Reindeer Candy Cane Pops are a really fun activity to do with kids, especially around Christmas! We’ve made them several times, and they are always a huge hit with everyone. Not only do they look super cute, but they taste great, too. It’s a fun and festive treat that everyone will enjoy!
When I have my three year old grandson here, I’m always looking for fun things to do with him.
One early morning, to keep the noise level down while everyone else was sleeping, we decided to make these adorable Reindeer Candy Cane Pops.
I made these with my preschool class back in the day, and they’ve certainly made their rounds over the years.
Notes & Tips
Carsyn loves to put the eyes and nose on the reindeer, but needs a little help filling in the chocolate.
I also allow the chocolate to cool a lot before squeezing it into the spot to have more control and to keep little hands from touching anything too hot.
You can use any type of candy cane you want, and truthfully you can use large candy canes instead of the mini candy canes.
We just find the mini candy canes easier to work with.
Since we like to make these anytime of year, we often buy this two pack with two flavors off Amazon. (affiliate link)
More Great Candy Recipes:
- Candy Cane Peppermint Puppy Chow
- Chocolate Almond Cranberry Clusters (3 ingredient!)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Peanut Brittle
- Spiced Peanut Brittle
- Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
Usually I smooth out the chocolate a little better and fill the candy canes in a bit better, but you know … the three year old wanted to help a lot.
He loves these Reindeer Candy Cane Pops and we tried a few other cute animals while making these to see what else we could come up with.
I will share those on their respectful holidays.
But for now, you can enjoy these cute little character candy cane pops.
Ingredients for Reindeer Candy Cane Pops:
Simple!
For each reindeer, all you need are two mini candy canes, two eyeballs, red hots and melting chocolate.
(plus lollipop sticks <– we use these because they are great quality and the perfect size!)
Are you ready to make your own Reindeer Candy Cane Pops?
It only takes a handful of ingredients and a partner in crime.
Okay, so you can make them without the partner in crime.
But my three year old grandson was pretty fun to make these with!
How to make Reindeer Candy Cane Pops
Making the Reindeer Candy Cane Pops really isn’t difficult at all. Just go step by step and you’re golden.
- Start by laying down your two candy canes opposite directions of each other but touching in the shape of a heart.
- Place the lollipop stick in between the two candy canes.
- At this point, you’re going to take your melted chocolate (directions in the printable recipe card below), and pipe it in between the two candy cane heart.
- Completely cover the part of the stick that is in the heart.
- Using candy eyes and cinnamon dots, include your eyes and nose for your adorable reindeer. My grandson had a blast with this!
If you cannot find the candy eyes or cinnamon dots, you can substitute with other types of candies until you find what works best for you.
You can use other designs and decorations but we chose to be very simple with these candy cane pops.
Recipe for Reindeer Candy Cane Pops
It’s time to grab a kid (or just be a kid at heart in your own kitchen!) and get to making these adorable Candy Cane Pops. Printable recipe is below, so be sure and print it out and have fun!
Reindeer Candy Cane Pops
Ingredients
- 20 mini candy canes
- 1 cups melting chocolate
- 10 cinnamon red hot candies
- 20 candy eyeballs
Instructions
- Place a piece of parchment paper down on the surface you are working on. It will be where you place each of the reindeer pops as you’re assembling them as well as to dry.
- Place all 20 candy canes reversed in a heart shape around the lollipop stick (see photo for reference). Place the lollipop stick about halfway between the two candy canes to ensure they stay put.
- Melt your melting chocolate according to package directions.
- Place the chocolate into a piping bag or a zip top bag with one corner snipped off. Fill the candy cane hearts with chocolate, covering the lollipop stick. It’s okay if you get some chocolate on the candy canes. Once it’s dry, you can easily just chip it off.
- Allow the chocolate to dry just a little and then gently push the eyeballs into the chocolate. Add the cinnamon red hots at the bottom for a nose.
- Allow to cool/dry completely. Wrap to give as gifts, or simply store in an airtight container for about 4-5 days.
These reindeer candy cane pops are adorable. The little people I gave them to really liked them.
I am thinking about making them for a non profit I support next year to sell.
Thanks Nicole and Brielle!