too thick, add ½ teaspoon vegetable shortening and stir well
- If coating is too thin, let cool for 2-3 minutes before dipping
- If sprinkles won’t stick, coating has begun to set—add a dab of fresh coating as “glue”
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Dipping, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian