Graduation Caps Recipe

Reviewed on Jun. 05, 2013 by lovinmykitchen

Made these for my daughter's graudation and I used 2 Hershey's for the top part, blue M&M's and yellow licorice.....THEY LOOKED GREAT!!!!!!! SUCH A HIT!!!

Reviewed on May. 27, 2013 by dan21980

My daughters party was last week and her and I spent 2 hours of our saturday night just covering a graham cracker in chocolate and had a brown m&m on top! even easier than the regular recipe! A MUST for all grad parties! :)

Reviewed on May. 20, 2013 by vh651

These were easy to do. Everyone loved them. They quickly disappeared. Next time I'll make lots more!

Reviewed on May. 03, 2013 by homemaker34

I didn't make them yet, because I just found this recipe on my computer, tonight. I will be making this for my grandson's graduation from college. Annette Boucher

Reviewed on Apr. 29, 2013 by pinkidilly

I have made it twice and once I used Ghiradelli chocolate squares into of the mint squares and the other time I used chocolate covered graham crackers. For the tassle, I cut strips from that sour ribbon-like candy. Much easier. I also used rolo's instead of peanut butter cups for the hat portion. Great idea here!

Reviewed on Jun. 23, 2012 by gervaisa1

No stores in a 25 mile radius of Waterville Maine had the After 8's anymore, substituted chocolate gram cookies...had similar issues with the icing being too runny but they are cute!

Reviewed on Jun. 22, 2012 by cmb1940

I made these for my granddaughter's high school graduation.

Had no trouble finding After 8 mints. ShopRite has them. They are fun to make. I only had a problem with the icing making the tassels. Icing was a little too soft so it would not make the loop. I also added a sign reading 'Class of 2012'. Big hit...

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2012 by mcott097

So mad! I went to Walmart, called two Dollar Trees, Shopko, Target & Kmart, and two grocery stores. No one carries the After Eight mints or anything like them. I was going to make them for my boyfriend's nieces graduation tomorrow & got so frustrated that I gave up. Would have been cute if all ingredients were accessible. Disappointed.

Reviewed on Jun. 08, 2012 by chilipower

these were a hit at my friend's graduation party!!! they received my complements!!!! after reading the reviews, i was actually surprised to find Ater 8 thin mints at my local grocery store. so, they sell them here in Massachusetts :)

Reviewed on May. 29, 2012 by ginnypoore

could not find After 8 thin mints anywhere. I substituted hersheys bliss

Reviewed on May. 27, 2012 by Vallecito

I made these graduation caps last year for my grandson's high school graduation. They were a great hit with all his friends & he absolutely loved them.

Reviewed on May. 26, 2012 by BoundsL

I made these last year for a friend's graduation. The kids LOVED them. They disappeared fast!

I'm making them again this year for my granddaughter's graduation using white minature reeses peanut butter cups, white ghirardelli chocolate squares, white M & M's and a dark blue butter creme icing for the tassle. Finding the white chocolate has been a challenge, but I did get everything I needed.

Reviewed on May. 25, 2012 by Amory

I haven't made the caps yet, but I did find the mints in a grocery store that carries a lot of speciality items. I'm looking forward to making them this week.

Reviewed on Feb. 05, 2012 by ThePlanningWizard.com

Can't wait to make these for my son's graduation party. How cute!

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2011 by LBurkey

These are adoreable and easy to do.

Reviewed on Aug. 03, 2011 by sandytony

While I knocked myself out making these for my nephew's graduation party, I'd probably do it again. I used Keebler chocolate covered graham cracker cookies instead of the After Eight thin mints and the peel Twizzler ropes. (Couldn't find mints around here.) The problem with the cookies is that they are rectangular rather than square - but it worked. I also used the peel Twizzler rope and cut them to the appropriate size and make a loop. I also used Kraft Hot Fudge Sundae Topping instead of the decorating frosting. Oddly enough my nephew's Jr. High colors were red and blue, so the Twizzer as the tassel was appropriate. I used only red and blue M&MS. This recipe was quite laborious and expensive. I only made about 30 of these and they cost approximately $7.00 or $.25/each. The kids loved them and were eaten in quickly. Caution - the day I made these the temperature was very hot. I should have refrigerated the peanut butter cups, chocolate cookies, and M&Ms. When I started to work with any of the choclate it started to melt. I refrigerated the tray after I made them, which helped. I also told my SIL not to put them outside.

