Here’s a tasty Thanksgiving candy idea – we’re gonna learn how to make LifeSavers lollipops!

Thanksgiving candy idea: How to make LifeSavers lollipops

How about something different for the dessert menu other than chocolate pie?

Like these LifeSaver lollipops for example!

Inspired by DIY Jolly Rancher lollipops found on Pinterest (of course), we mixed things up and went with Lifesavers. I wish I could say this project is a cinch, but there is a little bit of a learning curve.

Different colors of the candies will have various melting times, so buy extra so you can play around and experiment.

Use these as cupcake toppers, or put them in jars or a flower pot! Wrap each one in cellophane with a name tag for seating nameplates.

NOTE: This project is not for kids, unless there is adult supervision.

How to make Lifesavers lollipops – supplies:

A bag of hard candies. I used Lifesavers (you can also use Jolly Rancher) because it came with all the colors I wanted but any hard candy will do. Note: different hard candies will have various melting times
Lollypop sticks
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Baking pan

Directions for how to make Lifesavers lollipops:

Pre-heat your oven to 275°F (135°C).

Cover your baking pan with parchment paper (or a silicone mat), then set out the candies in the desired pattern. Flowers, hearts, leaves, whatever you’d like!

TIP: Break up the candies in small pieces to use as accent colors for your lollipops.

To make a flower shape, take one LifeSaver and place it as the center.

Then, place 5 or 6 other LifeSavers around it, touching the center candy. This will form your flower petals.

Thanksgiving candy idea: How to make Lifesavers lollipops

Next place the entire tray into the hot oven for 5 minutes.

Remove the sheet from the oven and allowed the candies to cool for about one minute.

At this point the candies shouldn’t be fully melted, they should be just soft enough for you to press the lollypop stick into the candy. Place the lollipop stick with its end at the center LifeSaver, making sure at least an inch of the stick is touching the candies. This ensures the melted candies will hold the stick securely.

Then using your finger or silicone stick (be careful because the candies may still be very hot) gingerly press the candy and “encourage” it into the shape you want.

Place the baking sheet in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the LifeSavers have melted together. The exact time might vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t become too runny.

Again: Keep an eye on your flowers! You don’t want them to burn.

As it starts to really melt you will begin to see your flowers become this really pretty, organic flow of candy.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the lollipops to cool and harden at room temperature.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also place them in the refrigerator for a faster setting time.

I LOVE the look of these SUPER melted. I think it looks like a watercolor painting or blown glass!

But if you prefer a more uniform look, remove the candy from the oven before it is completely melted. This will result in a very playful, pop art style flower.

TIP: Take time to practice, you’ll need to do a bit of experimenting to achieve the look you want.

Peel away the wax paper backing and enjoy!

Give these lollipops as a sweet Thanksgiving treat, or stick the lollipops into a cake for a festive touch!

You can even make them for any other holiday, just switch out the colors!

Any way you choose to enjoy them is sure to please all!

RELATED: Thanksgiving leftovers ideas, concha turkey sandwiches

Other Thanksgiving candy ideas using LifeSavers:

Here are other LifeSavers candy ideas for the holidays!

Stained Glass Cookies:

Use your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes. Use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out centers. Place a few crushed LifeSavers in the center cutout and bake. As the cookies bake, the candies will melt and fill the center, creating a “stained glass” effect.

Edible Ornaments:

Follow the same method as the lollipops but use cookie cutters to create different festive shapes. Once they’re cooled, use a skewer to create a small hole at the top, and thread a ribbon or string through for hanging.

LifeSavers Candy Bowls:

On a parchment paper or silicone baking mat, arrange LifeSavers in a circle (or any shape you prefer) ensuring they’re touching each other. Melt in the oven as directed above. While still warm and pliable, quickly drape over the back of a greased bowl to shape. Allow it to cool and harden. Once set, you’ll have a colorful and edible candy bowl!

Decorative Garnishes:

Melt LifeSavers in the oven spread thinly. Once slightly cooled but still flexible, use a cookie cutter to cut or shape them into desired forms. They can be used as garnishes for desserts, cakes, or drinks.

TIP: Remember, while these treats look fun and delightful, they can be very sticky when melted. So, always be super-duper cautious when handling melted candies, and ensure they have cooled and set before consuming or giving them to children. Enjoy your creative candy crafting!