Treats for Kids: Make Your Own Lollipops

Did you know that July 20th is National Lollipop Day?

My kids love sweet treats just like everyone else.   However, my little girl is only 3 and I still don’t feel comfortable with her having a piece of hard candy because it could be a choking hazard.

When Mommy unwraps a Jolly Rancher candy, the little one’s ears perk up and she wants one too.   I hate eating it in front of her but now I’ve found a new way that she can still enjoy hard candies and still stay safe.   I saw a post on A Little Art Can’t Hurt that showed me how to turn my Jolly Rancher candies into lollipops!   Now even my 3 year old can enjoy them!

We’ve only tried this recipe with Jolly Rancher candies but I imagine it would work with other hard candies like Life Savers.   If you try other candies, let me know how they turn out.

Supplies to Make Your Own Lollipops:

• Jolly Rancher candies
• Lollipop sticks
• Parchment paper
• Baking pan

Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

Place the Jolly Rancher candies on the parchment paper.   We used three candies per lollipop but these made some really big lollipops.   Next time we’ll probably just use 2 candies each.

Place the baking pan in the oven at 225 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the candies have completely melted.

Remove the baking pan from oven.

Place one end of a lollipop stick in each melted candy and roll the stick to cover all sides.

Let cool for about 20 minutes until hardened.

Enjoy!

Here are a few more yummy treat recipes that your kids will love:

• Freezer Banana Pops: Homemade Summer Popsicles – A great way to get your kids to eat bananas!
• Gifts Kids Can Make: Chocolate Lollipops – easy to make treats
• Jell-O Popsicles – combine Jell-O, orange juice and other fruits for this refreshingly healthy treat