Build the legs before coating the top
Set out all eight food-safe paper sticks and divide the pretzel halves into eight groups of eight. Open the cookies carefully so their filling can support the stick and inner leg ends. Add the small chocolate amount inside before closing; the first chill firms that assembly before the top coating is added.
Keep the pops flat for the face decoration and second chill. Do not lift by the sticks until the whole assembly is firmly set, since a firm-looking top does not tell you whether the inner join has held. If a cookie cracks, serve it flat on a plate rather than adding non-food glue or a sharp support. Keep the paper sticks identifiable when serving.
