holiday peeps in a jar ~ the recipe

Since Christmas is coming up and I’ve been trolling the internet for ideas of homemade gifts I can give to friends and neighbors, and since I strong-armed you all into voting for my Halloween Peeps in a Jar (I didn’t win, by the way, but thanks for all your support!) I thought I’d share the recipe so you can make your own.  Peeps are not just for Easter (or Halloween) anymore!  If you scout around you can find both Peeps and M&Ms for all kinds of holidays, including Easter, Halloween and Christmas.  I think the cookies this recipe makes are not just cute, but really yum!  Maybe it’s all that butter.  They kind of taste like s’mores, so if you’re into that sort of thing, these are for you!  Here’s the recipe:

Peeps in a Jar

for each gift you will need:

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&Ms

1/3 cup brown sugar

Reduce graham crackers to crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and a gallon ziplok 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&Ms.  Make a well in the center of the M&Ms with a spoon and carefully add the remaining brown sugar in the well, pressing gently.

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

Directions: Enjoy eating some of the M&Ms 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 1/2 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 1/2 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.

Here again is a picture of my Halloween Peeps in a jar.

And here is the Christmas variety.

The ribbon is coming off and needs to be retied.  I didn't notice that before I took the picture.  Doh!

Showing the directions on the back of the tag.

Showing the Merry Christmas and poinsettia details.  Please try not to notice that the wrap doesn't go all the way around the jar.  There's a reason why I didn't give this jar away.

If you want instructions on how I did the jar decorations, leave me a comment and I’ll post them.