Copycat Disneyland Tigger Tails
If you have ever walked down Main Street at Disneyland and spotted those bright orange striped marshmallow treats in the candy case, you already know how hard it is to resist a Tigger Tail. These oversized marshmallow wands have been a favorite Disney snack for years, and they are one of those nostalgic park treats that instantly bring back memories of Disneyland trips, parades, late-night rides, and shopping through the candy kitchen windows.
Whether you remember the older version or love the newer orange-flavored Disneyland treat, this homemade copycat recipe is a fun way to recreate a little Disney magic right at home.
What Makes These Disneyland Treats So Special?
There is something about Disneyland candy shop treats that feels extra magical. Maybe it is the oversized presentation, the bright colors, or the nostalgic feeling tied to a Disney vacation. Tigger Tails have always stood out because they are playful, colorful, and impossible to miss sitting in the display case.
This copycat version captures that same whimsical feel with fluffy marshmallows dipped in caramel, coated in bright orange candy coating, and finished with chocolate stripes that mimic Tigger’s signature look.
Why Disney fans love Tigger Tails:
- They are one of the most recognizable Disneyland candy shop treats
- The bright orange stripes instantly remind everyone of Tigger
- They combine marshmallows, caramel, candy coating, and chocolate in one dessert
- They are easy to customize for parties and Disney-themed celebrations
- They make adorable homemade Disney gifts
One of my favorite things about recreating Disneyland treats at home is how instantly recognizable they are. The second someone sees these striped marshmallow wands, they immediately know exactly what they are.
What is a Tigger Tail?
WHAT IS A TIGGER TAIL? A couple of fun facts about these treats: they are sold only at Pooh Corner in Critter Country. That’s the shop you see when you get off Splash Mountain. It is the cutest shop, and is decorated to look like a Birthday Party for Pooh. A Tigger Tail is a stack of marshmallows on a candy stick, dipped in caramel, then white chocolate (I used orange candy melts), then rolled in sanding sugar and drizzled with dark chocolate. It looks just like Tigger’s tail from the Winnie the Pooh movies! They are sweet, sugary, caramel-y, and absolutely delicious. A perfect “Tigger-riffic” treat for a fun-filled day at Disneyland.
NOTE: THIS POST WAS ORIGIANNLY WRITTEN IN 2016. DO YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE IN THE TIGGER TAIL FROM THEN TO THE TIGGER TAILS NOW? The difference is small but makes a big impact on texture and flavor. Disneyland no longer coats their Tigger tails in orange sugar. Which is a shame. The crunch the sprinkles offered was delicious.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Tigger Tails
Use large marshmallows for the classic Disneyland look: Oversized marshmallows give these treats that thick candy-shop appearance Disney fans recognize. Regular mini marshmallows will not create the same dramatic presentation.
Chill the caramel-coated marshmallows before dipping: This step helps keep everything stable as you add the candy coating. Slightly chilled marshmallows are easier to handle and less messy.
Use fresh candy melts: older ones tend to thicken and become difficult to work with. Fresh candy coating melts more smoothly and creates a prettier finish.
Thin the candy coating if needed: If your orange coating feels too thick, adding a small amount of shortening can help create a smoother dipping consistency.
Let the excess coating drip off before placing on parchment: This prevents large pools of hardened candy from forming underneath the treats.
Pipe the chocolate stripes instead of drizzling randomly: The more intentional the stripes look, the closer the finished treats resemble Disneyland’s candy shop version.
Work quickly with the chocolate stripes: Candy coating hardens fast, especially in cooler kitchens.
Fun Ways to Customize Homemade Tigger Tails
One of the best things about homemade Disneyland treats is being able to personalize them for different holidays, birthdays, and Disney-themed parties.
Even though the classic orange-and-chocolate combination is iconic, there are plenty of creative ways to change things up.
- Classic 2016 Disneyland Style: Add orange sanding sugar over the wet orange candy coating to recreate the older Disneyland version.
- Current Disneyland-inspired version: Use orange-flavored candy melts or add orange oil flavoring to the coating for the updated Disney Parks flavor.
- Halloween Tigger Tails: Add black and orange sprinkles for a festive Halloween Disney dessert.
- Winnie the Pooh Dessert Table: Serve these alongside honey-inspired desserts and Pooh-themed treats for a full Hundred Acre Wood dessert spread.
- Mini Tigger Tails: Use smaller marshmallows to create bite-sized party treats.
- Chocolate Lovers Version: Drizzle extra dark chocolate over the top for a richer flavor.
- Disney Birthday Party Treats: Wrap individual Tigger Tails in clear treat bags with ribbon to use as party favors.
