Crafting with Little Kids: Marshmallow pops

Making edible crafts can be a lot of fun with your preschooler, granted the project is age appropriate and you have a plan. This is a simple project with tasty results that can be turned into gifts for friends, family or even the preschool classmates. It was a bit messy, but that was part of the fun. We made chocolate dipped marshmallow pops that we dipped in crushed peppermint candy canes. My little guy had a blast making these. All supplies were purchased at A.C. Moore, except for the marshmallows.

Supplies:
one bag of chocolate melts, found in craft stores, in the flavor of choice. (We used dark chocolate.)
pack of lollipop sticks.
bag of marshmallows, regular size or jumbo
candy canes, about four or five, or sprinkles
cellophane treat bags (optional)

Tools required:
microwavable bowl or measuring cup to melt the chocolate or
mini crockpot or
chocolate melter
spoon
cookie sheet covered with parchment or wax paper
rolling pin
sealable/zipper plastic bag
small bowl

Directions:

I used a mini crockpot to melt the chocolate, but it is just as easy to melt it in the microwave. Follow the instructions on the bag. (Tip: its very important to not get any water in the chocolate, so make sure the container you are using is dry.) While the chocolate was melting, we prepared the candy canes.

My son loved this part! I unwrapped four candy canes and put them in a bag. My son used a rolling pin to smash the candy canes into little pieces. I put the crushed candy canes in a small bowl for dipping later. You can use sprinkles instead of candy canes for decoration instead.

As the chocolate is melting, stir it well to make sure it is completely smooth. On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper line up the marshmallows and push a lollipop stick into each one without poking through to the top. Once the chocolate is completely melted, dip each marshmallow into the chocolate and swirl/spin the marshmallow around to completely coat it while also getting the excess chocolate off. Immediately dip the chocolate marshmallow into the crushed candy canes or sprinkles, if using, then set the marshmallow on the parchment paper to set while you continue to work on the next marshmallow.

If you can fit the cookie sheet in your freezer, the chocolate will set faster. I had no room, so I let it sit out and harden on it’s own. After a taste test, we wrapped each pop in a holiday themed cellophane bag to use as gifts for friends and cousins.

Happy holiday crafting!

You can find other preschool crafts and activities on Diane’s blog, Knitting Zeal.