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    Home » Desserts (No Bake) » Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    LAST UPDATED: February 2, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: December 14, 2014 By Toni Dash 44 Comments

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops melt into hot milk for a rich cup of hot chocolate. Fun to make, they are great for gifts and printable gift labels are included in the recipe!

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    This delicious DIY recipe makes the tastiest hot chocolate you’ve had! 

    Even better it makes peppermint hot chocolate in a package perfect for Christmas stockings and holiday gift giving. 

    It’s a great project and you can make the chocolate layers any way you want them. OR make them solid.

    Hot Chocolate Spoons

    If you’ve been on Pinterest you’ve seen hot chocolate spoons.

    They are usually dipped in chocolate with some marshmallows stuck on them. 

    OR made with a block of chocolate in an ice cube tray. 

    This is the same sort of idea with more pizzazz!

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    Part recipe, part craft, Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops are a stunning gift that’s fun to make.

    Swirled in a cup of hot milk they transform into the most rich, luscious peppermint hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted!

    The candy cane is the stirring stick until is dissolves into the hot cocoa!

    You’ll love How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs too!

     Making Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    Recipe Ingredients

    There is a mix of ingredients and supplies needed to make these pops.

    The pops themselves require:

    • Chocolate chips
    • Marshmallow Bits
    • full size Candy Canes

    What Type of Chocolate to Use

    The Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops can be made with just one type of chocolate.

    It can be semi-sweet, dark or white chocolate.

    They can be layered with multiple types of chocolate if desired too.

    TIP: If layering, allow each layer to harden between ‘stripes’.

    Unwrapping Making Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pop

    How to Make Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    These pops are easy and fun to make! 

    Here is how they are made ‘in a nutshell’.

    For a detailed printable recipe refer to the recipe card at the end of the blog post.

    STEP 1: Pour melted chocolate into a bathroom size Dixie cup

    candy cane hot cocoa pops recipe steps

    STEP 2: Insert a full-size candy cane in the middle (photo 1). Secure with foil.

    STEP 3: Place Tiny Marshmallow Bits (micro marshmallows) on the top.

    STEP 4: Allow to harden. Peel off the Dixie cups and wrap in cellophane bags. Secure a gift label or use! (photos 2-4)

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops wrapped with gift tags

    How to Store them

    Store in a cool dry location for up to 1 week. 

    Do not store in the refrigerator. The moisture will cause condensation on the chocolate as well as the candy cane.

    It can cause the candy cane to break off.

    How to Use these Hot Chocolate Pops

    After the chocolate sets, swirl in a cup of hot milk to melt the chocolate and release the marshmallows.

    How fun is that?

    A person holding a cup of hot cocoa and Hot Cocoa Pop hot chocolate

    CANDY CANE HOT COCOA POPS – PRINTABLE GIFT LABELS

    Download a sheet of FREE printable Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops gift labels!

    It’s a great way to turn this fun recipe into a surprise holiday gift. 

    Just wrap the pops with plastic lollipop sleeves from a craft or baking store and attach the label!

    Would be so cute with a fun holiday mug for a teacher, neighbor, or stocking stuffer!

     Dipping a Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pop in hot milk

    Where to Buy – Ingredients and Supplies (links included)

    I typically buy as much as possible on Amazon.com especially at this time of year (to avoid trying multiple stores) so am including links here.

    Many of these supplies may be found at grocery stores, and craft supply stores should you prefer a brick-and-mortar shopping experience!

    Bath size Dixie Cups (3-ounce size)

    Chocolate Chips

    Candy Canes (full size)

    Marshmallow Bits. These are a specific marshmallow size smaller than a mini marshmallow. They are also freeze dried. The size is perfect for these pops.

    I originally used Kraft Jet Puff Mallow Bits but they have become difficult to find especially in the white color.

    Here are some other options for the same product: Vanilla Marshmallow Bits or Hoosier Hill Farms Mini Dehydrated Marshmallows.

    Foil

    Lollipop Wrappers

    String, twine or ribbon to affix the labels (TIP: lollipop wrappers usually come with decorative twist ties too that would work)

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pop hot chocolate

    More Homemade Craft and Gift Ideas

    • DIY Milk Carton Holiday Houses
    • Candy Cane and Lime Swirl Bath Salts (with printable labels)
    • Orange Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub (with printable labels)
    • Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
    • Candied Pecans
    • Festive Double Mint Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops. Swirl this pop in a cup of hot milk for rich, creamy peppermint hot chocolate. With printable gift labels! BoulderLocavore.com

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops are both a fun craft recipe, gift idea and a delicious way to make peppermint hot chocolate from scratch. Mini Dixie cups are filled with melted chocolate, itty bitty marshmallows all on a candy cane stem that when hardened is a stirring stick to turn plain hot milk into a magical winter treat!
    5 from 19 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 2 hours
    Servings: 3 (base servings on desired amount using recipe ingredient quantity guidelines; this serving for nutritional info only)
    Calories: 402kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • Chocolate chips (1 cup for 3 hot cocoa pops)
    • Marshmallow Bits (1 tablespoon per hot cocoa pop)
    • 3 ounce bathroom size Dixie cups (non-waxed); plan to use 2 per pop
    • Full size candy canes , unwrapped
    • Heavy duty tin foil , cut into pieces large enough to fit over the top of the Dixie but and drape over the sides
    • Lollipop plastic wrappers (or small treat bags) for wrapping pops if desired
    • String or twist ties if using wrappers
    • Printable Labels

    Instructions

    Preparation

    • Determine the number of pops you will make.
    • Calculate the amount of chocolate chips, marshmallow bits, candy canes and Dixie cups needed.
    • Nest two Dixie cups together for each pop.

