Sometimes the simplest holiday treats bring the biggest smiles, and that’s exactly why I adore this Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe. Imagine soft marshmallows, tasty chocolate, and crunchy candy canes all in a festive pop—perfect for gifting or nibbling during cozy gatherings.

A close-up of a festive treat held by a woman's hand, showing one layer of white coating covered with small round sprinkles in red, green, and white. The treat is shaped like a long cylinder on a red and white striped candy cane stick that the woman's hand holds at the bottom. Behind the treat is a white plate with several other similar treats, including some coated in dark chocolate with white and red sprinkles and others with swirled red and yellow coatings. The background surface has a white marbled texture with some holiday decorations barely visible in soft focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe is one I reach for every holiday season because it combines festive flavors with super easy prep, making it a crowd-pleaser that even the kids can help with. Let me tell you why it’s become a staple in my kitchen.

Simple & Fun: It’s hands-on and doesn't require fancy skills, so you’ll have fun making it as much as eating it.
Festive Look: The colorful candy melts and sprinkles instantly bring Christmas cheer to any party platter.
Customizable: You can switch up colors or toppings to match your holiday theme or taste preferences.
Perfect Gift: Wrapped individually, these marshmallow pops make the sweetest holiday presents for friends and family.

Five candy canes are each covered with a thick layer of chocolate or icing, arranged in a row on a white plate against a white marbled surface. The first candy cane is coated in milk chocolate with small red, white, and green round sprinkles. The second candy cane has a milk chocolate layer decorated with red and yellow icing lines crisscrossing. The third candy cane is covered in white icing with red and green round sprinkles. The fourth candy cane has a milk chocolate coating topped with small pieces of crushed white peppermint candy. The fifth candy cane is covered in white icing with red and yellow icing lines in a crisscross pattern. To the right, a glass bowl holds white marshmallows, and there are extra plain candy canes and bowls of red, green, and white round sprinkles in the background. Some green Christmas tree branches and a red ribbon are partly visible on the upper left corner, and a red, green, and white plaid cloth lies below the white plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in turning ordinary marshmallows into these charming Christmas pops. Here’s what I use and why they come together so beautifully, plus some shopping tips to keep in mind.

Flat lay of six red and white striped candy canes, eighteen large white marshmallows, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich melted dark chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth white melting chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant green candy melts, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red candy melts, a small white ceramic bowl holding crushed candy cane pieces, a small white ceramic bowl scattered with multicolored holiday sprinkles, arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Candy Canes: The sturdy hook holds the marshmallows and adds that classic peppermint kick, plus they give you an easy handle for the pops.
Large Marshmallows: Soft and pillowy, large marshmallows are perfect for coating and holding the chocolate and toppings.
Melting Chocolate: Use good-quality melting chocolate for smooth coverage and better flavor. I like the regular and white kinds for variety.
Colored Candy Melts: These add vibrant drizzles and festive flair—red and green are holiday essentials in my book.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of peppermint that elevates the texture and flavor.
Holiday Sprinkles: They bring in sparkle and fun colors that make each pop feel like a mini celebration.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking the Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe to match each year’s holiday vibe. It’s easy to swap out colors or toppings, and that keeps it exciting no matter how many times you make it!

Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sea salt over the melted chocolate—it’s an unexpected flavor boost that really works.
Nutty Version: For a crunchy surprise, crushed pistachios or almonds can be swapped in place of candy canes or sprinkles.
Vegan Option: I’ve tried vegan marshmallows and dairy-free melting chocolate, and it turns out just as festive and delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe

Step 1: Thread Your Marshmallows

Start by threading three large marshmallows onto each candy cane. Here’s a tip: unwrapping candy canes can sometimes lead to breakage, so I usually leave them wrapped and just give the whole thing a quick gentle wash first. That way, you keep the candy cane strong and ready for marshmallow magic.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Pop your chocolates—regular, white, and colored melts—into microwave-safe bowls. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each to avoid burning. Follow any package instructions if they differ. Smooth, melted chocolate is the secret to that perfect coating.

Step 3: Coat and Decorate

Quickly coat half of your marshmallow pops with the regular melted chocolate and the other half with white chocolate. Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate evenly, but keep the candy cane loop free for holding. Then, while the chocolate's still wet, sprinkle crushed candy canes and festive holiday sprinkles all over. For an extra pop of color, drizzle the colored melts over some of the pops using a piping bag or a spoon. Let them set for about 5 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe foolproof and fun every single time.

Gentle Washing: Occasionally washing wrapped candy canes helps keep them fresh and clean without risking breakage—don’t skip this step if you decide against unwrapping.
Chocolate Temperature: Melting chocolate in short intervals prevents it from burning, so always take your time to stir well.
Use Parchment Paper: Always place your pops on parchment or wax paper as they dry—this keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Work Fast: Since chocolate sets quickly, have your toppings ready before dipping to decorate while the coating is still wet.

How to Serve Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe

Christmas Marshmallow Pops - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I stick with classic red and green sprinkles plus crushed candy canes for garnishes—they’re festive and give each pop a little crunchy surprise. Sometimes I add edible glitter for a touch of sparkle when serving at holiday parties.

Side Dishes

These pops pair beautifully with hot cocoa or peppermint tea—perfect for cozy winter evenings. I also like serving them alongside gingerbread cookies or holiday popcorn mixes for a fun dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the pops standing upright in a festive-themed foam block covered with foil and sprinkled with fake snow for a magical centerpiece. Wrapping each pop in clear cellophane tied with a red ribbon also makes them irresistible little gifts for neighbors or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the chocolate hardens, I store the marshmallow pops in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay fresh up to a week. If your kitchen tends to be warm, pop them in the fridge to prevent melting, but let them come to room temp before serving to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Personally, I avoid freezing these pops as freezing and thawing can cause the chocolate to sweat or get grainy. Since they don’t take much time to prepare, it’s better to make fresh batches closer to your event.

Reheating

Since these are more for snacking than reheating, I usually serve them cold or at room temperature. If you want to soften the chocolate a bit, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave (careful not to melt again!) can bring back some gooey goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?

You can use mini marshmallows, but keep in mind they’re lighter and might slide around on the candy cane stick, making them a bit trickier to coat and serve. Large marshmallows offer more stability and are easier to decorate nicely.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate without it seizing?

Melting chocolate slowly and gently is key. Use short 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring well after each, to keep the chocolate smooth and shiny. Avoid any water contact, as even a tiny drop can cause it to seize. If that happens, adding a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening can help smooth it out.

Can I prepare these marshmallow pops in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pops a day in advance, letting them set completely at room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Just avoid making them too far ahead, as marshmallows can become a bit sticky over time.

Are these pops kid-friendly and safe for parties?

Yes! These marshmallow pops are a big hit with kids (and adults too). Just be mindful with smaller kids when handling candy cane sticks to avoid poking. Always supervise younger children during preparation and serving for safety.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Marshmallow Pops Recipe has become a heartwarming tradition in my family’s holiday routine. It’s simple but feels special, and there’s something joyful about sharing these sweet little pops with the people you love. I can’t wait for you to dive into the fun and maybe add your own twist—these pops are all about spreading holiday cheer in the sweetest way.