Reese’s Olympic Medals: Sweet Treats for Summer Games Celebrations
Summer is here, and with it comes the thrill of the Olympic Games! What better way to celebrate the incredible feats of athleticism and global unity than with a fun, themed treat? These Reese’s Olympic Medals are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet afternoon snack while cheering on your favorite athletes.
This recipe uses the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups as the base, transforming them into golden, silver, and bronze medals with just a few simple additions. The process is straightforward, even kids can participate, making it a fantastic activity for the whole family. So, grab your ingredients, put on your favorite Olympic broadcast, and let’s get started!
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the instructions, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to adjust quantities based on how many medals you want to create.
* **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Regular Size):** These are the foundation of our medals. Choose your preferred size, but the regular size works best for creating a noticeable medal. A pack of 12-16 should be plenty. You can also use the mini size for smaller medals, but the decoration will be more delicate.
* **Candy Melts (Gold, Silver, and Bronze):** These are essential for creating the metallic finish of the medals. You can find these at most craft stores or online. Opt for high-quality candy melts for a smoother, shinier finish. Alternatively, you can use white chocolate and add edible gold, silver, and bronze luster dust.
* **Lollipop Sticks or Pretzel Sticks:** These will serve as the handles for your medals. Lollipop sticks provide a sturdier hold, while pretzel sticks add a salty-sweet contrast. Adjust the length as needed based on preference. Small wooden dowels can also work.
* **Edible Glue or Melted Candy Melts (Same color as the Medals):** The edible glue is used to fix the ribbon to the candy and to hold the lollipop stick to the back of the peanut butter cup. Melted candy melts serve a similar function, and works especially well to keep the peanut butter cup together during the process.
* **Ribbon (Gold, Silver, and Bronze):** Choose ribbons that complement the candy melt colors. Satin or grosgrain ribbon works well. Aim for a width of about ½ to ¾ inch for a visually appealing size.
* **Optional: Sprinkles, Edible Glitter, or Luster Dust:** For an extra touch of sparkle, you can add sprinkles, edible glitter, or luster dust to the melted candy coating.
## Equipment Required
Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:
* **Microwave-Safe Bowls:** You’ll need separate bowls for melting each color of candy melts. Glass or ceramic bowls are ideal.
* **Spoons or Forks:** For stirring the melted candy and dipping the Reese’s Cups.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat:** To prevent the medals from sticking, line your work surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
* **Baking Sheet:** To hold the medals while they set.
* **Scissors:** For cutting the ribbon to the desired length.
* **Piping Bags or Small Ziplock Bags:** Optional, for more precise decorating with melted candy.
* **Toothpicks:** For fine detail work or applying edible glitter.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: creating our Reese’s Olympic Medals! Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.
### Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before melting any chocolate, prepare your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the medals from sticking and make cleanup easier. Gather all your ingredients and equipment within easy reach.
### Step 2: Melt the Candy Melts
In separate microwave-safe bowls, melt the gold, silver, and bronze candy melts according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves microwaving the candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the candy, as it can become scorched and unusable. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the candy melts in a double boiler over low heat.
### Step 3: Dip the Reese’s Cups
Carefully unwrap each Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. One at a time, dip each cup into the melted candy, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork or spoon to help submerge the cup and lift it out. Gently tap off any excess candy coating. Place the coated cup onto the prepared baking sheet. If you are not planning to use a pretzel or lollipop stick, move to Step 5.
### Step 4: Add the Handle (Lollipop or Pretzel Stick)
While the candy coating is still wet, gently insert a lollipop stick or pretzel stick into the back of the coated Reese’s Cup. Make sure it is securely embedded. The melted candy will act as glue, holding the stick in place as it hardens. If the candy is starting to set too quickly, you can add a small dab of melted candy to the back of the Reese’s Cup to help adhere the stick.
### Step 5: Decorate (Optional)
If you want to add extra flair, now is the time to decorate your medals. While the candy coating is still wet, sprinkle on edible glitter, luster dust, or sprinkles. You can also use a piping bag or a small ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off to drizzle contrasting colors of melted candy over the medals. Get creative and have fun with it!
