# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 box vanilla or chocolate cake mix (approximately 14 oz) plus ingredients per package
→ Frosting
02 - 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream (4 oz)
→ Decoration & Coating
03 - 1 lb white chocolate or candy melts, assorted colors
04 - 2 tbsp vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
05 - Assorted sprinkles, edible glitter, and small candies
06 - 24 mini pretzel loops or candy-coated chocolate pieces (for ornament tops)
07 - Edible gold or silver luster dust (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Prepare cake according to package directions and allow it to cool completely.
02 - Break cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Gradually add frosting, mixing until the mixture holds together and can be shaped.
04 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth balls; place on parchment-lined tray.
05 - Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate or candy melts, stirring until smooth; stir in shortening if thinner coating is desired.
07 - Dip one end of a lollipop stick into the melted coating, then insert halfway into each cake ball; chill again for 10 minutes.
08 - Fully dip each cake pop into the melted coating, gently tapping off excess.
09 - Before the coating sets, adorn each pop with sprinkles, glitter, or candies to resemble ornaments, attaching the mini pretzel loop or candy on top as the hook.
10 - Place pops upright in a foam block or cake pop stand to allow coating to set completely.
11 - Optionally, dust with edible gold or silver luster dust for a shimmering finish.
