Chocolate Marshmallows on Sticks

My daughter came home from a birthday party clutching one of these, eyes wide with delight, and begged me to make them at home. I thought it would be complicated, but it turned out to be one of the easiest treats I've ever made. The combination of soft marshmallow and crisp chocolate feels like a carnival in your hand. Now we make them for every occasion, and they disappear faster than I can set them out.

I made a batch for my son's classroom party, and the teacher later told me three kids asked if I could be the snack parent every week. There's something about handing someone a chocolate-covered marshmallow on a stick that makes them smile before they even taste it. I've since made them for baby showers, movie nights, and one particularly stressful Tuesday when we all needed something sweet. They've become my go-to for moments that need a little magic.

Ingredients

• Large marshmallows: The jumbo ones work best because they're easier to dip and hold their shape beautifully under chocolate.
• Semi-sweet or milk chocolate: I prefer semi-sweet for balance, but milk chocolate makes them taste like childhood, use whatever makes you happiest.
• Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut: This is where you get to play, I've used crushed cookies, freeze-dried berries, even edible glitter for a birthday.
• Lollipop sticks: Wooden ones feel sturdier, but paper straws work in a pinch and add a cute vintage vibe.

Instructions

Prep Your Station:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the finished marshmallows don't stick. Have your toppings ready in small bowls within arm's reach, because once the chocolate goes on, you'll need to move fast.

Stick the Marshmallows:

Push a lollipop stick into the center of each marshmallow, going about halfway through. If you push too far, they might split, so gentle pressure is key.

Melt the Chocolate:

Chop the chocolate into small, even pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until silky smooth.

Dip and Coat:

Hold each marshmallow by the stick and dip it into the melted chocolate, turning slowly to coat all sides. Gently tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to let excess chocolate drip off.

Decorate Immediately:

While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your toppings over the marshmallow. Work quickly, because the chocolate starts to set within seconds.

Chill to Set:

Stand the coated marshmallows upright on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. They'll firm up beautifully and be ready to serve.

Save

Last Valentine's Day, I made a dozen of these and tucked them into clear bags tied with ribbon for my kids' teachers. One wrote back saying it was the sweetest gift she'd received in years. It reminded me that homemade doesn't have to mean complicated, sometimes it just means thoughtful. These little sticks of chocolate and marshmallow have a way of turning ordinary moments into something worth remembering.

Chocolate Choices That Change Everything

I've experimented with dark, milk, and white chocolate, and each one brings a completely different personality. Dark chocolate makes them feel elegant and grown-up, milk chocolate is pure nostalgia, and white chocolate with pastel sprinkles turns them into something you'd see at a fancy bakery. You can even mix chocolates and do half-dipped swirls if you're feeling adventurous.

Storing and Gifting

These keep in an airtight container for up to three days, though they rarely last that long in my house. If you're gifting them, stand them upright in a jar or arrange them flat in a box lined with tissue paper. I once made a bouquet of them for a friend's birthday, stuck into a foam ball covered in foil, and she nearly cried.

Little Touches That Make Them Special

Sometimes I drizzle a contrasting chocolate over the top after they've set, or add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty surprise. A friend of mine rolls hers in crushed graham crackers for a s'mores vibe. The base recipe is so simple that it invites you to play.

• Try drizzling caramel over the chocolate before it sets for a gooey twist.
• Use holiday-themed sprinkles to match any celebration.
• Wrap them individually in cellophane for grab-and-go party favors.

Save

There's something about making these that feels like giving a little piece of happiness away. They're simple, yes, but they're also joyful, and sometimes that's exactly what we need.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?

Ensure absolutely no water comes into contact with the melting chocolate. Use a dry bowl and utensils, and melt slowly using a double boiler or short microwave bursts.

→ Can I use white chocolate instead?

Yes, white chocolate works wonderfully for coating. Just be extra careful when melting it as white chocolate is more sensitive to heat and can scorch or seize easily.

→ How long do these treats stay fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to three days, though the texture may become slightly firmer.

→ What if I don't have lollipop sticks?

You can use skewers cut to size or even sturdy straws. Alternatively, you can simply dip the marshmallows halfway in chocolate and serve them without sticks as bite-sized treats.

→ My chocolate coating is too thick, what should I do?

Stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening into the melted chocolate. This will thin the consistency and make it easier to dip the marshmallows evenly.

→ Do I need to refrigerate them to set?

Refrigerating is the fastest way to set the chocolate, taking about 30 minutes. However, if the room is cool, you can also let them set at room temperature for about an hour.