Candy Dreidels
Every year, as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the joy of holiday traditions comes rushing back. One of my absolute favorites is making Candy Dreidels with my family. It’s a delightful mix of creativity, nostalgia, and a whole lot of sweet fun. As we gather around the kitchen, the aroma of melting chocolate fills the air, and laughter echoes as we try to make our dreidels as colorful and unique as possible. This isn’t just about candy; it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah or just looking for a fun project with the kids, these Candy Dreidels bring a smile to our faces every time.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
30 mins
0 mins
Medium
120 kcal
1 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
3 g
Kitchen Knife, Cutting Board
Why Try This Candy Dreidels
It’s a Fun Project
Making Candy Dreidels is an engaging project for all ages. Kids love the hands-on experience of assembling their own treats, and adults can join in the fun, too. It’s a great way to bond and share stories while you work. Every dreidel turns into a mini masterpiece, showcasing each person’s creativity and style.
Endless Flavor Combinations
One of my favorite things about these Candy Dreidels is how versatile they can be. While the base ingredients are simple, you can switch up the flavors and decorations to match your tastes or the seasons. Imagine using peanut butter instead of Nutella or adding festive sprinkles for a pop of color. The possibilities are truly endless!
Perfect for Parties
These Candy Dreidels are not just a holiday treat; they are perfect for parties and gatherings throughout the year. People love to see creative treats that are as fun to eat as they are to make. Set up a dreidel-making station at your next event, and watch as guests of all ages dive into the fun.
Teaching Traditions
For those of us who celebrate Hanukkah, making Candy Dreidels is a wonderful way to teach children about traditions. Each dreidel carries a special meaning and can spark conversations about cultural customs. It’s a sweet way to keep traditions alive and make them relevant for young generations.
Great for Gifting
Looking for a crafty, homemade gift? These Candy Dreidels make perfect treats to share with friends and family. Package them in a cute box or a festive holiday bag, and you’ve got a delightful gift that’s sure to bring joy.
Ingredients Required for Candy Dreidels
When it comes to creating Candy Dreidels, the ingredients are simple yet delightful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in not only the taste but also the fun of assembling these treats. You will find that these ingredients complement each other perfectly, making the end result a delicious combination of sweetness and nostalgia.
- Jumbo marshmallows: These serve as the base of your dreidel, providing a fluffy texture that perfectly complements the candy coating.
- Stick pretzels: These act as the dreidel’s handle, offering a satisfying crunch and a contrasting salty flavor.
- Nutella hazelnut spread or frosting: This sweet spread is essential for attaching the chocolate kisses to the marshmallows, adding a rich, creamy flavor.
- Chocolate candy kisses: These not only add sweetness but also create the dreidel’s top, making them visually appealing.
- Cake decorating gel or icing: This is used for writing on the marshmallows, allowing for personalization and creativity.
- Chocolate or vanilla candy coating: This adds a smooth and sweet outer layer to the dreidels, making them extra indulgent.
- Vegetable shortening: This helps in achieving a smooth consistency in the candy coating.
- Candy sprinkles: These provide a festive touch, adding color and texture to your dreidels.
Step by Step Instructions for Candy Dreidels
Creating Candy Dreidels is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. With each step, you get to see your tasty creations come to life. So let’s dive into the fun of making these delightful treats!
Start by taking a jumbo marshmallow and gently push a stick pretzel into its flat side. Make sure to stick it in deep enough so it’s secure but not all the way through. You want the pretzel to act as the dreidel’s handle, so it should feel firm in place.
Next, grab a chocolate candy kiss and spread a small amount of Nutella or frosting on its base. This step is crucial as it will act as the glue that attaches the kiss to the marshmallow. Carefully press the kiss onto the top of the marshmallow, ensuring it adheres well. You should see it sticking to the marshmallow nicely.
At this point, it’s time to get creative! Use cake decorating gel to write one of the four Hebrew letters on the surface of the marshmallow. These letters are Nun, Hey, Gimel, and Shin, representing the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham.” Take your time with this step, making sure each letter is clear and legible.
Once the letters are in place, set the dreidels aside to let the gel dry. It might take a few hours, so be patient. If your kids are involved, this could be a great time to distract them with another fun holiday activity!
Now, if you want to coat your dreidels, make sure they’re completely prepped first. Melt your chocolate or vanilla candy coating in a bowl, following the package instructions. It’s essential to work quickly at this stage. Grab your prepared dreidels and dip them one at a time into the melted coating, rolling them until they’re evenly covered.
