Peeps Skillet Smores

The kids brought home a surplus of Peeps after Easter one year, and I stood there staring at these colorful marshmallow chicks wondering what on earth to do with them all. That's when it hit me skillet s'mores but make them rainbow colored. The first batch came out of the oven with these golden brown toasted Peeps looking like little suns over a sea of melted chocolate, and I knew we'd stumbled onto something magical.

We made these for a spring dinner party, and I wish I'd recorded my friends' faces when I brought out a sizzling skillet crowned with bright pink and yellow marshmallow chicks. Someone joking called it 'adult Easter basket dessert' but then everyone went quiet because they were too busy fighting over the corner pieces with that perfect ratio of crispy toasted marshmallow edge to melted chocolate center.

Ingredients

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into that perfect consistency that's thick enough to coat a cracker but still fluid enough for dipping, and I've found the 2 cup ratio gives you enough depth without making the skillet overflow
• Unsalted butter: Just one tablespoon helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and keeps it from seizing up, plus it adds that richness you expect from s'mores
• Peeps marshmallows: The sugar coating on these creates this incredible crispy exterior when toasted that regular marshmallows can't quite match, and they puff up dramatically in the oven
• Graham crackers: Broken into pieces rather than whole crackers gives everyone more dippable surface area and lets control how much chocolate and marshmallow they want in each bite

Instructions

Melt the chocolate base:

Scatter your chocolate chips and butter across the bottom of a 10 inch oven safe skillet, then slide it into a 400 degree oven for about 4 minutes until everything's transformed into this glossy pool of melted chocolate

Create your Peeps masterpiece:

Arrange those colorful marshmallow chicks in a single snug layer over the chocolate like you're tucking them in for a warm nap, making sure every bit of chocolate gets covered

Toast to golden perfection:

Pop the skillet back in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes, but don't walk away because those sugar coated Peeps go from perfectly golden to burnt in the blink of an eye, and you want them puffed and lightly bronzed

The hardest part waiting:

Let everything cool for just 2 or 3 minutes because that molten chocolate is seriously hot, then gather everyone around with graham crackers ready for dipping

Save

My daughter now requests this for her birthday instead of cake, which says everything about how something so silly and colorful became our family's most requested dessert. There's something about the communal nature of everyone hovering around a single skillet, laughing and reaching in with crackers, that makes any regular Tuesday feel like a celebration.

Make It Your Own

The base formula is foolproof, but I've started experimenting with different chocolate combinations, and sometimes I swirl in peanut butter or Nutella before adding the Peeps. One particularly brilliant variation uses chocolate graham crackers for dipping if you want to go full chocolate mode, though honestly the classic graham flavor provides that perfect slightly salty crunch that balances all the sweetness.

Serving Strategy

I like to put the skillet right on a trivet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves family style because that's half the fun. Sometimes I'll set out a few extra dipping options like pretzel rods or apple slices for people who want to cut through the sweetness with something salty or tart.

Seasonal Swaps

While Peeps are obviously spring and Easter themed, I've discovered this works with any shaped marshmallow you can find throughout the year. The Halloween ghosts and Christmas snowmen create just as much delight among adults as the spring chicks do.

• Keep an eye out for seasonal marshmallow shapes in the holiday aisle, because they all toast up beautifully and make this feel special year round
• If you can't find Peeps or seasonal marshmallows, regular mini marshmallows work fine but arrange them in a fun pattern or spell out something with their colors
• The key is having fun with it and leaning into the whimsy because this dessert is definitely not taking itself too seriously

Save

There's something so satisfying about turning those ubiquitous marshmallow treats that everyone has strong opinions about into something that makes the whole room light up.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Best served warm immediately after baking. The chocolate remains melted and the Peeps stay soft. Reheating for 2-3 minutes restores the gooey texture.

→ What other chocolates work well?

Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate chips all create delicious variations. Mix different types for added depth and flavor complexity.

→ Can I use regular marshmallows instead?

Traditional marshmallows work perfectly. Cut them into pieces and arrange over the chocolate for equally gooey results without the colorful appearance.

→ What other dippers can I serve?

Pretzels, vanilla wafers, biscotti, fresh strawberries, or apple slices complement the rich chocolate. Cookies like Oreos provide crunchy contrast.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to regain the melted consistency. The texture will be slightly firmer.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan butter substitute. Ensure Peeps are gelatin-free or substitute with vegan marshmallows for a completely plant-based version.