Easy Chocolate Pops, learn how to make fun DIY Valentine’s Day candy lollipops! A kid-friendly recipe that is so easy to make that the kids can make these homemade chocolate lollipops themselves!
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These DIY Easy Chocolate Pops are so easy to make that I almost feel silly including a recipe for them. The first time I made this simple candy, my kids had been home for a few snow days so I was desperate for kid-friendly activities. My Cake Batter Truffles recipe is also a fun candy recipe for kids if you need more ideas to keep those kiddos busy. Both the truffles and these chocolate candies are great gifts for teachers, family, and friends!
No candy or chocolate molds needed for these fun Valentine’s Day chocolates. You only need a few ingredients and a few supplies for these chocolate pops which include:
Chocolate Pops Ingredients
- Chocolate Candy Melts (melted) – I used Wilton’s chocolate candy melts since we had some in the house but you could also use a bag of good quality chocolate chips or a chocolate bar. Just make sure the chocolate is good quality and melts well.
- Sprinkles – I used cute Valentine’s Day sprinkles, but you could use anything you have. Even chopped cookies, pretzels, nuts, or candy would be great!
Chocolate Pops Supplies
- Lollipop Sticks – Any size will do, but I used long ones that were about 8 inches long.
- Squeeze Bottle – You could also roll up some parchment paper or use a resealable bag and cut a corner but I find the squeeze bottles easiest for kids to use.
- Parchment Paper – I prefer parchment paper, but wax paper would also work or even a silicone mat.
How to Make Candy Chocolate Pops
- PREP WORK SPACE. Place a sheet of parchment paper on work surface.
- PREP CHOCOLATE. Fill a squeeze bottle with the melted chocolate. Squeeze a little chocolate on the parchment paper and roll the top of the lollipop stick in chocolate and lay stick flat on parchment paper.
- MAKE POP. Squeeze chocolate out of bottle making a large overlapping design and over top of lollipop stick.
- DECORATE. Quickly top chocolate with sprinkles or your choice of topping.
- COOL. Let chocolate sit for about 5-10 minutes or until set. You can also place the pops in the refrigerator or freezer to expedite cooling.
- SERVE. When chocolate is firm, gently lift stick to remove lollipops from parchment paper.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- These chocolate pops make a great gift for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any other special occasion. Just use sprinkles or decorations for the occasion.
- The lollipops also make a great party favor for a baby shower, wedding, birthday, or other events. Again, just change up the sprinkles or decorations on top with your favorite flavors or colors for the event.
- Keep the candy in a covered container or well wrapped or in decorative bags tied tight with ribbons or twist-ties.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use good quality chocolate that melts well. Some chocolate or chocolate chips can get clumpy when melted.
- These chocolate pops can be made into any size or shape (hearts would be nice) but be sure the chocolate is well covered over the lollipop stick so the pops hold together. Mini chocolate lollipops with smaller sticks would be so cute!
- Make sure the chocolate has set well before trying to lift the pops up off of the parchment paper. If the chocolate is still soft, the pops can break. You can put the chocolate pops in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the cooling.
Chocolate Candy Pops FAQ
How should I store the candy?
I would store the chocolate candy in a covered container or place in decorative food-safe bags tied well with ribbons or twist-ties.
How long will the candy last?
A very long time depending on what you use to decorate the tops. Check the expiration date on the chocolate (and any toppings).
Substitutions?
Instead of sprinkles, you could use nuts (chopped toasted pecans, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc.), candy (chopped peppermint of mint candy, pop rocks, etc.), cookies (chopped Oreos would be great), chopped pretzels, coconut, toffee, mini marshmallows, etc. You could also use any type of fancy sprinkles such as ones for specific holidays (Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc.) or events. Or mix it up and use a variety for a more gourmet looking lollipop.
What kind of chocolate should I use?
You can use your favorite type of chocolate such as milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even bittersweet chocolate. Just be sure it’s good quality and a good melting chocolate.
What else can I add to this recipe?
You could also flavor the chocolate (mint, peppermint, orange, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, etc.) but just be sure you are using a flavor extract or oil that works well with chocolate and won’t cause the chocolate to seize and harden.
Didn’t turn out, what went wrong?
The most common issues would be not letting the chocolate harden enough before trying to remove from the parchment paper or not covering the lollipop stick well enough with chocolate.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You could definitely use vegan chocolate and toppings. Just be sure you check brands and use a good melting vegan chocolate.
Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.
Low-Carb – You can try low sugar or low carb chocolate and use low carb toppings such as chopped nuts.
Gluten-Free -It’s gluten-free but be sure to check brands and toppings.
Other Candy Recipes You May Enjoy
- Crack Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter Toffee Crackers) – Delicious chocolate and peanut butter candy!
- Red Hot Fudge (Inside BruCrew Life) – Adorable homemade pink candy great for Valentine’s Day.
- Homemade Hard Candy (Longbourn Farm) – Red hard candy shaped into hearts.
- Chocolate Rum Truffles (Kitchen Riffs) – Chocolate and rum, great combo!
What would you top your chocolate pops with? If you make them post some pics on my Snappy Gourmet Facebook page!
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Chocolate Pops Video
Quick video tutorial to show how this easy candy recipe comes together…
Easy Chocolate Pops Recipe
Ingredients
- Chocolate Candy Melts melted (see note below)
- Sprinkles (or chopped cookies, candy, pretzels, or nuts)
Instructions
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on work surface.
- Fill squeeze bottle with melted chocolate. Squeeze a little chocolate on the parchment paper and roll top of lollipop stick in chocolate and lay stick flat on parchment paper.
- Squeeze chocolate out of bottle making a large overlapping design and over top of lollipop stick.
- Quickly top chocolate with sprinkles or your choice of topping.
- Let chocolate sit for about 5-10 minutes or until set. You can also place the pops in the refrigerator or freezer to expedite cooling.
- When chocolate is firm, gently lift stick to remove lollipops from parchment paper.
Notes
This post was originally published in (February 2017), but updated in (February 2020) with additional information.
Marie says
What a fantastic idea for Valentine’s Day! These chocolate pops are so cute.
Natalie says
What a great idea for Valentine’s days! These chocolate pops are so pretty and I love how easy it is to make them. ♥
Veena Azmanov says
Aww these are so cute. I think they would be perfect addition to the party table. Kids would be all over these.
Kristine says
These are stinking adorable and so super easy! My kids would LOVE these, both making them and eating them. :-)
Patty @ Spoonabilities says
How special and really wonderful for a Valentine’s treat! These lollipops are gorgeous!
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Omg, I love these! Not sure if my teenage son will want to them but I may have to do it myself…lol.
Lisa Huff says
Thanks Lisa!