Be cautious not to leave the dreidels in the coating for too long, or the chocolate kiss might melt into a flat puddle. Carefully pull them out and let the excess coating drip back into the bowl. This is an exciting moment as you watch your dreidels transform!
After coating, place each dreidel on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between them. Quickly sprinkle candy sprinkles on top of the wet coating for added flair and color.
Let the dreidels sit for about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the coating to harden. You might notice a slight “puddle” forming beneath each one; don’t worry, this is normal. They don’t need to look perfect; the charm lies in their homemade appearance.
Finally, once the candy coating has set, it’s time to admire your creations! These Candy Dreidels are not only a treat for the eyes but also for the taste buds. Enjoy them with your family and share the joy of making them!
Things Worth Knowing
- Ensure Proper Coating: Make sure the candy coating is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, it may melt the chocolate kiss.
- Ideal Drying Conditions: Let your decorated dreidels sit at room temperature to dry, away from humidity.
- Experiment with Additions: You can add nuts or different candies inside your dreidels for a surprise!
- Perfect for Kids: This is a great project to teach kids about traditions while keeping them engaged and creative.
Tips and Tricks about Candy Dreidels
Crafting Candy Dreidels can be a fun experience for everyone involved. Here are some handy tips to ensure your creation is as delightful as your memories.
- Storage: Keep your dreidels in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last for several days if stored properly.
- Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the dreidels for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well!
- Pairing: Serve these Candy Dreidels alongside hot chocolate or festive drinks to enhance the holiday spirit.
- Creative Variations: Try using different types of chocolate or candy for unique flavors; think about mint or raspberry-infused options!
- Engagement Factor: Involve kids in the decorating process; it makes it more fun and personal for everyone involved.
What Goes Well With This Candy Dreidels
When serving Candy Dreidels, there are a plethora of delightful options to complement these sweet treats. Consider pairing them with:
- Warm Beverages: Hot chocolate or spiced apple cider is a classic choice that warms the heart and pairs beautifully with sugary treats.
- Festive Platters: Consider a dessert platter filled with a variety of sweets, such as cookies and cupcakes, to create a colorful and inviting spread.
- Family Gatherings: These dreidels are perfect for gatherings, enhancing the festive spirit of any holiday celebration.
- Kids’ Parties: A fun activity for children’s parties, where they can make and decorate their own dreidels.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Serve them during the holiday season, especially around Hanukkah, to add a traditional touch to your festivities.
FAQ
Conclusion
This recipe for Candy Dreidels captures the spirit of joy and creativity that comes with holiday traditions. It’s an engaging activity that not only results in delicious treats but also creates lasting memories with family and friends. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and try making these delightful candies soon!
Celebrate the season with a sweet touch and enjoy the laughter and joy that comes with each bite. You won’t regret it!
Candy Dreidels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, push a pretzel into the flat side of the marshmallow, sticking it in as far as you can without puncturing the opposite side.
- Next, spread a small amount of Nutella or frosting onto the base of a chocolate kiss. Use the Nutella as “glue” to attach the kiss to the flat end of the marshmallow.
- At this point, you can use cake decorating gel to write one of the four Hebrew dreidel letters onto the surface of the marshmallow… Nun, Hey, Gimel, Shin. Here are the Hebrew letters if you need a guide: These letters stand for the Hebrew phrase, Nes Gadol Haya Sham– which means “A great miracle happened there.” Cake decorating gel takes a long time to dry, so give your letters a few hours to set… if your kids can wait that long!
- If you want to add a candy coating to your dreidel instead of the letters, make sure your marshmallow dreidels are prepped and ready to go before you start working with the chocolate. You will need to work quickly while the chocolate is soft. Place the dreidels on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, with at least an inch or two in between each dreidel.
- Once it’s melted, transfer the melted candy coating to a cool bowl. Working quickly, dip your dreidels one-at-a-time into the coating and roll them until the surface is evenly covered.
- As you dip the dreidels, make sure you don’t leave them in the hot candy coating for longer than a few seconds at a time. If you leave it longer, the chocolate kiss will melt and you’ll have a flat-bottomed dreidel.
- Pull the dreidel out of the coating and hold it over the bowl, point side facing downward, for a few seconds to get rid of excess drips.
- Place it on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and coat immediately with sprinkles.
- Once all of your dreidels are coated, let them dry for 15-20 minutes until the candy coating has set. A slight “puddle” will form underneath each dreidel, so it won’t look perfect—but that’s not the point. It will still look dreidel-ish, and it will taste yummy! Have fun!