### Step 6: Let Them Set
Once you’ve dipped and decorated all your Reese’s Cups, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the candy coating is completely set and firm to the touch. This will prevent the candy from melting at room temperature.
### Step 7: Prepare the Ribbons
While the medals are setting, cut lengths of gold, silver, and bronze ribbon, each approximately 6-8 inches long. The length can be adjusted to your liking. Use sharp scissors to ensure clean cuts.
### Step 8: Attach the Ribbons
Once the medals are completely set, carefully peel them off the parchment paper. Turn the medals over, dab a small amount of edible glue or melted candy on the bottom of the Reese’s Cup and attach the corresponding color ribbon. Press gently and hold for a few seconds to ensure the ribbon adheres properly.
### Step 9: Finishing Touches
Once the ribbon is securely attached, your Reese’s Olympic Medals are complete! You can trim any excess ribbon and make sure everything looks neat and tidy.
## Tips and Tricks for Success
* **Use High-Quality Candy Melts:** The quality of the candy melts will significantly impact the appearance and taste of your medals. Invest in good-quality candy melts for best results.
* **Melt the Candy Slowly:** Avoid overheating the candy melts, as this can cause them to seize up and become unusable. Melt them in short intervals, stirring frequently.
* **Work Quickly:** The melted candy will start to set quickly, so it’s important to work efficiently. Have all your ingredients and equipment ready before you start melting the candy.
* **Use a Double Boiler (Optional):** If you prefer, you can melt the candy melts in a double boiler over low heat. This provides more control over the melting process and prevents scorching.
* **Add a Touch of Salt:** If you’re using plain candy melts, you can add a pinch of salt to the melted candy to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
* **Store Properly:** Store the finished medals in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to prevent the candy from melting. They are best consumed within a few days.
* **Prevent Cracking:** To minimize cracking when the candy sets, let the dipped Reese’s cups cool gradually at room temperature for a few minutes before refrigerating. Rapid temperature changes can cause the chocolate to crack.
* **Use a toothpick to remove bubbles:** If air bubbles form in your melted candy coating, gently pop them with a toothpick for a smoother finish.
* **Warm Peanut Butter Cups:** Before dipping, let your Reese’s cups sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This softens the peanut butter slightly and helps the candy coating adhere better.
## Variations and Adaptations
This recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
* **Different Flavors:** Use different flavors of Reese’s Cups, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to create unique medals.
* **Personalized Ribbons:** Print custom ribbons with the names of your favorite athletes or Olympic events.
* **Edible Images:** Print edible images of the Olympic rings or national flags and attach them to the medals using edible glue.
* **Nut-Free Option:** Use a different base, such as chocolate-covered caramels, for a nut-free version.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan chocolate and peanut butter cups for a plant-based version.
* **Different Shapes:** Use different molds to create medals in various shapes, such as stars or hearts.
* **Flavor Extracts:** Add a drop or two of flavor extracts, like peppermint or orange, to the melted candy for a unique twist.
## Serving Suggestions
These Reese’s Olympic Medals are perfect for a variety of occasions:
* **Olympic Viewing Parties:** Serve them as a sweet treat during your Olympic viewing parties.
* **Summer BBQs:** Bring them to your summer BBQs as a fun and festive dessert.
* **Classroom Treats:** Use them as rewards for students during Olympic-themed lessons.
* **Gifts:** Give them as gifts to your friends and family who are Olympic fans.
* **Party Favors:** Include them in party favor bags for your Olympic-themed celebrations.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Medal)
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-9g
* Cholesterol: 5-10mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Sugar: 12-16g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Conclusion
These Reese’s Olympic Medals are a fun, easy, and delicious way to celebrate the Summer Olympic Games. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a festive treat that everyone will love. So, gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy the games! Whether you’re hosting a viewing party, attending a BBQ, or simply want to add a touch of Olympic spirit to your day, these medals are sure to be a hit. Happy crafting, and may the best athlete win!
Enjoy these delicious and festive Reese’s Olympic Medals, and let the games begin! They are sure to be a winning treat at any summer gathering or Olympic-themed celebration. Go for the gold (or silver, or bronze)!