How to make Disneyland Tigger Tails
TIGGER TAILS INGREDIENT LIST-full recipe below in recipe card
- 2 (13.4 ounces) cans Nestlé Dulce de Leche
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 40 large marshmallows
- 10 (20-inch) lollipop sticks (from Michael’s)
- 1 (12-ounce) bag orange candy melts (Wilton)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- orange sanding sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate candy melts
TIGGER TAILS INSTRUCTIONS
- Stack four marshmallows together on a lollipop stick.
- Place caramel and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, in 30-second intervals. NOTE: DO NOT OVERHEAT THE CARAMEL. You don’t want to melt the marshmallows.
- Stir until the caramel is thin enough to dip the marshmallows. NOTE: If needed, you can add more cream only 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Dip marshmallows into warm caramel, making sure to completely cover.
- Set on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place in refrigerator until caramel hardens (about 10 minutes).
- While the caramel is hardening, prepare the candy.
- Pour the candy into a medium microwave-safe bowl; heat for 1 minute, then stir until the candy is creamy and melted. If the candy is not completely melted, microwave it a little more in 15-second intervals.
- Once the caramel has hardened, dip it into the melted candy, then immediately sprinkle with orange sanding sugar.
- Refrigerate 15 minutes or until the candy has hardened.
- Pour dark chocolate candy into a small microwave-safe bowl; heat in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and creamy.
- For the next step, you can use a spoon to drizzle over the Tigger Tails, but I prefer to use a squeeze bottle. The key is to make one side thicker and, on the next stroke, make the opposite side thicker. HAVE FUN!
THE EVOLUTION OF DISNEYLAND TIGGER TAILS
Disneyland recipes and candy shop treats change more often than people realize. Sometimes the changes are small, and sometimes longtime Disney fans immediately notice when a favorite snack looks or tastes a little different.
When I first made these copycat treats in 2016, Disneyland was adding orange sugar sprinkles over the candy coating. That sparkle gave the treats extra texture and made them look even more vibrant inside the candy case.
Today, Disneyland has slightly simplified its appearance by removing the orange sugar sprinkles. The candy coating itself has also changed over the years. The current version has an orange flavor built directly into the coating, which is a detail the original treats did not have.
I actually love documenting these little Disneyland food changes because longtime Disney fans enjoy remembering the different versions through the years. Some people prefer the older sprinkle-covered treats, while others enjoy the newer orange-flavored coating.
The best part about making homemade copycat versions is that you can create whichever version you love most.
Storage Tips for Homemade Tigger Tails
Candy-coated marshmallow treats store surprisingly well when kept in the right conditions. Because these include marshmallows, caramel, and candy coating, proper storage helps preserve both texture and appearance. A little extra care keeps them looking candy-shop fresh.
Room Temperature Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 7 days. Avoid warm kitchens or direct sunlight because the candy coating can soften quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: If your kitchen runs warm, refrigeration may help keep the candy coating firm. Store the treats in a sealed container with parchment between layers. You must avoid moisture at all costs!
Freezer Storage: You can freeze Tigger Tails for longer storage. Wrap each treat individually before placing in a freezer-safe container.
How to Defrost Frozen Tigger Tails: Avoid the candy cracking by allowing the treats to thaw gradually in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature.
Will Freezing Change the Texture? Marshmallows can become slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the treats still taste delicious.
Can They Sit Out at Parties? Yes, but avoid extreme heat. Candy coating softens quickly in the summer sun.
DISNEYLAND COPYCAT SWEET TREAT RECIPES AND SAVORY RECIPES
Bringing Disneyland Magic Home
One of my favorite things about recreating Disneyland recipes is how instantly they transport you back to the parks. A single bite can bring back memories of favorite rides, family vacations, fireworks over the castle, and wandering through the candy shops on Main Street.
Tigger Tails are especially fun because they have changed over the years, giving Disney fans something to compare and reminisce about. I still remember the sparkle from the orange sugar sprinkles Disneyland used back when I first recreated these treats in 2016. Seeing the newer orange-flavored version today is a reminder that even classic Disney snacks continue to evolve.
That is part of the fun of Disney food nostalgia. Every generation remembers a slightly different version.
Whether you recreate the original sprinkle-covered style or the newer orange-flavored version, these homemade Tigger Tails are guaranteed to bring a little Disney magic into your kitchen.
From my kitchen to yours,
Sheryl
Copycat Disneyland Tigger Tails
Ingredients
- 2 (13.4 ounces) cans Netsle Dulce de Leche
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 40 large marshmallows
- 10 (20-inch) lollipop sticks (from Michael's)
- 1 (12 ounce) bag orange colored melting wafers (from Michael's)
- 1 tablespoon shortening
- orange sanding sugar
- 1 cup dark chocolate candy melts ( I like Ghirardelli)
Instructions
- Stack four marshmallows together on a lollipop stick.
