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These delightful Graduation Caps transform simple store-bought ingredients into adorable celebratory treats perfect for graduation parties, end-of-year school celebrations, or academic achievements. The combination of chocolate and licorice creates miniature mortar boards that look impressively festive while requiring minimal effort.
I first made these for my nephew's high school graduation party and they were such a hit that they've become our family's tradition for every academic milestone since. Even my usually kitchen-shy brother-in-law gets involved in the assembly line!
Ingredients
- Rolo chocolates or mini peanut butter cups: Serve as the perfect base with their cylindrical shape mimicking the bottom part of a graduation cap
- Chocolate cookie icing: Works as the "glue" holding all components together while adding a touch of sweetness
- Bittersweet chocolate squares: Form the flat top of the graduation cap creating the classic mortar board look
- Pull apart licorice ropes: Provide the perfect material for the tassel that hangs from real graduation caps
- M&Ms: Add a pop of color as the center button where the tassel attaches customizable to match school colors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Base Assembly:
- Arrange all Rolo chocolates on your baking sheet with the narrow side facing up. This creates a stable base for your graduation caps. Apply a small dot of chocolate cookie icing to the top of each Rolo. The icing should be just enough to secure the chocolate square without oozing out the sides. Place a chocolate square directly on top of each icing-topped Rolo, making sure it's centered and level. Gently press down to help the square adhere to the base. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the icing to set completely for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare The Tassels:
- While your bases are setting in the refrigerator, begin working on the decorative tassels. Take your pull-apart licorice ropes and carefully separate them into individual strands. Each strand should then be cut in half crosswise to create pieces of the perfect length for your graduation cap tassels. This preparation ensures all tassels will be uniform in size and appearance across all of your graduation caps.
- Final Decoration:
- Remove the partially assembled caps from the refrigerator. Place a small dot of icing in the center of each chocolate square. This will be where your M&M attaches. Position one M&M on top of each icing dot, pressing gently to secure it. Take one piece of your prepared licorice and wrap it around the M&M, mimicking how a tassel hangs from a graduation cap. Press the two ends of the licorice together to secure them around the M&M. Return the completed graduation caps to the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to allow the icing to fully set.
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The licorice tassel is what truly transforms these treats from simple stacked candies into recognizable graduation caps. My daughter insists on being the "tassel master" whenever we make these, carefully ensuring each one drapes at just the right angle for maximum authenticity.
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Storage Tips
These graduation caps can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool temperature helps keep the icing firm and prevents the chocolate from melting. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Rolos or prefer alternatives, any cylindrical chocolate candy works well. Try miniature Reese's peanut butter cups or even stacked chocolate wafer cookies. For the chocolate squares, you can substitute chocolate graham crackers cut into squares or even brownies cut into small squares for a softer option. The licorice can be replaced with thin fruit leather strips cut into small pieces, or even colorful string licorice for a different look.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange these graduation caps on a tiered serving platter for a stunning visual display at your celebration. Complement them with other academic-themed treats like cookies decorated as diplomas or cupcakes topped with edible gold stars. Consider creating a dessert table with school colors as the theme, incorporating matching tablecloths, napkins, and decorations to tie everything together for your graduate's special day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different candy to replace Rolos?
Yes, mini peanut butter cups or other small round chocolates can work just as well!
- → How long can these treats be stored?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- → What can I substitute for licorice ropes?
Thin strips of fruit leather or colorful candy strips can work as substitutes.
- → Can I make these treats in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day ahead and store them in the fridge to ensure freshness.
- → What icing works best for assembly?
Chocolate cookie icing or any sticky icing with strong adherence works best for holding the pieces together.