Here’s a fun way to get your kids into the Hanukkah spirit this weekend! This idea was inspired by Jewish cooking legend Joan Nathan; the original version of these dreidels appeared in her book The Children’s Jewish Holiday Kitchen. I modified her idea slightly, using a pretzel for the dreidel’s handle and Nutella as a “glue” to hold the marshmallow and kiss together. I’ve also added my own variation on this concept, which includes candy coating and sprinkles.
Kosher Note: Most major marshmallow brands are not kosher because they contain gelatin, which is derived from pig. However, there are brands that make kosher marshmallows out there. Most kosher grocery stores carry them, and some regular markets have them in the kosher section. Elyon and Chik Chak brands are certified pareve by the OU (Orthodox Union):
This recipe is very kid-friendly, except for melting the candy coating which should be supervised by a grownup. It’s a yummy project that the whole family can enjoy together!
Candy Dreidels
Ingredients
- Jumbo marshmallows
- Stick pretzels
- Nutella hazelnut spread
- Chocolate candy kisses
Optional Ingredients
- Cake decorating gel
- Chocolate or vanilla candy coating
- Vegetable shortening
- Candy sprinkles
You will also need
- Parchment paper, cookie sheet (for candy coated dreidels)
- 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 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.
Melt your chocolate or vanilla candy coating according to the package directions at the lowest temperature setting possible. Ideally the consistency of the melted coating should be like chocolate syrup—not overly thick. If your candy coating seems too thick after melting it, you can thin it out using a tablespoon or two of vegetable shortening.
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 Hershey 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!
Sounds yummy and fun! I have just started using Nutella for baking
Good Shabbos!
I love all your recipes even though I am not jewish but have many friends who are. You are incredible. I cook Italian food because I am Italian but you are amazing on this website
This is sooooooooo cute, I love them, thank you! they are adorable
Cutie-pah-tootie! Happy Hanukkah, love your blog!
Deaest Tori,
Why are you so wonderful??? My children just caught me looking at your fantastic recipe for this, now I’m obligated to make it!!! LOL!
No secretly, I think it’s great and as soon as I get the ingredients the dreidel we shall make!! Thank you ah…gain!xx
This is such a great idea — My kids and their friends are going to love it!
Thank you so much for all the creative ideas and the wonderful recipes.
God Bless!!
I like this recipe a lot
The only question I have it that I thought marshmallows were not kosher. Can you clarify that?
Thanks guys! Hope you get a chance to try this, it’s so fun– the kids love it.
Linda, there are a few brands that make kosher marshmallows. Many kosher grocery stores carry them. Elyon and Chick Chak brands are certified pareve by the OU (Orthodox Union):
http://www.amazon.com/Elyon-Marshmallows-7-Ounce-Packages-Pack/dp/B001ELL3HS
http://www.glattmart.net/Product.asp?intProdID=11058
I’ll clarify that point in the blog in case people are confused about it.
Very cute…and inexpensive !!
This is awesome!
I am going to use this recipe with my religious school kids next year…and maybe the mini sufganiyot as well.
I am so excited to have learned about your blog! My friend sent me a link to it today because she reads it, and now I can’t stop going through all your older posts and seeing what sort of food adventures you’re on! I love these dreidels. And I love the cheese latkes you just made. What a fun discovery for meeeee!!
My Hebrew School class thanks you!! Can’t wait to serve these to the kids at our Hannukkah party!
I made a batch to share with my Torah class and they turned out so cute! I’ll have to upload pictures!