- Place the caramel and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until melted. NOTE: DO NOT OVERHEAT THE CARAMEL. You don't want to melt the marshmallows.
- Stir until the caramel is thin enough to dip the marshmallows. NOTE: If needed, you can add more cream, only 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Dip marshmallows into warm caramel, making sure to completely cover.
- Set on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place in refrigerator until caramel hardens (about 10 minutes).
- While the caramel is hardening, prepare the candy.
- Pour the candy and shortening into a medium microwave-safe bowl; heat for 1 minute, then stir until the candy is creamy and melted. If the candy is not completely melted, microwave it a little more in 15-second intervals.
- Once the caramel has hardened, dip it into the melted candy, then immediately sprinkle with orange sanding sugar.
- Refrigerate 15 minutes or until the candy has hardened.
- Pour dark chocolate candy into a small microwave-safe bowl; heat in 30-second intervals until chocolate is melted and creamy.
- For the next step, you can use a spoon to drizzle over the Tigger Tails, but I prefer to use a squeeze bottle. The key is to make one side thicker and, on the next stroke, make the opposite side thicker. HAVE FUN!
- NOTE: You won't use all the caramel, but having two cans will make the dipping process a lot easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions- Copycat Disneyland Tigger Tails
These Disneyland-inspired treats are always a conversation starter, especially among Disney fans who remember seeing different versions through the years.
- What is a Disneyland Tigger Tail? A Tigger Tail is a marshmallow candy treat sold at Disneyland candy shops. Traditionally, it features marshmallows coated in caramel, dipped in orange candy coating, and decorated with chocolate stripes inspired by Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.
- Did Disneyland change the Tigger Tail recipe? Yes. Over the years, Disneyland has updated its appearance and flavor. Earlier versions included orange sugar sprinkles, while newer versions use orange-flavored candy coating and no sprinkles.
- Do Disneyland Tigger Tails taste orange-flavored? The current Disneyland version has an orange-flavored coating. Earlier versions primarily focused on the candy coating color rather than citrus flavor.
- Can I make these without caramel? Yes, but the caramel layer adds the signature candy-shop texture that many Disney fans remember.
- What kind of chocolate works best for the stripes? Melted dark candy melts or semi-sweet chocolate both work well for the signature striped look.
- Can I use homemade caramel? Absolutely. Homemade caramel creates an even richer flavor.
- Why is my candy coating too thick? Candy melts can thicken if overheated or left out. Adding a little shortening can help thin the coating.
- Can I make Tigger Tails ahead of time? Yes. These treats hold up well for parties and holidays when stored properly.
- Do I need a candy thermometer? Not usually, especially if you are using pre-made caramel and candy melts.
- Can I freeze homemade Tigger Tails? Freezing is possible, although the texture of marshmallows may change slightly after thawing.
- What are the best marshmallows to use? Large fresh marshmallows create the closest Disneyland-inspired appearance.
- Can kids help make these treats? Yes. Kids especially love adding the chocolate stripes and sprinkles.
you say to use 20 inch sticks. I have tried to find them and I can not find any that long. longest I can find are Wilton nearly 13″.
I’m sorry Sherry that was a typo. The correct size is 11½ to 12 -inch lollipop sticks.
How much orange sanding sugar was needed for these? I’m having a hard d one figuring out how much will cover them!
Hi Melissa, I’m sorry I don’t the exact amount. I buy my sprinkles in bulk 12 ounces at a time. The bakery store I purchase my sanding sugar from doesn’t have it available on their website. Here is another place, I love their sprinkles. I have ordered from them several times. Click here for the sugar—->>>> Orange Sanding Sugar Bulk
How long are these good for after you make them?? Without getting hard and stale. Still be fresh, soft and good.?
Hi Maryana, If you cover the marshmallows completely in the melted candy they should stay fresh for a least a week.
How do you store them? Airtight container or fridge?
Hi Margie, If the Tigger Tails are completely coated with the melted candy they are fine being stored in a cool location. They shouldn’t be covered and definitely not refrigerated. ♥
Can you freeze these?
Hi Dawn, No you can’t freeze them.
Hi I made these several years ago, and they were a big hit. I want to make them again, but I thought in your recipe you ordered your Carmels from a specialty store, which is what I did. I didn’t order enough and had to you buy regular Carmel’s – big difference. But as I read your recipe I don’t see the remark about using a special Carmel.
Hi Michele, I updated the post this week and found out the company that made the caramel is no longer in business. So sad….it was a really good product. Try the Dulce de Leche. I think you’ll equally like the caramel.
Hi I would like to make them for a party. Can I wrap them in lollipop bags. Would this be ok?
Hi Christina, Yes, as long as the marshmallows are completely covered with the melted candy, they will stay fresh for at least a week. The bags will help them stay fresh longer. Have fun!