My Favorite Easter Treat: Homemade Reese’s Eggs

Embracing a healthy lifestyle for me means moderation. I do have a sweet tooth, so jumping on board the “no refined sugar” train isn’t a very appealing option. Instead, I try to make desserts at home when possible. Are they better for you? I like to think so. I have control over the ingredients and the processing is confined to my messy kitchen vs a factory assembly line.

Last Easter, I was pregnant with Lyla and had just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes at the end of March. That was a fun surprise. Luckily, I was able to control my glucose levels with diet. Not so luckily, my annual homemade treat was a no-go. So this year, we’re back on the bunny train and I may have made a few extra to compensate 🙂

These little guys are actually pretty easy to make and I find them to be less oily than the brand ones. The peanut butter flavor really shines through as well. If you’re still needing convincing, they’re also budget friendly. One cute little store-bought Reese’s Easter Bunny will run you about $4.00. I made a batch of two dozen for just a few extra bucks.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 & 3/4 cups creamy peanut butter*
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 24 oz milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Combine the peanut butter, butter, and sugar in a stand mixer (or you can do it by hand). Add enough milk to keep the dough from being too crumbly. You’re looking for the consistency of cookie dough.
• Spread some confectioners sugar on a clean surface and roll out the dough to about a 1/2″ thickness. Using an Easter themed cookie cutter (or just the rim of a drinking glass), cut out your shapes.
• Place on an oiled baking sheet and put in the freezer for at least one hour.
• Melt your chocolate and vegetable oil using a double boiler over medium-high heat. Stir until chocolate is melted.
• Dip each bunny into the chocolate and then place back onto a greased sheet and let set in the freezer for an hour.

*I use Kroger’s Natural Peanut Butter. If you use this or any type that must be refrigerated after opening, make sure you keep your bunnies in the freezer or fridge.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!