Halloween Peeps in a Jar

Since Halloween is fast approaching, I thought I’d share one of my favorite Halloween treats ~ both to eat and to give away.  I had a blast filling and decorating the jars and I thought they turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself.  And the cookies are scrumptious!  (Have to admit, I’ve only ever tried option #2.  You know how I love butter, and these are full of buttery goodness.  If you like s’mores, these are similar – but even better!)

If you want directions on making the jar designs just leave a comment and I’ll be happy to try to figure it out and send it on.  Here is the “recipe” for filling the jars, and for the attached baking directions:

Peeps in a Jar

1 widemouth quart jar [narrow-mouthed jars will work using a knife and spoon to pat down the ingredients]

1 sleeve graham crackers

8 marshmallow peep bunnies

about 1¼ cups seasonal m&m’s

1/3 cup brown sugar

Reduce graham crackers to crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and a gallon Ziploc bag.  EITHER layer ¾ of the crumbs in a quart jar OR pour all of the crumbs into the jar.  Place 8 marshmallow peeps standing up, facing out around the inside of the jar pressing them against the glass, being careful not to squash them.  Carefully spoon any remaining crumbs and/or some of the brown sugar into the center of the peeps to support them, pressing down to keep it snug.

On top of this pour 1¼ cups m&m’s.  Make a well in the center of the m&m’s with a spoon and carefully add the remaining brown sugar in the well, pressing gently.

Decorate the jar and add a gift tag with baking instructions:

Directions: Enjoy eating some of the m&m’s to reduce the amount a little as desired.  Empty the remaining jar contents into a bowl.

Option #1: Snip the marshmallow Peeps into bits with kitchen scissors or a knife.  Return the Peeps bits to the mixture and mix well.  Stir 1 teaspoon vanilla into ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter.  Pour this over the dry ingredients, mixing well.  Pat into a greased 8 or 9 inch baking dish.  Bake at 350° for 15-25 minutes.  Cool ½ an hour then cut into bars.

Option #2: leave Peeps whole. Combine remaining ingredients and place the Peeps on top, then bake as directed above. 

Option #3: omit the vanilla, bake and serve warm over vanilla ice cream or use a blender to mix with ice cream like a Blizzard.

Enjoy, and happy haunting!

P.S.  I’m entering this recipe in a blog hop here:  

Please be sure to vote for me!