Monster Eyeballs
- Preparing Time: -
- Total Time: -
- Served Person: Makes about 48 eyeballs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
- 1 (1-pound) package confectioners' sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
- 1 (3-ounce) package miniature m&ms
- Carbohydrate 17 g(6%)
- Cholesterol 5 mg(2%)
- Fat 9 g(14%)
- Fiber 1 g(3%)
- Protein 2 g(4%)
- Saturated Fat 4 g(18%)
- Sodium 3 mg(0%)
- Calories 149
Monster Eyeballs: A Spooktacular Treat
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for fun and easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. These Monster Eyeballs are a perfect example! They're incredibly simple to make, even with little hands helping in the kitchen, and they're guaranteed to be a hit at any Halloween gathering, or honestly, any time the kids crave a sweet treat. The best part? They're surprisingly delicious! The creamy peanut butter center, perfectly balanced by the rich dark chocolate coating and a pop of colorful M&M's, creates a flavor combination that's both spooky and satisfying.
The recipe itself is a breeze. I love how adaptable it is too – you can easily adjust the size of the eyeballs, depending on whether you want a few bite-sized treats or larger, more impressive monstrous eyes. The kids particularly enjoy rolling the peanut butter mixture into balls – it’s a wonderfully tactile experience for them, and it keeps them occupied while I melt the chocolate. Speaking of melting chocolate, I’ve found that the microwave method is the quickest and easiest, but a double boiler works just as well if you prefer that approach. Just make sure you don’t overheat the chocolate, or you'll risk ruining the texture.
The chilling time is a necessary step, as it firms up the peanut butter balls and allows the chocolate to set properly. This also allows me to do other things while they are chilling. Once they're set, dipping them in the chocolate is fun and quick. I love the satisfying sound of the chocolate coating each little eyeball, almost like a little personal spa treatment for these creepy delights! The final touch, adding an M&M to represent the iris, is what truly brings these treats to life. It adds a touch of whimsical fun that both kids and adults will adore.
These Monster Eyeballs are more than just a simple Halloween treat; they’re a fun activity to do with your kids and a delicious reward for all your hard work. They also make great gifts – just imagine the delight on your neighbors' faces when they receive a batch of these sweet eyeballs on their doorsteps! So, this Halloween, or any day you need a simple, delicious, and fun treat, give these Monster Eyeballs a try. You won't be disappointed, and neither will your little monsters!
Tips and Variations:- Use different colored M&Ms to create different monster looks.
- Add sprinkles for extra texture and fun.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate.
- Make larger eyeballs for a more dramatic effect.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished eyeballs for an extra touch of spookiness.
Remember to have fun with it! Baking should be a joyful experience, and these Monster Eyeballs are the perfect recipe to embrace that sentiment. Happy baking!
Step-by-step
- Blend the peanut butter with the butter, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl. It may be easiest to use your hands (kids love doing this).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper. Roll the peanut butter mixture by teaspoons into small balls and place on the baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the eyeballs.
- Put the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in the microwave: Heat on high for 60 seconds, and then stir well. If it's not quite smooth, heat in two or three 10-second bursts, stirring well after each burst. (Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate, stirring frequently, in a double boiler, over just-simmering water. Avoid overheating, which can cause chocolate to seize up into a stiff mass.)
- Take the sheet of balls from the refrigerator; use a fork or a toothpick to dip each one most of the way into the chocolate, leaving a round or oval opening of undipped peanut butter on top. (This opening in the chocolate will be the cornea.) Hold each ball over the chocolate to catch the drips, and then return to the wax paper, cornea side up.
- Place an M&M in the center of the peanut butter cornea to make an iris. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Store the eyeballs in the refrigerator or freezer and serve chilled.