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2011 by pbnj2009

Made them for my step daughters kindergarden graduation party they were a huge hit! I had to use chocolate covered graham crackers though I couldn't find thin mints anywhere

Reviewed on Jun. 26, 2011 by jessicabrooks

Very cute idea!! I used homemade vanilla frosting because I found it hardened better than the store bought, also I used upside down Hersheys Bliss chocolates (can be purchased individually wrapped in bags) and mini M&M's because the Bliss chocolates are smaller. Instead of the gel frosting for the tassle I used a pull and peel Twizzler. Planning on making these for a few grad parties this summer!!

Reviewed on Jun. 23, 2011 by Toni51

We have twin daughters who graduated from high school this week, and they had a lot of fun making these. They are really adorable, and so easy to do. Many thanks for submitting this.

P.S. We also made pilgrim hats at Thanksgiving with the "recipe" from this site. Those were fun, too.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pilgrim-Hat-Cookies

Reviewed on Jun. 17, 2011 by vallooney

I made these for my daughter's graduation party and received more positive comments on these cute treats than on the store decorated cake! I was asked if I had ordered them or made them myself. (I'll add that I am NOT a crafty person, but these were EASY!) I did substitute Hershey Bar squares for the mints which I couldn't find. They seemed a better flavor match with the peanut butter cups anyway.

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2011 by ElviraC

I could not find the mints on recipe so i used ghirardelli squares and I used the bigger peanut butter cups I used red m&m and white for the tassel, everyone really enjoyed them and said what a cute idea. Thanks plan to make them for a group in July too. E.C.

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2011 by ElviraC

I made these for my grandson's graduation, I change it a little I used the bigger peanut cups and I used Ghiraradelli square- Big Hit!!

Reviewed on Jun. 06, 2011 by wilnovie

Ok... so I had to make a few slight adjustments since I couldn't fine the After Eight Thin Mints. I substituted mints for Ghirardelli chocolate and the M&M's for Reeses Pieces. My tassel didn't loop so I put in the fridge for an hour and relooped later. Presentation looked much better.

Reviewed on Jun. 04, 2011 by Rhonda51

I made these this morning for my Nephews Graduation. They were such a hit at the party - everybody wanted to know how to make them - and they thought they were just the perfect thing to have at a graduation party. I did have a hard time finding the After Eight Dinner Mints - I kept looking till I found them. I went online and was informed that VG's had them. Went to VG's and there they were - I was so happy - I used white and blue frosting for the tassels. Thank you for this recipe.

Reviewed on May. 31, 2011 by ssterry623

Made these for niece's HS graduation party - they were the hit of the dessert table! Used milk choc square candy (Hersheys - used 2 sections to form square or Large size Aldi's Belgian choc bars - 15 pcs per package - invert choc squares so smooth size is top of cap). Made tassel from fondant (white fondant & green M&M - school colors). Assembled all parts with melted chocolate.

Reviewed on May. 31, 2011 by nms80

Such a cute yet simple idea!

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by kdlee8913

We couldn't find After Eights in Colorado but used Lindt mint candy bars, which break off in pretty decent squares and are relatively thin. they were so cute and went fast!

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by semedo08

This is a really cute idea, but with so many nut allergies, It would be better to stay away from nuts. Some kids can't even be in the room with that and many parents think because the child doesn't touch or taste them, it's ok to bring them. My daughter had a reaction from throwing her friend's granola bar wrapper away which contained nuts. Please consider a nut free page in your magazine. Thanks! Concerned Parent

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by astromom3

I have made these several times.I use Keebler gram crackers. It also helps to assemble them upside down.The top won't slip before it is set that way.Betty Crocker has a new chocolate cookie frosting in a tube like package. It worked great for assembling them. It sets fast and you can't see it.I also use fruit roll ups for the tassel. I buy the color I need and cut them. These are always a big hit.

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by GibsonTown

I'm in Michigan, and they were always a staple here. I haven't seen them in 3 or 4 years now. It must be unavailable regionally. bummer - the thinness of them is really cappish  :)

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by sasser

To those who want to find After 8 mints, check dollar stores. I found some boxes there at Christmas. or try chocolate covered graham crackers, which I what I thought they were when I first saw the picture.

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by caurelio

Aldi makes a mint that is the same size. Works wonderful

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by tlwoodard

I made these for a Grad party & they were a hit. They are so much fun to make & so easy.

