Description
These homemade marshmallow bunny peeps are so cute, perfect for Easter, and taste SO much better than store bought! They're easy to make and 100% free from corn syrup and artificial dyes.
Ingredients
- 2 packets of unflavored gelatin (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 3/4 cup cold water, divided
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup honey or agave
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar for dusting pan
- Naturally colored sanding sugar for coating
- Optional: melted dark chocolate for eyes and nose
- Bunny cookie cutter
Instructions
- Spray a quarter baking sheet (~9x13 inch pan) with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper and lightly spray the parchment paper. Dust with 1 tsp powdered sugar and set aside. Grease a regular spatula and an offset spatula and set aside.
- Add the gelatin to a stand mixer with 1/2 cup of cold water, stir gently and let sit to bloom for 10 minutes while you make the simple syrup.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup of water, the sugar, and the honey to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Cook without stirring until the thermometer reads 240°F.
- Remove from heat, let the bubbling subside for a few seconds, then turn the mixer on low speed while you carefully pour the sugar syrup into the gelatin, pouring the hot syrup down the side of the bowl to prevent scorching the gelatin. Beat on low for 1 minute, then increase speed to high and beat for ~10-12 minutes, until thick and fluffy. It should increase 3x in volume. Add in vanilla and salt and continue mixing for 2 minutes.
- Immediately transfer marshmallow mixture to prepared pan and spread into a smooth, even layer. Let sit at room temperature for 6-12 hours to set.
- Grease the cookie cutter before cutting into bunny shapes. You should be able to get ~36-40 marshmallows. Coat in colored sugar and (optional) pipe melted dark chocolate for the eyes and nose.
Notes
Honey: We used honey in place of corn syrup, but this recipe also works with agave nectar. Note that if you use honey, these do have a strong honey flavor! We love the taste, but if you're not a huge fan of honey, agave will provide a much more neutral flavor.
Storage: Store these homemade peeps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several weeks. You can also freeze them for long term storage.
Be sure to heat the honey syrup to 240˚F / 116˚C. This is the "soft ball" stage of candy making, and it will help you create the perfect marshmallow texture.
Let the marshmallows set: Give them at least 6 hours, or let them set overnight before trying to cut them out. If they're not quite set, they won't cut well.
Peeps is a registered trademark of Just Born, Inc. This recipe is an inspired version created for educational purposes for home cooks. This recipe is not associated with, endorsed by, or officially related to Just Born, Inc.
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 0 hours
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Mixer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 marshmallows
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20.8 g
- Sodium: 27.7 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
