Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Peeps

Last Easter, my kids came home with way too many Peeps from every relative within a fifty-mile radius. Instead of letting them gather dust on the counter, I started melting chocolate and discovered something magical that happens when that iconic sugar coating meets rich cocoa.

I brought a plate of these to a friend's spring brunch last month, and honestly, people went a little nuts. Someone asked if I'd spent hours dipping them, which made me laugh considering I was watching Netflix while the chocolate melted.

Ingredients

• 12 Marshmallow Peeps: The colorful sugar coating actually helps the chocolate adhere better, so embrace whatever shapes and colors you have on hand
• 200 g semisweet or milk chocolate: Chop it into uniform pieces before melting for even heating, and avoid white chocolate which can seize frustratingly fast
• 2 tbsp sprinkles or decorations: Add these immediately after dipping while the chocolate is still tacky, or nothing will stick

Instructions

Prep your workspace:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure it lies completely flat so your chocolate-dipped treats don't end up with weird ridges or pools of hardened chocolate underneath them.

Melt the chocolate:

Place your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring religiously between each round. The chocolate holds its shape even when melted, so stirring is the only way to tell if it's actually done.

Dip the Peeps:

Holding each Peep by its base or with a skewer, lower it into the melted chocolate and turn gently to coat evenly. Lift slowly and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl for about five seconds before transferring to your prepared tray.

Decorate immediately:

While the chocolate is still wet, shower your dipped treats with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or colored sugar. This is the fifteen-second window where everything actually sticks, so work quickly and confidently.

Set and store:

Pop the entire tray in the refrigerator for twenty to thirty minutes until the chocolate is completely firm. Store them in an airtight container somewhere cool, though honestly, they rarely last more than twenty-four hours in my house.

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My neighbor texted me at eleven PM after I left a small box on her porch, asking if I could teach her teenage daughters how to make them. Now we have a little assembly line going every holiday season.

Working with Different Chocolates

Dark chocolate creates this lovely sophisticated contrast that adults genuinely appreciate, while white chocolate turns them into something that looks straight out of a patisserie window. I've even tried using ruby chocolate for that stunning pink color people can never quite identify.

The Temperature Secret

Room temperature Peeps dip beautifully, but if they've been stored somewhere cold, let them sit out for ten minutes first. The temperature difference prevents condensation from forming between the marshmallow and chocolate, which is what leads to that disappointing soggy layer the next day.

Gifting These Little Guys

Individual candy wrappers or small cellophane bags tied with baker's twine make these look incredibly professional. I've started making extra batches just to have something instant and impressive on hand for unexpected hostess gifts.

• Separate layers with wax paper if you're stacking them in a gift box
• Add a tiny sea salt flake on top of half the batch for those who love that sweet-salty thing
• Make them the day you plan to gift them for the freshest appearance and best texture

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Something about dipping marshmallow treats in chocolate just makes the whole house feel more festive, no matter what time of year it actually is.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of chocolate works best for coating?

Semisweet or milk chocolate melts smoothly and provides a balanced sweetness that complements the marshmallow base.

→ Can I use white or flavored chocolate instead?

Yes, white, dark, or flavored chocolates add variety and can create unique taste combinations.

→ How do I prevent the coating from melting too quickly?

Chill the coated treats in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to allow the chocolate to firmly set.

→ Are decorations necessary?

Decorations like sprinkles or crushed nuts add texture and visual appeal but are optional based on preference.

→ How should I store the finished treats?

Keep them in an airtight container at cool room temperature or refrigerated for up to five days.