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by GibsonTown

thanks cmichigan - I tried and tried, even unlimited milage. No results. It appears that the info I got 2 yrs ago (they are no longer made) is true?

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by GibsonTown

great sub idea  :)

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by GibsonTown

Thanks - I seem to remember trying that (or Googling).  The only type around is not a square shape (more like jr. mints). I ended up using 2 Andee's mints together. Ghiradeli was out of my budget for a large party.

Reviewed on May. 29, 2011 by sixattrail

I have made these for three graduation parties now. I made three trays of them this year, and they were all gone before the party was half over! My kids consider these caps a tradition.

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by GibsonTown

I was unable to find the After 8 mints (2 yrs ago) and was told they do not make them anymore. I was planning to make them for all 5 of our grads' cakes! Anyone know where to get them?

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by GibsonTown

I was unable to find the After 8 mints (2 yrs ago) and was told they do not make them anymore. I was planning to make them for all 5 of our grads' cakes! Anyone know where to get them?

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by madves@aol.com

I made these for my daughters college graduation party. Simple to make, cute, and yummy.

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by Belanaparis

How much easier could this possibly be? A+

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by mitraveler

I don't see a place on this recipe to add it to my Recipe Box? Help!

Reviewed on May. 28, 2011 by cmichigan

use the Nestle product locator to find After Eight Mints near you. http://www.nestleusa.com/PubWhereToBuy/StoreLocator.aspx

Reviewed on May. 27, 2011 by benchwarmer

My kids and I made an assembly-line project of putting together these cookies for their graduation open houses over the past 10 years. We used the chocolate-covered grahams instead of the After Eight thin mints. We didn't think to use the M&Ms, but they really add a nice design touch. These were such a hit at our parties -- cute and tasty and not too filling.

Reviewed on May. 17, 2011 by mkonk

I made these for both of our girls' graduation parties. Everyone "ooo-ed and ah-ed". I also used choc. covered graham cracker cookies instead of the mint candies.

Reviewed on May. 17, 2011 by mkonk

I made these for both of our girls' graduation parties. Everyone "ooo-ed and ah-ed". I also used choc. covered graham cracker cookies instead of the mint candies.

Reviewed on May. 14, 2011 by RaOwBe

Can't wait to make these!

Reviewed on May. 14, 2011 by RaOwBe

Definite hit!

Reviewed on Jan. 04, 2011 by MJwrabbit

These were a hit!

Reviewed on Sep. 29, 2010 by DawnMarie27

This was such a simple treat to make. I made this for my daughter's pre-school graduation. The kids and the adults absolutely LOVED it!!!

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2010 by 1824

This was a hit at my daughter's graduation party. I used chocolate covered graham crackers instead and stuck them on with a little peanut butter. Since my daughter's high school colors were red and white - I made tassles out of red fruit rollups. By the way my 11 and 16 year old daughters made them!

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2010 by cpietila

An absolute HIT at my nephew's party. I color coordinated the frosting and M&M's for his school colors. I also could not find After Eight mints, so I used a chocolate wafer cookie made by Bahlsen (Afrika).

Reviewed on May. 31, 2010 by Carolinerbain

Addition to C. Bain's comments. I used chocolate covered graham crackers, they were perfect. Bought Gummy Bears, cut the red and green ones in halves and then quarted the halves lengthwise. Assembled all with canned Chocolate frosting. Perfect!!

Reviewed on May. 31, 2010 by Carolinerbain

I made these for my Granddaughter's Graduation party and they were a 100% hit.

Caroline Bain

Reviewed on May. 30, 2010 by babciapepa

I made these for my grandson's graduation. They were a big hit, and easy to make. I used Dove squares, which were the right size for me. I needed yellow licorice for the tassels, and didn't want to use tube frosting. I ended up cutting Twizzlers . Scraping the inside stuff out with a knife, and it worked beautifully. The mini m&m's were great. Everyone was so impressed with these, and they disappeared immediately.

