Chocolate Covered Peeps

Last Easter my niece grabbed a handful of pastel sprinkles and announced we were making fancy Peeps for the dessert table. I thought chocolate coated marshmallows might be too simple, but those first bite-sized treats disappeared faster than the homemade cake.

My kitchen counter looked like a confetti explosion after the sprinkling incident. We ended up with chocolate smeared on our noses and every single Peep coated in whatever toppings the kids could reach from their stools.

Ingredients

• 12 Peeps marshmallow candies: Any shape or color works beautifully, though bunny and chick shapes are traditional
• 200 g (7 oz) semisweet or milk chocolate chips: Chopped chocolate melts more smoothly but chips work perfectly fine
• 1 tbsp coconut oil: This secret ingredient makes the chocolate glossy and prevents seizing, though vegetable shortening works too
• Sprinkles or crushed nuts: These need to be added immediately while the chocolate is still wet or they will not stick

Instructions

Prepare your workspace:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have all decorations within arms reach before melting the chocolate

Melt the chocolate:

Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until perfectly smooth

Dip each Peep:

Insert a skewer into the base of each marshmallow for easier handling, then lower into the chocolate and turn to coat completely before letting excess drip off

Add decorations quickly:

Place dipped Peeps on the prepared sheet and immediately scatter sprinkles or nuts over the wet chocolate, then let set at room temperature for 30 minutes

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Those chocolate-dipped bunnies became the most requested treat at every family gathering since. Something about the childish joy of Peeps combined with serious chocolate coating makes people smile before they even take a bite.

Choosing Your Chocolate

I have found that white chocolate creates the most dramatic contrast against colorful Peeps, especially when topped with dark sprinkles. The key is using good quality chocolate because the coating is really the star of the show here.

Dipping Technique

Working with small batches keeps the chocolate at the right temperature longer. I learned this the hard way after trying to dip two dozen at once and ending up with clumpy, half-coated marshmallows that looked more like a science experiment than a treat.

Storage And Gifting

These actually improve after a day as the chocolate firms up completely and the flavors meld together. Layer them between wax paper in an airtight container and they will stay perfect for almost a week, assuming they last that long.

• Package in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbon for instant Easter gifts
• Try crushing leftover Peeps over ice cream for a rocky road style topping
• These work beautifully for holiday parties beyond Easter using seasonal Peeps shapes

Save

Sometimes the simplest kitchen projects create the biggest smiles, and these chocolate covered Peeps prove exactly that.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Semisweet or milk chocolate chips melt smoothly, while dark or white chocolate can be used for variety and richer flavors.

→ Can I use decorations on the coated treats?

Yes, adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or colored sugar enhances appearance and adds texture.

→ What is the best method to melt the chocolate?

Use a microwave in short increments stirring often, or a double boiler on the stovetop for gentle, even melting.

→ How should I store the finished chocolate covered Peeps?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

→ Is coconut oil necessary when melting chocolate?

It’s optional but helps create a smoother and shinier coating when mixed with chocolate.