Christmas Marshmallow Pops are the answer to holiday dessert stress. I mean, aren’t you tired of everything turning into a major production? Maybe you want something cute and festive but you don’t feel like making a five-layer cake that might flop. Or maybe you just need a treat for Santa’s plate you can throw together with stuff from the grocery store. No oven. Almost zero brain power required. These pops look like you spent ages, but really? They’ll be done before you can say “where did I put the gift wrap?”
How to Make Christmas Marshmallow Pops
Let me just say, Christmas Marshmallow Pops are weirdly satisfying to make. You can get the whole family in on these if you dare pass over control of the sprinkles. Here’s the basic gist: take some big fluffy marshmallows, jab a stick through ’em, dip them in melted chocolate, and roll them in every sprinkle or crushed candy known to humankind.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipes mixes a little nostalgia with a buttery finish. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. Christmas Marshmallow Pops are the answer to holiday dessert stress. I mean, aren't you tired of everything turning into a major production? Maybe you want something…
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to clear the kitchen table and lay out all your options before you start. Kids go bonkers for this and so do slightly-cynical adults who just want something sweet and easy. Plus, cleanup? Almost fun. There will be chaos, but it’s festive chaos.
Stick to the classics or get totally wild with it – think pretzel rods, peppermint bits, even tiny gingerbread dudes if you must. No one will mind if things look a little messy. Trust me, it’s the wacky looking ones everybody wants first.
How to Prepare the Marshmallows
This step, easy as pie…no, easier. The secret to making Christmas Marshmallow Pops stand up straight is starting with the right base. Grab a bag of jumbo marshmallows (they’re the best for popping onto sticks, plus they’re soft enough for little hands to spear through).
I always use lollipop sticks, or even popsicle sticks if that’s what I have. Sometimes you find those crazy striped ones for Christmas, and that’ll earn you bonus sparkle points if you care. Just push the stick about halfway through the center of the marshmallow. Not too far, or it’ll pop out the end (that’s a sticky disaster—ask me how I know). Repeat until you have as many as you want, or until your marshmallows run out, whichever happens first.
If you want a little extra oomph, you could even pop the stuck marshmallows in the freezer for 15 minutes. It helps them hold up better when you dunk them into their chocolate bath.
“I made these for our Christmas party at the last minute, and my nieces swarmed the plate! They’re even cuter when you just let the kids do the decorating.”
How to Prepare the Chocolate
Okay, I won’t lie—I’ve totally ruined chocolate in the microwave before. But if you’re careful, it’s simple. Grab some good quality chocolate chips or those melting wafers you can get everywhere near the holidays (they’re great—no weird fake taste). White, milk, or dark chocolate all work, but white chocolate is basically the blank canvas of Christmas Marshmallow Pops.
Toss the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, repeat in 15 second blasts until melted but not burned. (Don’t wander off. If the chocolate seizes, you’ll invent new swear words. Personal experience talking.) Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening if the mixture is too thick. You just want a smooth, glossy “river” of chocolate that sticks to the marshmallow instead of sliding right off.
Feeling wild? Add a smidge of peppermint extract, or stir in some colored candy melts to make jolly greens and reds. The more colors, the more “Pinterest Christmas” they’ll look.
How to Cover the Marshmallows in Chocolate
Here’s where you make or break the Christmas Marshmallow Pops. Dip your marshmallow in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off a second. Don’t try to swirl them all artsy, just get them covered. Sometimes I use a spoon to help nudge chocolate over the top. It isn’t fancy, but it’s efficient.
Work fast before the chocolate starts to set. If you want a thick coat, you can double-dip after the first layer hardens a bit. Pop ’em onto a parchment-lined tray (not wax paper—chocolate seems to weld itself to wax paper and then you have…well, more crying).
Depending on your kitchen temperature, they’ll start to firm up pretty quickly. Don’t stack until the chocolate is totally dry to the touch, or you’ll get a sticky clump that does not say “Martha Stewart.”
How to Decorate the Marshmallow Pops
Ready for the best part? Time to unleash the holiday chaos. While the chocolate is still wet, load on the sprinkles. Here’s a few simple ideas:
- Classic holiday sprinkles for snowy vibes and Christmasy colors.
- Crushed peppermint or candy canes for a super fresh crunch (I just bash ’em with a rolling pin while still in the wrapper).
- Mini M&Ms or red hots—a kid favorite that looks bright and bold.
- Zigzags of colored candy melts piped over the top if you’re feeling extra.
Pro tip: Let kids pick their own toppings. They get weird, but also pretty adorable. If you want them to really pop, try a mix of textures like sparkly sanding sugar and crunchy toffee bits. Once decorated, set each pop aside to firm up, standing upright if possible. Sometimes I poke the sticks into a block of foam for that five-star restaurant look (well, sort of).
Common Questions
Do marshmallow pops stay fresh for long?
Yep! Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to four days. Keep them away from heat or sunlight unless you want goo drama.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
I stick them in a mug or mason jar filled with rice or beans for instant “edible bouquet” vibes.
Could I use other stuff besides marshmallows?
You bet! Try homemade rice krispie squares cut into cubes, or even brownie bites if you want a chocolate overload.
Do I need fancy chocolate or will plain chips work?
Chocolate chips are totally fine, just don’t use the super bargain ones (they don’t set as nicely). Melting wafers are easiest though.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. I usually do a day in advance. Just don’t decorate with really soft candies or whipped cream before storing.
Bring On the Sprinkle Chaos: You Got This!
Honestly, Christmas Marshmallow Pops are my go-to when baking feels like a marathon I forgot to train for. Messy, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Even if you’re a baking beginner, you can get results that look store-bought, no joke. For even more ideas, check out this recipe for Christmas Marshmallow Pops from I Wash You Dry or scroll the creative versions at Glorious Treats. So gather a few bags of marshmallows, clear some space on the table, and let the sprinkle roars begin. You’ll never go back to plain cookies. Happy dipping!
Christmas Marshmallow Pops
Ingredients
Method
- Insert a stick into the center of each jumbo marshmallow, making sure it’s secure.
- Optional: Place the marshmallows in the freezer for 15 minutes to help solidify them.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating for 30 seconds, stirring, and then continue in 15 second intervals until melted.
- Add coconut oil or shortening if the chocolate is too thick, and optional peppermint extract or colored candy melts for flavor and color.
- Dip each marshmallow into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the chocolate-covered marshmallow on parchment paper and work quickly to decorate with your choice of toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the marshmallow pops set until the chocolate is firm.
