Better Than Starbucks Cake Pops (and cheaper!)

What if I told you that you could make cake pops that are better than Starbucks—in your own kitchen, with just THREE ingredients?

This easy, kid-approved recipe has been a game-changer in our house. Not only are these cake pops deliciously sweet and perfectly creamy, but they’re also budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and customizable for any occasion (hello, rainbow sprinkles!).

Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a bake sale, or just looking for a fun treat to make with your kids on a rainy afternoon, this recipe delivers. Plus, if you pop one into a Starbucks bag… your kids will never know the difference 😉.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 box of pre-made iced sugar cookies (approx. 10 cookies)

• 1 brick of cream cheese (8 oz)

• 1 bag of white chocolate chips (about 2 cups)

• 24 lollipop sticks or skewers

  
  

Optional:

• Sprinkles

• Coconut oil (for thinning chocolate)

• A few extra cookies if you like a firmer texture

  
  

Instructions:

1. Crush the cookies in a stand mixer (or by hand) until crumbly. If you like a firmer cake pop texture, feel free to add a few more cookies!

2. Add the room-temperature cream cheese and mix until well combined.

3. Roll into balls using your hands.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

5. Melt the white chocolate chips. If they’re too thick, stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.

6. Dip each lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and then insert it into the cake ball (this helps the cake pop stay in place).

7. Let them harden for 30 minutes.

8. Dip each cake pop into the white chocolate until fully coated. Add sprinkles if desired!

9. Stand them upright or lay them flat on a tray, then chill until completely set (about 30 minutes). I used a pizza box, because #momlife. No need to get fancy!

Pro Tips:

• Want them less “doughy” and more cake-like? Add half a pack more cookies (around 5).

• Store extras in the fridge or freezer. They make great lunchbox surprises!

• Hosting a party? Use colored candy melts instead of white chocolate for a pop of fun.

  
  

  Grab the free printable PDF of the recipe here

  
  

Why I Love This Recipe

Not only is this recipe a huge hit with my four kiddos, but it’s also a sweet little reminder that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard. Some of our most joy-filled kitchen memories have come from recipes just like this—simple, silly, and shared with little hands.

It’s a small thing, yes. But sometimes small things—like a cake pop made with love—can bring big smiles.

👉 Watch the video tutorial:

Let me know if you try it, and tag me over on Instagram @gratefulheartcollective so I can cheer you on!

With a grateful heart,

Chelsea Dyan