How to make Chocolate Easter Bunnies

This recipe makes me laugh because I am NOT a candy maker. (It is on my list of things to do!) Yet, when I make this candy, everyone is impressed - which makes me laugh because I've had DISASTERS when trying to make candy, lol! Once you master the center's dough, you can have fun with the filling and flavoring.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 cups confectioner' s sugar
• 1/2 cup instant mashed potato flakes
• 1 egg white
• evaporated milk to moisten
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 cups melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. 
    
   Refreshing mint!

   In large bowl, beat egg white until frothy but not stiff. Sift in confectioner' s sugar. Slowly stir in mashed potato flakes and peppermint extract. ( Add peppermint extract 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Taste your dough to test for strength of peppermint flavor! Adjust to your liking.) Add evaporated milk by the tablespoon until you have a sticky, thick dough consistency.

2. 
    

   Knead the sugar dough until it comes together in a mound. Roll out onto waxed paper. Using Easter bunny or egg shaped cookie cutter, cut dough into shapes. Place candy cut-outs on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover candy with wax paper or parchment, set in refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

3. 
    

   Melt chocolate chips in double boiler or SLOWLY in the microwave. Dip chilled peppermint candy pieces into melted chocolate and place on wax paper lined baking sheet. Allow to cool until chocolate hardens. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of peppermint, you can flavor your chocolate with unsweetened cocoa and vanilla extract
• Try mixing a cup of softened peanut butter into your dough instead of peppermint
• You might like to dip half your bunny in white chocolate and the other half in semi-sweet!
• The dough is the key to this recipe and the trickiest part. You want it just shy of dry but wet enough to be sticky and pliable. Work with it!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/7/2009 Your pictures are great! Thanks for the article on making a chocolate Easter Bunny. 5*

[mommashopper]

on 4/25/2009 I never thought of doing this. Excellent!

[SimplyCuttings]

on 4/13/2009 I have to try this!

[carmensjones]

on 4/13/2009 How to make Chocolate Easter Bunnies sounds yummy! 5

[ljstraight]

on 4/13/2009 Nothing says Easter like Chocolate bunny candy. 5 stars