If you want one 4th of July idea that keeps the kids busy and gives you a treat for the dessert table, this is it. Candy kabobs are just red, white and blue candy threaded onto a wooden skewer, so there is no baking and almost no mess.
The best part is that the kids do the whole thing themselves. They pick the candy, thread it on, and top each one with a marshmallow rolled in patriotic sprinkles. We set ours out for a Miami cookout, stood them up in red mason jars, and bagged the extras as little favors for the neighbors.
Why you will love it
- No baking and no oven, which matters in the Miami summer heat.
- It is an activity and a dessert in one, so it buys you about twenty quiet minutes.
- Totally flexible with whatever candy you already have.
- Doubles as a centerpiece for the table or as grab and go favors.
- Works for any age with one quick tip for the little ones (see the safety note below).
What you will need
The candy
- Large marshmallows for the sprinkle topper
- Mini marshmallows
- Red, white and blue nonpareil sprinkles
- Gummy bears in red and blue
- Blue gummy rings
- Red gummies or red jelly candies
- Blue sour belts or ribbons
- Anything else red, white or blue you love
The tools
- Wooden skewers or paper lollipop sticks
- A divided tray or small bowls
- A shallow dish of water or light corn syrup
- A plate for the sprinkles
- Red mason jars, a basket, or a tray for display
- Cello bags and ribbon for favors
Makes about 8 to 10 candy kabobs • Total time about 15 minutes
How to make candy kabobs
- Soak the skewers. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 2 to 3 minutes before you start. Damp skewers let the candy slide on much more easily and are gentler on little hands.
- Set up the candy station. Sort your red, white and blue candy into a divided tray or a few small bowls. Give each kid a skewer and let them see all the choices. Half the fun is picking.
- Make the firework marshmallow. Dip one side of a large marshmallow into the dish of water or light corn syrup, then press it into the plate of sprinkles and roll until it is fully coated.
- Thread the candy. Let the kids slide candy onto the skewer one piece at a time, alternating colors however they like. There is no wrong way to do it.
- Add the topper. Finish each skewer by sliding the sprinkle marshmallow onto the top so it looks like a little firework.
- Display or bag them. Stand the finished kabobs up in red mason jars or lay them on a tray. For favors, slide each one into a cello bag and tie it with red, white or blue ribbon.
Wooden skewers have a sharp point. For toddlers and younger kids, snip off the pointed tip with scissors or use paper lollipop sticks or paper straws instead. An adult should always supervise.
- Bag the extras as you go so they do not get sticky and you have favors ready.
- Make the sprinkle marshmallows a day ahead and store them airtight.
- Assemble the full kabobs the morning of so the sour pieces stay firm.
- No corn syrup? A quick dip in water makes the sprinkles stick.
- Set them on a tray of crushed ice to hold up at an outdoor Miami party.
Fun variations
- Swap the colors for any holiday: orange and black for Halloween, green and red for Christmas, or your kid’s birthday colors.
- Drizzle the marshmallow topper with melted white chocolate before the sprinkles for an extra special version.
- Build a savory cousin with cheese, grapes and crackers for the grown up table.
Candy kabob questions
Can I make candy kabobs ahead of time?
Yes. The sprinkle marshmallows can be made a day early and stored airtight. For the best texture, thread the full kabobs the morning of your party so the sour candies stay firm.
How do I get the sprinkles to stick to the marshmallow?
Lightly dip one side of the marshmallow in water or light corn syrup, then press it straight into the sprinkles and roll. The damp surface grabs the nonpareils.
Are candy kabobs safe for little kids?
They are, with one tweak. Trim the sharp tip off the wooden skewer or use a paper lollipop stick or paper straw, and keep an adult nearby while they build and eat.
What candy works best?
Anything red, white or blue that threads easily: marshmallows, gummy bears, gummy rings, sour belts and jelly candies. Mix soft and chewy pieces so they slide on without cracking.
How long do they last?
They are best the day you make them. Stored airtight they will hold for a day or two, though the sour pieces soften over time.
Save this for the 4th
Send it to the mom who is hosting this year.
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