Peeps S’mores are the kind of treat you make when you want easy fun, bright colors, and something that gets everyone leaning over the plate for seconds. Maybe you’ve got a casual hangout on the patio or a living room movie night, and you need a sweet bite that feels special without hours of prep. I’ve made these for birthday bonfires and rainy day cravings, and they always hit the spot. They’re familiar, a little goofy, and ridiculously tasty. Stick with me and I’ll show you the best way to get that gooey center, the crackly sugar, and the melty chocolate that makes your crowd smile.
Why Choose Peeps for S’mores?
Traditional marshmallows are great, but Peeps add a few secret perks that make them perfect for s’mores. First, that sugary coating turns into a shiny, crackly shell when it gets warm. It gives you a teeny crunch on top of the soft center, and that contrast makes every bite more interesting. Plus, the colors are a total mood. Pink chicks, blue bunnies, seasonal shapes that make the platter pop. If you’re setting a playful tone, Peeps deliver.
Another win is flavor. You can keep it classic with basic Peeps or branch out with gentle vanilla, fruity hints, or seasonal flavors. Even a simple flavor shift changes the vibe of the whole dessert. And because Peeps are light and airy inside, they melt faster than you might expect. Shorter toasting time means fewer burnt edges and more perfectly gooey middles. When I serve Peeps S’mores for friends, they turn into a conversation starter. People instantly pick a color, a shape, a chocolate combo. It feels like an edible craft project.
If you’re hosting a crowd, Peeps are also easy on planning. They’re shelf stable for a good while, so you can buy ahead when they’re on sale and stash a few packs in your pantry. If the weather flips on you and an outdoor fire is out of the question, you can make them indoors using the broiler or microwave with great results. That kind of flexibility is gold when you’re juggling snacks, drinks, and chatter.
Lastly, Peeps are affordable, they portion easily, and the shape sits nicely between graham crackers. They also help kids get excited about the process without needing special tools. If you want to teach a little patience and a little heat control, these are perfect.
Bottom line Peeps give you color, texture, and quick melting that turn a basic s’more into an easy party trick.
Tips for Making Perfect Peeps S’mores
Peeps s’mores are simple, but a few small tweaks make them exceptional. Think of these tips like your shortcut to reliable, gooey goodness.
Heat sources that work
If you have a fire pit or grill, hold the Peep a few inches above the heat and rotate slowly. That sugar coating will start to bubble just a touch. Pull it sooner than you think, because the carryover heat keeps it melting. For indoor options, a sheet pan under the broiler works fast. Put your graham cracker topped with a Peep under the broiler and stand guard. It can go from perfect to too dark in seconds. An air fryer gives a nice golden top too. Keep it at a lower temp and check early. The microwave is the speed king, but it needs care. Ten to fifteen seconds is enough to puff the Peep, then sandwich it with chocolate right away.
Quick microwave method
When time is tight, take a graham cracker, set a Peep on top, and microwave for a very short burst. Watch it closely. The Peep will swell, which looks dramatic and fun, and then deflate when you add the top cracker and chocolate. Let it sit for a few seconds so the heat softens the chocolate. This is the fastest way to feed a room. It’s also the least messy since you’re not hovering over a flame.
Avoiding a sticky mess
That glossy sugar can drip if it gets too hot. If you’re toasting over a live flame, hold the Peep just outside the hottest spot to keep the sugar from dripping off. If you’re using the oven, line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup. When assembling, press gently so the chocolate softens without squishing everything out the sides. And keep a few napkins handy because nobody regrets a neatly sticky s’more, but everyone loves a quick wipe.
One more trick that changes everything: warm your chocolate. Set the chocolate square on the graham cracker for ten seconds near the heat or on the tray so it loosens up. The softer chocolate coats your tongue better, which makes the whole bite taste richer.
Safety matters too. The sugar gets hot and the inside of the Peep can surprise you. Give your Peeps S’mores a brief rest before handing them to small kids. Those extra ten seconds make a difference between wow and yikes.
My neighbor Sarah swore she hated s’mores until she tried a Peep version I made under the broiler. She texted the next day to ask for the trick because her kids ate them faster than she could plate them.
Variations and Add-Ons for Peeps S’mores
Flavor swaps to try
You can play this so many ways and it’s hard to go wrong. The theme here is contrast. Sweet, salty, crunchy, silky. Mix and match to find your perfect bite.
