Candy Cane Reindeer Pops Recipe
Introduction
Candy Cane Reindeer Pops are a festive and fun holiday treat that kids and adults will love. These adorable pops combine peppermint candy canes and chocolate to create a sweet and playful snack perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 16 mini candy canes
- ½ pound Chocolate Candy Melts (melting chocolate)
- 16 candy eyes
- 8 red peppermint M&M candies
Instructions
- Step 1: Line your kitchen counter with wax paper, parchment paper, or foil to create a clean workspace for your candy cane pops.
- Step 2: Arrange two mini candy canes in a heart shape around a lollipop stick, positioning the stick so it extends halfway into the bottom of the heart.
- Step 3: Melt the chocolate candy melts following the package instructions until smooth.
- Step 4: Transfer the melted chocolate into a zipper bag, snip off a corner, and carefully fill each candy cane heart with chocolate, making sure to cover the lollipop stick as well. Alternatively, use a small spoon to fill the hearts with chocolate.
- Step 5: Allow the chocolate to set slightly before adding candy eyes to the center of the heart and a red peppermint M&M at the bottom to resemble a nose.
- Step 6: Let the chocolate dry completely before enjoying your festive reindeer pops.
Tips & Variations
- Use white chocolate melts tinted with a bit of food coloring to create different colored hearts for a unique twist.
- Replace candy eyes with mini chocolate chips for a simpler look.
- Wrap each finished pop in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon to make charming holiday gifts.
Storage
Store Candy Cane Reindeer Pops in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They can keep for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigeration to prevent condensation that may affect the chocolate’s texture. If needed, reheat gently by allowing them to reach room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized candy canes instead of mini ones?
While regular candy canes are larger, using them may make it harder to form the heart shape neatly. Mini candy canes work best for creating the ideal reindeer shape and size.
What should I do if my chocolate seizes while melting?
If your chocolate becomes grainy or clumpy, try adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening and gently reheat while stirring to smooth it out. Always melt chocolate slowly and avoid moisture to prevent seizing.
Print
Candy Cane Reindeer Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 Candy Cane Reindeer Pops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Candy Cane Reindeer Pops are a festive and fun holiday treat perfect for parties or gifting. Made by shaping mini candy canes into a heart around a lollipop stick and filled with rich melted chocolate, these pops are then decorated with candy eyes and red peppermint M&Ms to create a charming reindeer face. Simple to make and irresistibly cute, they are a delightful holiday confection that kids and adults alike will love.
Ingredients
Supplies
- 16 mini candy canes
- 16 lollipop sticks
Chocolate Filling
- ½ pound Chocolate Candy Melts (melting chocolate)
Decorations
- 16 Candy Eyes
- 8 red peppermint M&M candies
Instructions
- Prepare Work Surface: Line your kitchen counter or a flat workspace with wax paper, parchment paper, or foil to create a non-stick surface for your candy cane pops.
- Shape Candy Canes: Take two mini candy canes and lay them on the lined surface in a heart shape, with the curved ends facing each other and the lollipop stick placed so it extends halfway into the bottom of the heart. This forms the base and structure of the reindeer pop.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt ½ pound of chocolate candy melts according to the package instructions, usually by heating gently in the microwave in short bursts or using a double boiler until smooth and creamy.
- Fill Candy Cane Hearts: Transfer the melted chocolate into a zipper baggie and cut a small corner tip off to create a piping bag. Pipe the chocolate carefully into the heart-shaped candy canes, filling the space around the lollipop stick completely. Alternatively, you may use a small spoon to fill the hearts if preferred.
- Add Facial Features: Allow the chocolate to set slightly but still remain tacky. Place candy eyes onto the center of each chocolate-filled heart to represent the reindeer’s eyes, and place one red peppermint M&M candy at the bottom center of the heart to represent the reindeer’s nose.
- Let Set: Leave the pops to dry completely at room temperature or in a cool area until the chocolate hardens fully, securing the decorations in place.
- Enjoy: Once fully dry and solidified, your Candy Cane Reindeer Pops are ready to be enjoyed or packaged as charming holiday gifts.
Notes
- You can substitute candy eyes with small chocolate chips or edible pearls if candy eyes are unavailable.
- If peppermint M&Ms are not available, any small red candy can be used to represent the nose.
- Melt the chocolate gently to avoid burning; stirring frequently helps maintain a smooth texture.
- Chill the pops briefly in the refrigerator after filling if you want to speed up the hardening process.
- Handle the candy canes carefully to avoid breaking when shaping them into hearts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Candy Cane Reindeer Pops, holiday treats, Christmas dessert, candy melts recipe, Christmas candy decorations, festive chocolate pops
