Name: Easy Copycat Easter Peeps Homemade Marshmallow Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (10 gm); 1/3 cup water (78 gm); 1 cup granulated sugar (200 gm); 1/2 cup water (118 gm); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 gm); 1/2 cup sanding sugar (100 gm)

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It isn't truly Easter until you see those fluffy little chicks on the candy aisle! This copycat Easter Peeps homemade marshmallow recipe is better than any store-bought chick or bunny you've ever had! Homemade marshmallows are delicious, fairly easy to make, and are super fun when you turn them into these little chicks. Kids will love this homemade treat appearing on the dessert table!

Copycat Easter Peeps Homemade Marshmallow

The idea of making homemade marshmallows seems daunting, but the reality is that they are a simple process. Following the steps carefully is a must, but once you've made them once, you will wonder why you never made them before.

If you like Peeps and just want something a little bit better, or you are someone who likes good marshmallows but isn't a fan of Peeps, these are great. The richness of the vanilla is amazing in these and making them on your own means you control the ingredients.

Plus, you can add homemade marshmallows to the list of things you have conquered in the kitchen. Just like the easy homemade toffee recipe, it's one "candy" you can say you make from scratch, which always impresses!

Can I Add Different Flavors to My Peeps?

Yes, you can definitely make them different flavors. Vanilla is the classic choice for marshmallows, but any extract can be used in place for this recipe. Getting creative with flavors is easy when you simply substitute the extract in the same quantities. Below are some ideas that would pair well with homemade marshmallows.

Lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, or banana.
Coconut, maple, pumpkin spice, or rum.
Peppermint or wintergreen.

Can I Add Candy Into the Peeps?

Most marshmallows don't have mixins. Sometimes, though, you might find one that has something crunchy on the top, or on the rare occasions a hidden candy inside. These aren't designed for that, but, that doesn't mean you can't.

If you wanted to add something like crushed mints or candy, you can fold it into the marshmallow before piping. Just remember that it could make it harder to pipe out into the chick shape for Easter. Whatever you chose to add, make sure it is very finely ground so it doesn't cause an issue when forming.

How Long are Homemade Marshmallows Good?

Homemade marshmallows are great because they last longer than some homemade treats. These are good for up to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. That means you can definitely make these before needed so you are prepped in advance.

How Should I Store These?

Once they "set" for a few hours, move them into an airtight container. Since the sanding sugar can brush off, I like to stack them into a simple plastic storage container I use for leftovers, but you can place them into a Ziploc-style bag instead. While they don't go "bad" when left out on the counter, it is best to cover so they don't get stale super fast.

Ingredients

Unflavored gelatin
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Water
Sanding sugar
Edible food marker or chocolate for melting

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Homemade Marshmallows for Easter

In a large bowl, add ⅓ cup water, then sprinkle the gelatin over the top, distributing evenly. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

In a heavy bottom saucepan, add 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup water making sure the sugar is completely saturated.

Over medium-high heat, bring the sugar to 230°F or softball stage. Do not stir or swirl the sugar around in the pan, but allow it to come to temperature naturally. If desired, you can use a pastry brush dipped into water to brush around the inside of the pan above the sugar to prevent the edges from carmelizing.

As the temperature rises, the bubbles will form and rapidly pop, you will know it is close to ready when the bubbles begin to slowly pop. At this point, you can check with a candy thermometer for the temperature. An alternate method is to dip a silicone spatula or pastry brush into the mixture and then into ice water. When a ball of sugar appears that is soft but formed, it is ready to remove from the heat.

Using a stand or hand mixer, begin beating the gelatin on a low setting until the gelatin breaks up and mixes in well. Slowly, pour the heated sugar into the bowl with the gelatin while it mixes. Once all is in the bowl, increase the speed to medium and let it mix for 4 to 5 minutes. It will begin turning white and look like icing.

Once it turns white, add in the vanilla extract, and then turn the mixer to high and beat for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. During this time, the marshmallow will triple in size and hold a stiff peak. If it doesn't hold a peak, continue mixing until it does.

How to Make Homemade Easter Peeps

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then sprinkle with sanding sugar to coat the parchment paper.

Add a large round tip to a piping bag, then cut off the tip and fill with the marshmallow mixture.

Pipe a thick line of marshmallow fluff in a line moving toward you.

Slightly raise it, and then move backward away from you going halfway across the line then pull forward slightly and off to create the complete head and neck. It may take some practice to get the movement correct.

Continue to pipe them covering the parchment paper then cover each with sanding sugar and set aside to set for at least 2 hours.

To add eyes to the Peeps, you can make dots with an edible food marker, melted chocolate, or add chocolate sprinkles.

More Tasty Easter Treats

Need more fun Easter treats, you'll love these other recipes we always make for sharing with friends and family. Bookmark, pin to Pinterest, or print the recipe and add to your Easter menu!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 24