Ingredients
- Large Marshmallows: These are the star of the show, providing a fluffy and sweet base for our pops. Choose fresh, plump marshmallows for the best texture.
- Candy Melts (Various Colors): Go for pastel shades like pink, yellow, blue, green, and white to capture the Easter spirit. Candy melts are designed for easy melting and dipping, creating a smooth and vibrant coating.
- Lollipop Sticks or Paper Straws: These will serve as the handles for your marshmallow pops, making them easy to hold and enjoy. Lollipop sticks offer sturdiness, while paper straws add a decorative touch.
- Sprinkles and Decorations: Unleash your creativity! Easter-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even small candies like M&Ms or jelly beans will add texture and visual appeal.
- Vegetable Shortening or Coconut Oil (Optional): Adding a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil to your candy melts can help thin them out, creating a smoother, more easily dippable consistency.
- Edible Markers (Optional): For adding fine details like bunny faces or chick features, edible markers in various colors are perfect.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace and Marshmallows: Start by laying out parchment paper or wax paper on a baking sheet. This will prevent your marshmallow pops from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Open your bag of marshmallows and ensure they are fresh and not sticky. If they seem a little sticky, you can lightly toss them with a bit of cornstarch.
- Insert Lollipop Sticks: Gently push a lollipop stick or paper straw into the center of each marshmallow, going about halfway through. Be careful not to push it all the way through, as this could cause the marshmallow to split. If you’re using paper straws, you might want to reinforce the insertion point by gently twisting the straw as you push it in.
- Melt Your Candy Melts: Pour your candy melts into separate microwave-safe bowls, one for each color you’re using. Add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to each bowl if desired – this is particularly helpful for thicker candy melts. Microwave the candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval. It’s crucial to microwave in short bursts to prevent burning. Continue microwaving and stirring until the candy melts are smooth and completely melted. They should be easily pourable but not too thin. If they are too thick, microwave for another 10-15 seconds and stir again. If they become too thin, let them sit for a few minutes to slightly thicken.
- Dip the Marshmallows: Hold a marshmallow pop by the stick and dip it into a bowl of melted candy melts, rotating it gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess candy melt to drip back into the bowl. You can gently tap the stick against the edge of the bowl to encourage excess coating to run off. Work relatively quickly, as the candy melts will start to set as they cool.
- Decorate Immediately: While the candy melt coating is still wet, generously sprinkle your chosen decorations over the marshmallow pop. This is where you can get really creative! Use different colored sprinkles, create patterns, or add larger decorations like mini candies or chocolate chips. If you are using multiple types of decorations, you might want to apply them in layers, starting with sprinkles and then adding larger pieces.
- Set and Harden: Place the decorated marshmallow pops on the prepared parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking. Allow the candy melts to set and harden completely. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. If you refrigerate them, be mindful that condensation can sometimes form on the candy melts as they come back to room temperature, which might make the sprinkles slightly sticky.
- Add Final Touches (Optional): Once the candy melts are completely hardened, you can add extra details using edible markers. Draw bunny faces, chick beaks, polka dots, or any other Easter-themed designs you desire. This is a fun step to involve kids in, letting them personalize their marshmallow pops.
- Store Properly: Once fully set and decorated, store your Easter Marshmallow Pops in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days to maintain their freshness and crispness. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator for extended periods as this can sometimes make the marshmallows slightly chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 30g