You know those moments when you just want to whip up something fun in the kitchen and give your kiddos a treat that’s WAY better than store-bought? That was me last fall, pacing in the kitchen as my kids clambered around in a sugar-fueled frenzy, suddenly desperate for something sweet. I glanced over at a half-full can of pumpkin puree I’d used for pies and thought, “What if I mixed this with marshmallows and turned it into lollipops?” SO GOOD doesn’t even begin to cover how this idea turned out! The excited squeals from the little ones and my newfound status as “Coolest Dad Ever” were all the motivation I needed. Seriously, you’ve got to try these Pumpkin Marshmallow Lollipops!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: No need to spend hours fussing!
- Budget-Friendly: A few simple ingredients do the trick.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or just a cozy night at home.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love shaping and decorating their own pops!
- Tasty Twist: It’s not your typical candy lollipop – we’re bringing in cozy fall vibes.
Ingredients Needed and How to Make It
Ingredients Needed
- Base:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not the spiced pie filling, folks)
- 2 cups marshmallows (softened so they blend easily)
- Coating:
- 1 cup chocolate (for coating; I love dark chocolate for an extra kick)
- Extras (if you’re feeling fancy):
- Lollipop sticks (homemade lollies need these!)
- Sprinkles (because everything’s better with sprinkles)
- Candy corn (the ultimate fall treat)
How to Make This Recipe?
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a bowl, toss together that pumpkin puree and softened marshmallows until they’re best friends. You want a smooth, slightly sticky mixture that holds together nicely. If you can’t resist giving it a taste test, I won’t tell!
Step 2: Shape the Lollipops
Grab a small scoop of that sweet mix and roll it into little balls about the size of a golf ball. It’s messy, but that’s the fun part! Slip a lollipop stick into each one—make sure it goes in deep enough to hold up to the dipping later.
Step 3: Chill Out
Pop those little beauties into the fridge for about an hour. This is essential! You want them to firm up, so they don’t fall apart when you dip them in chocolate.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While your lollipops are chilling, melt the chocolate using a double boiler. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s super smooth and shiny. If you don’t have a double boiler, a glass bowl over simmering water works just as well.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Grab a lollipop, dip it into the melted chocolate, covering it completely. Let any excess drip off before placing it on parchment paper. Get creative here! Add sprinkles or a few pieces of candy corn on top while it’s still wet—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Let It Harden
Allow your lollipops to cool and harden completely before you think about wrapping them up. It might seem like the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Store It & Expert Tips
How to Store It
Once your lollipops have hardened, you can store them in the fridge if you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer (they’ll last up to a week). Want to make them ahead of time? Throw them in the freezer for about a month. Just remember to wrap them individually to prevent them from sticking!
Expert Tips
- Flavor Boost: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the pumpkin mix for that extra fall flavor.
- Chocolate Swap: If you’re not a chocolate fan, try coating with white chocolate or even a candy coating. You do you!
- Rolling with the Kids: If you’re making these with kiddos, let them be creative—let everyone pick their favorite toppings!
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Marshmallow Lollipops are a hit that will have your family asking for seconds. They’re easy, delicious, and tie in perfectly with all the cozy vibes of fall. If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d love it if you could leave a star rating and drop a comment below. Remember to share this with your cousin who never shows up empty-handed. Did you add your own spin? I wanna hear it!
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use other flavors of marshmallows?
Here’s the deal: Absolutely! If you find pumpkin spice marshmallows, go for it. It could take these lollipops to a new level of yummy.
Q: What if I don’t have lollipop sticks?
Real talk… You can totally use pretzel sticks for a fun twist or skip the stick altogether and just make them into little truffle bites!
Q: Can I make these vegan?
For sure! Look for dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows. Your vegan friends will thank you!
And while you’re here, if you’re looking for more sweet treats, my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread is a kitchen favorite around here. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Marshmallow Lollipops
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup pumpkin puree not the spiced pie filling
- 2 cups marshmallows softened so they blend easily
Coating
- 1 cup chocolate for coating; dark chocolate is recommended
Extras
- lollipop sticks homemade lollies need these
- sprinkles optional topping
- candy corn optional topping for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, toss together the pumpkin puree and softened marshmallows until smooth and slightly sticky.
- Grab a small scoop of the mixture and roll it into golf ball-sized balls, inserting a lollipop stick into each one.
- Chill the lollipops in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.
Coating
- While the lollipops are chilling, melt the chocolate using a double boiler until smooth and shiny.
- Dip each lollipop into the melted chocolate, covering completely. Let any excess drip off before placing it on parchment paper.
- Add sprinkles or candy corn on top while the chocolate is still wet.
- Let the lollipops cool and harden completely before wrapping.