- Chocolate twist Use dark chocolate for less sweetness, milk for classic comfort, or white chocolate for a creamier vibe.
- Cookie swap Trade graham crackers for chocolate wafers, shortbread, or crunchy chocolate chip cookies.
- Nutty edge Add a thin layer of peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut spread under the chocolate.
- Fruit pop Slide in a thin slice of strawberry or banana. The freshness cuts through the sugar in the best way.
- Salty finish Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on the chocolate to wake up every flavor.
- Spice it up A dusting of cinnamon or a tiny pinch of chili powder can be surprisingly great.
- Crunch factor Crushed pretzels or toasted coconut add texture without overpowering the Peep.
Another cute idea is to layer two different Peeps shapes on a large cracker, then share. It becomes a pull apart moment that gets a laugh and keeps things casual. I once did a tray of minis with bites of toffee along the edge and people hovered until the last piece vanished.
Serving Suggestions for Peeps S’mores
What to serve alongside
Presentation can be simple and still feel festive. I like to set up a little station so guests can build their own. It makes the party feel interactive and takes the pressure off you to assemble everything at once. A tray with compartments for chocolate squares, crackers, and Peeps keeps it tidy and looks intentional.
- Offer a few chocolate options, a couple cookie choices, and at least two Peep colors for a fun spread.
- Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or cold milk for kids. A not too sweet dessert wine can be nice for adults.
- Set out small plates and napkins so folks can pause and enjoy the first warm bite.
- Keep the batches small and fresh. Warm s’mores are the best s’mores.
- For bonfires, use long skewers and a safe spot away from traffic, then let people toast and assemble at the table.
If you’re going for a theme, line up colors to match the occasion. Pastels for spring gatherings, bright colors for summer, and fun shapes for holidays. I like to label combos on little cards like dark chocolate plus pink Peep plus pretzel, so guests know where to start.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Peeps S’mores
These are best hot, no surprise there. But if you have leftovers, you can absolutely save them. Let the s’mores cool until the chocolate sets a bit. Then wrap each in parchment and tuck them into an airtight container. Room temperature for a day is fine. Any longer, stash them in the fridge.
Reheating is easy and quick. I like the toaster oven for a minute so the chocolate loosens up and the Peep softens again. A microwave works too. Ten seconds, then check. You want soft, not lava. If the cracker feels soft after reheating, let it sit open for a minute to dry back out a bit. It will regain some crunch as it cools.
For make ahead prep, assemble the crackers with chocolate on a tray, and keep the Peeps separate. When you’re ready, toast the Peeps and assemble on the spot. This method keeps the crackers crisp and prevents sogginess. If you must transport, pack each part separately and build them at your destination. That way your Peeps S’mores still taste fresh and fun.
Common Questions
Can I make Peeps s’mores without a fire?
Yes. Use your broiler, air fryer, or microwave. Watch closely since Peeps melt fast.
What chocolate works best?
Milk chocolate melts easily and tastes classic. Dark chocolate is great if you want less sweetness.
How do I keep them from getting too sticky?
Toast gently, assemble quickly, and let them rest for ten seconds before eating. Napkins help.
Are Peeps safe to toast?
Yes, just be careful with heat. The sugar coating gets hot, so handle them with tongs or a skewer.
Can I make them gluten free?
Use gluten free graham crackers or cookies and check that your chocolate is certified gluten free.
A sweet little finale for your get together
For a laid back dessert that gets people talking, Peeps S’mores are my go to. They’re colorful, quick, and endlessly customizable, so you can match them to any mood. With a few simple tips, you’ll get that gooey center, the crackly sugar top, and the melty chocolate that makes the whole table happy. Try a few variations, make a cozy little station, and let everyone build their perfect bite. I think you’ll be surprised how fast the tray disappears. 
Peeps S’mores
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Colorful and fun, Peeps S’mores are an easy and delightful treat perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- Graham crackers
- Peeps (various colors and shapes)
- Chocolate squares (milk, dark, or white)
Instructions
- Place a Peep on top of a graham cracker.
- Toast the Peep using a fire pit, grill, broiler, air fryer, or microwave until it starts to melt.
- Top the melted Peep with another graham cracker and chocolate square.
- Allow to sit for a few seconds to soften the chocolate before enjoying.
Notes
For variations, try using different flavors of chocolate or adding nut butters and fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 s'more
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg