Get ready to transform ordinary Bugles snacks into the most adorable and festive Christmas treats that will steal the show at any holiday gathering! These whimsical Bugle Elf Hats and Christmas Trees are not just snacks—they're edible works of art that combine playful creativity with delicious candy-coated crunch. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a fun cooking activity with kids, these charming treats will instantly elevate your festive dessert table and create memories that last long after the last bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Christmas
Serves: 24 pieces
Ingredients
- Bugles snacks
- Green candy melts
- Red candy melts
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Sort the Bugles snacks, selecting the most uniformly shaped ones for best results. Ensure they are clean and dry.
- Melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each interval until smooth and completely melted.
- For Christmas tree design, dip each Bugle into the green candy melts, ensuring complete and even coverage. Gently tap off excess chocolate.
- Place dipped green Bugles on the prepared baking sheet, point-side down, to create tree shapes.
- While green candy is still wet, sprinkle mini chocolate chips as ornaments on the "trees" for decoration.
- For elf hat design, melt red candy melts using the same microwave method as the green melts.
- Dip Bugles into red candy melts, coating completely and allowing excess to drip off.
- Place red-dipped Bugles on the baking sheet, positioning them point-side up to resemble elf hats.
- Use mini marshmallows to create the "pom-pom" at the tip of each elf hat by attaching with a small amount of melted candy.
- Allow all decorated Bugles to set at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until candy coating is completely hardened.
- Optional: For added detail, use white candy melts to create additional decorative elements or highlights.
- Once set, carefully transfer the Bugle Elf Hats and Christmas Trees to a serving platter.
- Store in a cool, dry place until ready to serve. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp Bugles for the best shape and texture. Avoid broken or stale snacks.
- Melt candy melts slowly and at low power to prevent burning or seizing.
- Work in a cool, dry environment to help candy coatings set quickly.
- Use a fork or dipping tool for cleaner, more even candy coating.
- Have all decorations (chocolate chips, marshmallows) ready before dipping to ensure they stick while the candy is still wet.
- For a professional look, use squeeze bottles for more precise candy melt application.
- If candy melts start to harden, briefly reheat in the microwave.
- Let treats cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Store in a single layer in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- For extra flair, consider using edible glitter or sprinkles for more festive decoration.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
