Homemade Peeps

The only thing more exciting than finding a package of colorful Peeps in your Easter basket is learning how to make them yourself. Our homemade Peeps recipe allows you to customize these recognizable marshmallow treats into any flavor, shape and color you like. However, candy making (which includes homemade marshmallow recipes) isn’t a process that allows distraction in the kitchen. Once you begin, there are points in the recipe when you’ll need to work quickly.

Before you start, it’s important to gather all the candy-making tools and necessary equipment, including your candy thermometer as well as a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to shape the classic chicks. Another thing to keep in mind is that the sugar mixture needs to reach the soft-ball stage at 240°F, so it’s important to keep your eyes on the candy thermometer. Once the sugar and gelatin are whipped into a beautiful, fluffy mixture, transfer it quickly to a piping bag. Otherwise, the marshmallows will begin to set and won’t hold the desired form—plus, the colored sugar won’t adhere.

While this might sound intimidating, don’t be deterred! This recipe for homemade Peeps is a fun way to celebrate springtime with a delicious treat.

Ingredients for Homemade Peeps

• Granulated sugar: This common type of sugar is used in two parts of the homemade Peeps recipe: in the marshmallow mixture and in the colorful coating.
• Food coloring: A pastel-colored sugar coating over the shaped marshmallows is part of the Peeps signature look, and food coloring is the ticket to dyeing the sugar.
• Water: Water is a part of the sugar mixture. It also creates a paste used to draw on the eyes of the Peeps.
• Unflavored gelatin: This key ingredient gives the sugar structure and allows the marshmallows to hold their shape.
• Light corn syrup: A little corn syrup prevents sugar crystals from forming in homemade marshmallows, translating to a fluffy, smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract: A good brand of vanilla extract adds some delicate flavor to the marshmallows.
• Miniature chocolate chips: A little melted chocolate makes perfect eyes for the Peeps.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the colored sugar

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Tint the granulated sugar whatever color you like by pouring 1 cup of sugar into a resealable plastic bag. Then, add several drops of your choice of food coloring. Seal the bag, and shake or massage it in order to evenly distribute the color. Pour the sugar on a rimmed plate so it is ready to go when it is time to pipe the marshmallow mixture.

Step 2: Make the marshmallow mixture and shape the Peeps

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Combine 1/2 cup water and the gelatin in the bowl of a stand mixer; set aside. Then, combine 1/4 cup water, the remaining 3/4 cup sugar and the corn syrup in a medium-sized pot. Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches 240°. Remove immediately from the heat.

Then, turn the mixer on low speed and drizzle the heated sugar mixture in a slow and steady stream down the side of the bowl with the gelatin and water. Once the entire sugar mixture is poured in, increase the speed to high and mix for about 10 to 12 minutes or until it’s lukewarm and fluffy. While mixing, prepare a piping bag fitted with a large circle tip. Add the vanilla extract during the last minute of mixing.

The marshmallow mixture is then immediately placed in a piping bag and piped into the shape of chicks over the sugar on the rimmed plate. Working quickly, make rows of five chicks each, with the side of each chick touching.

Editor’s Tip: It’s possible to make other shapes of Peeps, such as bunnies, by using a silicone mold. Simply pipe the warm marshmallow mixture into the molds, allow them to set slightly, then pop them out and coat them in the colored sugar.

Step 3: Coat the Peeps and make the faces

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Once the rows of chicks are formed and while the marshmallows are still warm, use the sugar on the plate to coat the Peeps entirely.

To make the eyes, microwave the miniature chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second increments, stirring after each time, until melted. Then, use a toothpick to draw eyes on each Peep. Allow the homemade Peeps to cool and dry completely.

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Homemade Peeps Variations

• Flavor the Peeps: Feel free to get creative and expand beyond vanilla extract for flavor. Try using mint extract for green Peeps or lemon extract for yellow Peeps. The flavor possibilities are endless!
• Color the Peeps creatively: Dye the sugar coating any shade you prefer, but you can also add drops of food coloring to the marshmallow mixture.
• Create different shapes: If you don’t want to use a piping bag or molds, the marshmallow mixture can also be spread in a pan. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut them out.

How to Store Homemade Peeps

Homemade Peeps should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help them from drying out or getting too hard and brittle.

How long do homemade marshmallow Peeps last?

Homemade marshmallow Peeps can last up to three weeks when stored in an airtight container. However, high humidity in the house might shorten the shelf life or cause the sugar to weep.

Homemade Peeps Tips

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Why can’t I pipe the marshmallow mixture?

If your marshmallow mixture is too soft or too firm, you might not have achieved the correct temperature when heating the sugar mixture. Candy making is an art and a science, so the mixture needs to be at the precisely right temperature to whip the sugar into marshmallows.

Why isn’t the sugar sticking to my Peeps?

The marshmallow mixture needs to still be warm and sticky for the sugar to affix. It is important to work quickly once the marshmallow mixture is in the piping bag. If you wait too long, the sugar won’t stick.