
With Easter fast approaching, it's the perfect time to stock up on Peeps—though, honestly, do you really need an excuse? These colorful marshmallow treats capture the best of sugary indulgence, combining the gooey softness of marshmallow with the gritty sweetness of sugar, all wrapped in a fun, neon-colored charm.
While eating Peeps straight from the box in large quantities is always a solid choice, there are plenty of other creative ways to make use of these little marshmallow delights.
Incorporate them into s’mores
Elevate your s’mores by swapping out your usual marshmallow for the vibrant colors and playful shapes of Peeps. To get that ideal gooey texture, layer your graham cracker with chocolate and Peeps, then place it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Try Peeps in your Rice Krispies treats
Peeps can add a fun splash of color to your Rice Krispies treats. As suggested by Yellow Bliss Road, melt your Peeps with a bit of butter, then mix in the Rice Krispies. For a rainbow effect, prepare separate batches in different colors and layer them in the pan.
(Or, if you're feeling adventurous, ditch the Rice Krispies and use potato chips instead for a bold, salty-sweet, brightly colored twist.)
Transform Peeps into pops
You can purchase Peeps on a stick, or you can easily create your own Peeps-on-a-stick, then take them to the next level by dipping them in melted chocolate and adorning them however you like. Over at the site Sugar Swings!, they've turned Peeps pops into Star Wars characters, Dr. Seuss characters, Avengers characters, and so much more.
Drop them into hot chocolate
A steaming mug of hot chocolate is never complete without a fluffy pile of marshmallows on top, but for a fun twist, use Peeps instead. With all the vibrant colors and flavor combinations Peeps come in, you can get creative with your choices.
Top off your cake with Peeps
If you're celebrating a birthday and want to add a fun touch to your cake (or cupcakes), Peeps make for an easy yet charming decoration, whether the cake is homemade or store-bought. For some inspiration, browse the #peepcake hashtag on Instagram.
Watch them explode in the microwave
Peeps may not have feelings (as far as we can tell), but those little sugary eyes seem to convey a sense of melancholy, almost as if they're aware of their inevitable end. Satisfy your mischievous side by popping them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and watching them expand to twice or thrice their size, similar to the way your cat puffs up its tail after a sudden fright.
Incorporate them into a diorama
If you're feeling crafty, why not use Peeps to create your own diorama? While the Washington Post's annual Peeps diorama contest has concluded after 10 whimsical years, other local newspapers and libraries have kept the tradition alive. One option is The Open Notebook’s #PeepYourScience contest. Although submissions for this year are closed, you can still vote for your favorite here and explore previous winners here.