So with Valentine's Day literally days away, I thought some of you might be looking for a last minute treat idea. And if there is one thing I am good at.... it's last minute ideas. As a self proclaimed master procrastinator, these Donut Cake Pop treats are a time savers best friend. Not to mention they make the perfect DIY project to do with the kids.

A project for all ages... I love that this no bake Donut Pop DYI project get's the little ones involved in creating their own unique treat. And since there is no wrong way to decorate these, it gives them a chance to think freely through their own creative process. Little little ones might need extra help but that just makes this a more special Mommy/Daddy -n- me project.

So if you're ready to make these treats with the kids here's a quick list of what you'll need to get started:

• Donut Holes ( 30)
• Melting Chocolate (like Wilton, Merckens, etc...) (1lb)
• Valentine's Day Sprinkle Decors
• Lollipop sticks (30)
• Decorative Ribbon
• Clear Cello Cake Pop Bags (30)

The most important step is melting the chocolate and keeping it warm (I use a chocolate warmer but a double boiler type set up works just as well). I like to melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 1 minute on half power and then in 30 second intervals until it becomes fluid.

• MAKE THE POPS: Dip the tip of the lollipop stick into the chocolate then gently insert it into the donut hole about 1/2 way through. Place the pops on a lined sheet pan and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • PARENTS: This is the one part I would say a grown up might want to really supervise and/or actually do so that the stick does not go through the other side.

• DIPPING: Once the sticks have set into the donut hole have kids dive the donut pops right into the chocolate. It is so much fun! They just need to do Invert the donut pop into the melted chocolate and then pull it up and down a few times.
  • PARENTS: You may want to swirl and tap the pop as well until all the excess chocolate is gone.
  • Then place the pop onto the lined baking pan (if you have a way to stand the pops straight up that works even better) Refrigerate or freeze the pops until they harden.

• DECORATING: NOW HERE's where the real fun begins. Have Kids take a fork and dip it into the chocolate, then let them swirl all the pops with chocolate drizzles and decorate with their favorite sprinkles.
  • PARENTS: you do want to make sure the kids move fast with this as the chocolate will harden quickly and the sprinkles won't stick.
• WRAPPING: Once the sprinkles are set place each donut pop into a cake pop bag and tie with favorite ribbons.

Aren't they super cute! Just remember that the key to keeping the kids interested in any project is to give them lots of positive feedback and as hard as it might be, refraining from saying "do it this way" or "not like that", etc... just let them be as independant as possible throughout the entire project. Speaking as someone who thrives on perfection, I find the less perfectionism I impart on my kids the happier they are.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!