Reviewed on May. 25, 2010 by pfslady2002@aol.com

I made these tasty graduation caps for a double graduation celebration!! They were easy to make and a big hit - I would definitely make them again! Almost all the ingredients (except the licorice string used for the tassels) were bought at Wal-Mart. I purchased 2 assorted bags (approx 15-20 in each) of the mixed flavor Ghirardelli squares - which made 34 overall (milk chocolate, crisp, caramel, dark chocolate mint, almond & peanut butter squares) over the mini peanut butter cups, to provide a yummy assortment of flavors. I cut licorice sting into two small strips for the tassles and placed yellow & blue M&M's as the cap buttons to match the school colors. Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Milk Chocolate frosting easily held all the pieces together. I started to assemble the caps two nights before. 1st attached the squares to the pb cups w/frosting, then placed in frig to set overnight, meanwhile cut all the licorice tassels same length. On 2nd night, attached the tassels and M&M's. Stored back in the frig until the big reveal. I displayed one of each Ghirardelli flavor label, so they were easily identified by flavor of choice and in the event of any "almond" allergies. These caps are a festive addition to any graduation party, especially for chocolate lovers!! Pam :)

Reviewed on May. 25, 2010 by kathymac78

I made these for our daughter's graduation party, they were a HUGE hit. I had so amny compliments on them. Some of the men there came and asked how I made them. I would make them again, and will in 2 years for our next graduate!

Reviewed on May. 21, 2010 by yvonneb

I couldn't find after eight thin mints in my area so I bought lorna Doon shortbread cookies, dipped them in melted chocolate and used those. A little more work but the flavors went well together.

Reviewed on May. 21, 2010 by graziella

something seems to be missing from the ingredients list and the directions for this recipe

Reviewed on May. 20, 2010 by cbachtel

Made these for son's college graduation and they were a big hit. Used the Giradelli squares. My tube of frosting didn't set up as well as this picture, though. Ended up just putting on top so it wouldn't drip on plate. No one noticed since they didn't see the picture! :-)

Reviewed on May. 18, 2010 by JAKeyes

I made this for my best friends graduation, and everybody loved them. I would definitely make them again.

Reviewed on May. 17, 2010 by mcilwaj

I made these this weekend, I used the glittery gel type frosting (found at Michaels) in the tube for the tassel. I would not use that again, it did not set up right. I think the frosting consistency type would set better.

Reviewed on May. 14, 2010 by horselvrtx

You can find After Eight Mints in Safeway or WorldMarket stores

Reviewed on May. 01, 2010 by atcpm

Made these last year & were a super hit! I used Giradelli squares, Walmart had them in big variety bags that cut down on cost (variety for guests too...dark chocolate raspberry, mint, caramel I think). Use them upside down so you don't see the writing. Bought big bag of the mini M&M's from the bakery section of the grocery store & only used school colors. Used licorice whips for tassel. Cut them to length and snipped the end for the fluffy part of a tassel. You could use Rolo's too but they would be a bit small under the chocolate square. Any little cut kind of candy you can find is fine. Finally, bought some sucker sticks at the candy making section of Michaels Crafts & turned these into "suckers"! We had a bunch of styrofoam blocks that we poked them into to display and they were so cute. Tip, poke the hole before assembling, then a tiny squirt of frosting to "glue" the stick inside aftterwards. We had an assembly line of siblings, parents & girlfriends and made over 100 in a couple hours. Great fun!

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2010 by Angel_Food

These are easy and tasty. The After Eight mints are more readily found around Christmas.

Reviewed on Nov. 04, 2009 by redmom1976

I made these for my son's collge graduation party in the summer and an hour from our home. I stored them in covered cake pans in the freezer overnight. They traveled well and stayed in tact. They were easy to make and a hit. I just shared the recipe with a co-worker for her daughter's college grauation party.

Reviewed on Aug. 08, 2009 by samuels

these are adorable and tasty. I used the herseys bar too. Make a cute cake topping, place settings, or where ever. They look differnet at each graduation if from different schools. they always get compliments.

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2009 by sweetsue1006

Hard to find the mints. Used other chocolate bars instead. Was expensive but sooooo worth it (especially when made for your granddaughter). Used purple & gold M&Ms. Everyone whoed and awed over them!!!!! Will make again

Reviewed on Jun. 09, 2009 by alleul

I used sections of Hershey bars in place of the mints.

Reviewed on Jun. 04, 2009 by Carole1942

This idea was terrific if you can find the After Eight thin mints. This item is not available in my area. I checked every store in my immediate area and could not find them. Any other suggestions of what to use in replace of the thin mints.

Reviewed on May. 26, 2009 by Arlene73

JUST HAD TO TELL YOU THAT I MADE THE GRADUATION CAPS AND EVERYONE THOUGHT THEY WERE WONDERFFUL AND SO CUTE. I MADE 100 OF THEM AND IT WAS DONE IN NO TIME AT ALL.

