These fluffy marshmallows get a luscious coating of melted dark or milk chocolate, optionally smoothed with coconut oil. Each piece is dipped and then sprinkled with colorful assortments for a festive finish. Quick to prepare, they can be set at room temperature or chilled for faster results. Perfect for parties, gifting, or whenever a sweet indulgence is needed. Variations include using different chocolates or adding drizzles of caramel and crushed nuts.
Last winter, my niece announced she wanted to make something spectacular for her class Valentine party. She marched into my kitchen with a grocery bag and determination in her eyes. We spent the afternoon experimenting until these chocolate dipped marshmallows emerged as the clear winner. Her teacher texted me later saying the kids were absolutely obsessed.
I accidentally discovered that the coconut oil trick makes the chocolate set with this gorgeous professional looking gloss. Before that, my dipped treats always had that sad dull finish that makes homemade candy look well, homemade. Now I keep a jar of coconut oil specifically for chocolate projects.
Ingredients
- 20 large marshmallows: Fresh ones work best since stale marshmallows get weirdly dense and the sticks tend to slide around
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate: Chopping bars into uniform pieces melts more evenly than chips, though chips work in a pinch
- 1 tbsp coconut oil: This secret ingredient makes the chocolate silky and helps it set with a professional shine
- 1/2 cup assorted sprinkles: Pour them into a wide shallow bowl so you can roll rather than sprinkle
- 20 lollipop sticks or skewers: Paper lollipop sticks look more polished than bamboo skewers
Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour your sprinkles into a wide bowl for easy dipping access
- Skewer the marshmallows:
- Gently push each stick about halfway through the marshmallow center, being careful not to go all the way through or tear the sides
- Melt the chocolate:
- Combine chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl, heating in 30 second bursts and stirring between each until perfectly smooth
- Dip and roll:
- Hold each marshmallow by the stick, dip straight down into the chocolate, let excess drip for a moment, then immediately roll or sprinkle with decorations
- Set the treats:
- Stand the dipped marshmallows on the prepared baking sheet, letting them set at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the fridge for 10
These became my emergency contribution to every potluck and school function last year. Something about them on a platter makes people assume you spent hours, when really they are just ridiculously simple.
Getting the Perfect Chocolate Consistency
The chocolate should be fluid enough to coat smoothly but thick enough not to drip right off the marshmallow. If it is too thick, add another teaspoon of coconut oil. Too thin, let it cool slightly before continuing.
Sprinkle Strategy
Work quickly once you dip because the chocolate starts setting almost immediately. I pour sprinkles over the marshmallow while holding it over the bowl, then give it a gentle shake to let the excess fall back into the container.
Storage and Serving Tips
These hold up beautifully for days when stored properly, which makes them excellent for party prep. The key is keeping them away from humidity.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature, never the fridge, where the chocolate can develop sugar bloom
- If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment between layers
- Make them up to two days ahead for the freshest texture and appearance
Watching kids faces light up when they see these never gets old, and honestly, neither does sneaking one when nobody is watching.
Recipe FAQs
- → What chocolate works best for dipping?
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Both dark and milk chocolate melt smoothly and create a rich coating. Adding a bit of coconut oil can improve the texture for easier dipping.
- → How do I prevent marshmallows from sticking during dipping?
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Inserting lollipop sticks or skewers halfway through each marshmallow provides a convenient handle, keeping fingers clean and steady.
- → Can I prepare dipped marshmallows ahead of time?
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Yes, store dipped pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days while maintaining freshness.
- → Are there alternative toppings besides sprinkles?
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Yes, edible glitter, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of caramel add variety and festive flair to each piece.
- → How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
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Chocolate sets within 30 minutes at room temperature or about 10 minutes in the refrigerator for a quicker finish.