Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe with you—it’s one of those festive treats that always brings a little extra joy to the holidays. Imagine big, fluffy marshmallows dipped in rich melted chocolate and then sprinkled with the crunch of peppermint candy canes. It’s sweet, simple, and really perfect for sharing around a cozy fire or at a holiday party.
What I love most about this Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe is how easy it is to whip up, even if you’re juggling a million holiday to-dos. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that gets kids and adults reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I keep these on hand as a go-to festive snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, giving you that classic chocolate and peppermint combo that defines the season. When you’re shopping, look for good-quality chocolate chips since they melt smoothly, and don’t skimp on fresh mini candy canes—they make all the difference in texture and flavor.
- Large marshmallows: Big, pillowy marshmallows work best—they hold up nicely when dipped and give you a good bite.
- Mini candy canes: Tiny candy canes add that perfect peppermint crunch; fresh ones crush easier without sticking.
- Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference. They melt effortlessly for dipping!
Variations
One of the things I adore about this Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with some fun twists, and honestly, they all work beautifully!
- Dark chocolate swap: When I want something a little richer and less sweet, I switch to dark chocolate. It pairs so well with peppermint and feels a bit more sophisticated.
- White chocolate coating: For a sweeter twist, white chocolate dipped marshmallows look pretty and taste amazing. Just be sure to melt it slowly so it’s smooth for dipping.
- Nut-free version: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if you want to avoid cross-contamination, check candy cane packaging closely or substitute crushed peppermint candies.
- Extra toppings: Sometimes I sprinkle crushed candy canes on the chocolate before it sets, or add a little sea salt for a surprise twist.
How to Make Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe
Step 1: Prep your candy canes
Start by placing your mini candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. You want small shards, not powder—this gives great texture when they stick to the chocolate. Set these aside in a shallow bowl for easy access later.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate chips
Pop your chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. I usually microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is silky smooth with no lumps. If you prefer, melt the chips in a double boiler over simmering water. Just remember to stir frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Dip the marshmallows
Grab a large marshmallow and dip it halfway or fully into the melted chocolate, twisting it gently so the chocolate covers evenly. Then, immediately roll or sprinkle the chocolate-coated marshmallow with your crushed candy canes. I find doing one at a time works best to avoid the chocolate hardening before you add the peppermint.
Step 4: Let them set
Place your finished marshmallows on a parchment-lined tray and let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate firms up, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, pop them into the fridge for 10 minutes. Just be careful not to leave them too long or the marshmallows might get a bit sticky from condensation.
How to Serve Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with extra crushed candy canes sprinkled on top—that classic peppermint look is so festive. Sometimes I dust a bit of edible glitter or even drizzle a little white chocolate for an elegant finish, especially if I’m sharing with guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these dippers up with hot chocolate or mulled wine for a cozy winter treat. They’re also fantastic alongside a cookie platter or as a fun addition to a holiday dessert board. Trust me, everyone will be hovering!
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I love setting out bundles of these marshmallow dippers in cute mugs or DIY mason jar gift packs tied with festive ribbon. It creates such a charming presentation and makes for easy gifting if you want to share with neighbors or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to 3 days without losing their crunch or flavor. I avoid the fridge unless it’s super warm where I am, since the moisture can make the marshmallows sticky.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, wrap each dipped marshmallow individually in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze nicely for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—perfect for prepping ahead of a big holiday gathering.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed as-is, I usually skip reheating. But if you want that warm, gooey chocolate vibe, pop a few in the microwave for 5-7 seconds. Just watch closely so the marshmallow doesn’t melt completely!
FAQs
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Can I use regular-sized candy canes instead of mini ones?
You can, but mini candy canes crush more easily into small pieces that stick nicely to the marshmallow’s chocolate coating. If using larger candy canes, break them into smaller chunks first for the best texture.
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What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to for balance—not too sweet, not too bitter. Milk chocolate is great if you want sweeter dippers, while dark chocolate adds richness. Just pick a chocolate you love eating on its own.
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Can I make Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate chips. Just double-check the candy canes for any non-vegan ingredients—some brands use shellac or other additives.
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How long do these dippers last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they last about 3 days before marshmallows begin to get a little sticky or soft.
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Can I dip other treats besides marshmallows?
Definitely! Try dipping pretzel rods or apple slices. Just keep in mind that drier items will hold the chocolate and candy cane bits best, and watch for moisture that can affect the crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe has become a little holiday tradition in my house, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s quick, fuss-free, and always a hit whether I’m making it for family movie night or gifting it wrapped up to friends. I have a hunch once you try these, they’ll find a special spot in your seasonal treats, too. So grab those marshmallows and candy canes, and let’s make some festive magic happen!
Print
Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers are a festive and fun holiday treat featuring large marshmallows dipped in melted chocolate and rolled in crushed mini candy canes. This easy no-bake recipe combines the creamy sweetness of marshmallows, the rich smoothness of chocolate, and the refreshing peppermint crunch of candy canes, making it a perfect sweet snack or dessert for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 20 large marshmallows
- 30 mini candy canes, crushed
- 1 package (about 12 oz) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Candy Cane Crumbles: Place the mini candy canes in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until you have fine peppermint crumbles.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip Marshmallows: Holding each large marshmallow with a skewer or fork, dip it into the melted chocolate, coating about two-thirds of the marshmallow.
- Roll in Crushed Candy Canes: Immediately roll or sprinkle the chocolate-coated portion of the marshmallow in the crushed candy canes to coat.
- Set to Harden: Place the dipped marshmallows on a parchment-lined tray or baking sheet and allow the chocolate to set and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once set, your Candy Cane Marshmallow Dippers are ready to be enjoyed as a festive holiday treat or gift.
Notes
- Use skewers or forks to dip marshmallows for easier handling and less mess.
- To avoid chocolate seizing, ensure no water comes in contact with the chocolate when melting.
- You can use white chocolate chips for a different look and flavor.
- If desired, store the dipped marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keywords: candy cane marshmallow recipe, holiday treats, Christmas desserts, chocolate dipped marshmallows, peppermint marshmallow dippers