THANKS!

AHNRCHS

Reviewed on May. 26, 2009 by shelljo

Made these for a friend's daughter and were the hit of the party! I had to substitute for the After Eight mints too, but it was such a fun recipe to share.

Reviewed on May. 22, 2009 by mham52

I found the After Eight mints in our local grocery store, in the candy section.

Reviewed on May. 21, 2009 by jandksmom2

I could not find After Eight mints so I used Ghirardelli Squares...worked just fine.

Reviewed on May. 21, 2009 by aruzek

where do you find After Eight thin mints???

Reviewed on May. 18, 2009 by frippon

Reviewed on May. 18, 2009 by Syme

Use chocolate covered graham crackers or just choc covered cookies.

Reviewed on May. 16, 2009 by Ceracita

Perhaps you could use chocolate covered wafer cookies.

Reviewed on May. 16, 2009 by Mrs.Pohl

The After 8 Mints are a bit expensive for making a treat for 75 people. Anything else a person could use instead? I loved the idea and was planning on using them for my sons party until I saw the price. Help. grp

Reviewed on May. 14, 2009 by vmcnelley

I love these. I'm going to make them for my sons pre-school graduation. Easy ingredients and easy process. thankyou

Reviewed on May. 13, 2009 by beaniebec

Really clever little treats that would delight any graduate. Super easy too!

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by sloc

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by sloc

There are no graham crackers. The top of the cap is an After Eight thin mint.

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by gb1014

awesome idea-can't wait to try these!  thanks

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by gloriafondo

you did not include the graham cracker that goes on top of pb cup.

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by gloriafondo

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by Beckynell

The M&M's go on top of the cap!!!!

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by dostetrico

you can use m&ms or chocolate chips

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by bbuchalla

where dc the 24 chocolate chips come in?

Reviewed on May. 12, 2009 by bbuchalla

where dc the 24 chocolate chips come in?

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2008 by susansz

I did this for my sons graduation party with Keebler grahams and used mini m&ms.  It was a smash hit.

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2008 by lindachicken__Oklahoma

Very cute idea, bumping!

Reviewed on Jun. 10, 2008 by hockey_mom4410

You can use upside down cup cakes instead of peanut butter cups

Reviewed on Jun. 06, 2008 by cathyb58

I couldn't find the After Eights either but did find a suitable subsititute:

AFRIKA by Bahlsen. They are a thin wafer with dark chocolate. They came in a rectangular/square container with approx. 32 wafers.My local grocery store (Maine) has very limited varieties so I was shocked to find these. They come from Germany.Worked great.

CathyB

Reviewed on Jun. 05, 2008 by knitwit

Someone said that the After Eights were no longer available in the US - but I found a box at my local grocery store (Foodtown) just this afternoon. So, keep looking!

Reviewed on Jun. 05, 2008 by Fireking

How about a Rollo?

Reviewed on Jun. 04, 2008 by mbelle

In place of the After Eights or chocolate covered graham crackers, I used Hershey's Cacao squares (similar to Ghiradelli squares). They turned out adorably!

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by scienceteacher

My son is allergic to peanuts, so what about using caramel cups? It would look the same.

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by loridee318

I would like to make these for my nephew's grad party, but have been told "after-eights" are no longer sold in USA. Is this true, because I cannot find them anywhere I used to buy them.

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by jjpuppy3

this is my first time using this, and I'm not quite sure how it works... but if you get an answer to your question, could you share it with me?  I would love to make these for my daughter's party.  my e-mail address is  jjpuppy@yahoo.com           Thanks!!

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by mel1158

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by lbmoscati

I would like to know the type of chocolate covered graham cookie you used. Also, how did you prepare the tassels with the roll-ups?

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by joyce1942

I completely agree with Finch48. Since graduations in my area are usually in May, it would be greatly appreciated to have these recipes released earlier. Hope you consider this in future years.

Reviewed on Jun. 03, 2008 by Finch48

I wish this recipe had been released the first part of May--in time for my graducation. I would have loved to have these there!

Reviewed on Jun. 02, 2008 by Rivagayl

They are adorable. If you don't like mint, chocolate covered graham cookies also work well, and they taste great with the peanut butter. Shredded fruit roll-ups make more realistic looking tassels also.