Homemade Easter Peeps Recipe

A parade of bunnies and eggs — what’s not to love? These confections resemble the classics we know so well, but ours are fresher, softer, much more delicious — and customizable: You can make separate sheets in different colors!

Here Sarah Carey of Everyday Food joins friend and colleague Jennifer Aaronson to make adorable, delicious marshmallow critters for Easter.

Homemade Easter Marshmallow Critters Recipe

Vegetable oil cooking spray
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) gelatin (1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons)
2/3 cup cold water, plus 1/2 cup room-temperature water
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Fine colored sanding sugar, for sprinkling and rolling

Coat a 9 1/2-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray, and dust with confectioners’ sugar, tapping out excess. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in the bowl of a mixer. Let stand for 5 minutes to soften.

Meanwhile, heat granulated sugar and room-temperature water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush. Cook until syrup reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer. Stir syrup into softened gelatin, and keep stirring for a few minutes to cool. Whisk on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, 8 to 10 minutes. Whisk in vanilla. Spread mixture into baking sheet using an offset spatula; sprinkle with sanding sugar. Let stand for 1 hour to set.

Cut out marshmallows using your favorite Easter cookie cutters (wipe cutters clean between each cut), and roll cut sides in sanding sugar to coat.

More tasty, springy treats:

Rolled Stuffed Salmon with Leeks and Swiss Chard

Coconut Macaroon Easter Baskets

Three-Ingredient Spring Salads

Would you ever make homemade Easter peeps?