    Melting the Chocolate

    • In a double boiler or in a metal mixing bowl over a pan of boiling water, place the amount of chocolate chips needed for the number of pops being made. Stir often until the chocolate has melted fully.

    For Solid Pops (one type of chocolate only)

    • Fill the inner Dixie cup to be half-full with melted chocolate.

    For Striped Pops (multiple types of chocolate)

    • Pour desired amount of chocolate in the cup. TIP: Wipe off excess chocolate on the inside of the cup above the top of the first layer with a cotton swab (or it will be visible in the second layer of chocolate).
    • Follow instructions for securing the candy cane with foil below. DO NOT add the marshmallows until the final layer of chocolate.
    • Allow to harden in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until set.
    • Remove from the refrigerator. Slide the foil up the candy cane, pour the next layer of chocolate and return to the refrigerator to set.
    • Repeat until desired layers are complete to fill the Dixie cup half full.
    • Proceed to Adding the Marshmallow Bits step below.

    Inserting the Candy Cane

    • Place a piece of foil over the top of the Dixie cup (don't fold the sides down). Add a slit in the middle only large enough to insert the candy cane (any larger will not hold the candy cane in place).
    • Insert the straight end of the candy cane through the slit in the foil, into the middle of the chocolate until it touches the bottom of the cup.

    Adding the Miniature Marshmallow Bits

    • Hold the candy cane in place with one hand while distributing one tablespoon of Marshmallow Bits around the top of the chocolate to cover with the opposite hand. Push some into the chocolate to secure.
    • Slide the foil down over the top of the cup. Fold foil over on the sides to secure it around the cup and hold the candy cane upright in the middle of the cup.
    • Place in the refrigerator to fully harden.

    Wrapping the Hot Cocoa Pop

    • Once the chocolate has hardened (approximately an hour) remove the outer Dixie cup and discard.
    • Peel the inner cup away from the chocolate to release the pop.
    • Wrap and attach a label for a gift if desired.

    To Use Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Pops

    • Swirl the pop in a cup of 8 ounces hot milk to dissolve the chocolate to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate. NOTE: Additional stirring with a spoon may be necessary if the candy cane melts before the chocolate is fully dissolved.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 52mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Love this hat. And this boy.

    Cute boy in winter clothes and a handmade bear hat

    Originally published: December 14, 2014

    « 12 ‘Must Make’ Gluten-Free Cranberry Recipes
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Candle says

      November 09, 2020 at 10:25 am

      These look great! How long can they be stored? I’m planning on making a TON so I want to start working on them early. Do they need to be stored in the fridge or something or are they ok just out in the open for a couple of weeks?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        November 09, 2020 at 8:34 pm

        Hi Candle. I’ve added a section above on this very topic! They can be stored in a cool, dry location (very important) for up to 1 week. They should NOT be stored in the refrigerator. The moisture can cause condensation build up that will have ill effects on the chocolate and candy cane possibly even causing the candy cane to break off.

        Reply
      • Melissa says

        December 13, 2022 at 3:41 pm

        Just wondering if you made these? Did you have them out longer then the week? I’m wanting to give them as gifts however I cannot guarantee them will get ate in the first week. Does it effect the taste or what is the reason if they’re in a cool, dry place? Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Susan Shotts says

      December 21, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      Keto followers: I used a sugar alternative chocolate chip (fromKNOW foods) and some heavy whipping cream for smoothness. It turned out great. I know the Marshmallows and candy cane aren’t keto, but minimal carbs in comparison How fun is this idea?!!! So cute !

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 21, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        Thanks for that guidance Susan! So glad you enjoyed them and could modify to meet your needs. Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    3. Erin says

      December 12, 2018 at 8:14 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make these for my cookie party guests this weekend! I do have a quick question: what are some of the different types of chocolate that could be used? I love the look of the white chocolate but does it affect the overall taste? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        December 12, 2018 at 8:22 pm

        You can use any type of chocolate in baking chips. Usually that would be milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Yes white chocolate does taste different so it will affect the flavor. I would suggest use the chocolate you like melted in a cup of hot cocoa! That’s also where making layers of different chocolates creates a nice look but also a great chocolate flavor blend.

        Reply
        • Erin says

          December 13, 2018 at 12:45 pm

          5 stars
          Thank you! I just stocked up on ALL of the different types. You can’t go wrong with chocolate!

    4. Lori says

      December 10, 2018 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      These are the cutest for gifting!

      Reply
    5. Erin says

      December 08, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      These are going to make an incredible holiday gift!

      Reply
    6. Brenda says

      December 07, 2018 at 5:12 pm

      5 stars
      So. Much. Fun. I love these for winter parties!!

      Reply
    7. Erin says

      December 07, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      These are so easy to make and such a great gift idea!

      Reply
    8. Liz says

      December 07, 2018 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      I made these as holiday gifts a few years back and came back so I can make them again this year! So cute and everyone loves them!

      Reply
    9. Aysegul Sanford says

      December 07, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      So cute. Such a great idea to fill my stockings. 🙂

      Reply
    10. Melissa says

      December 07, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      These are the PERFECT homemade Christma gifts to give to neighbors and friends. Thank you!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

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