Homemade Peeps

Total Time Prep: 35 min. Cook: 30 min.
Yield 10 peeps
Test Kitchen Approved
Peeps are an Easter basket staple. The colorful shapes are irresistibly cute and certainly fun to eat—but they're even more fun to make at home! With a few tips in mind and tools on hand, it's possible to whip up homemade Peeps.

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
  • 2 to 3 drops food coloring
  • 3/4 cup cold water, divided
  • 2 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. In a plastic zip top bag, add 1 cup granulated sugar and food coloring; shake and massage the bag to color the sugar. Pour into a rimmed dish; set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1/2 cup cold water and gelatin packets; set aside. In a medium pot, combine remaining 1/4 cup water, remaining ¾ cup sugar and corn syrup. Heat mixture over medium heat until it reaches 240°. Immediately remove from the heat. Turn mixer on low; drizzle sugar mixture in a slow and steady stream down the side of the bowl. Increase speed to high; mix 10-12 minutes, until lukewarm and fluffy. Add vanilla extract; mix until combined.
  3. While mixing, prepare a piping bag fitted with a large circle tip. Immediately transfer Peeps mixture into the piping bag. Pipe the mixture into the shape of a chick in the colored sugar dish. Working quickly, make rows of 5 chicks each, with the side of each chick touching. Once the rows of chicks are formed, gently coat with the remaining sanding sugar from the dish.
  4. To give them faces, place the mini chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15 second increments, stirring each time, until melted. Using a toothpick, dip one end into the melted chocolate; dab 2 eyes on the head of each chick. Allow peeps to cool and dry completely; store in an airtight container.

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