Playful Bug Bites
Delight your friends and family with these adorable Playful Bug Bites! This whimsical candy recipe features rich Hershey nuggets hugged by crispy vanilla wafers and decorated with colorful Reese's Pieces and buttery icing. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but they also provide a fun, creative, and hands-on activity for both kids and adults. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun afternoon project, these cute candies will charm everyone who sees (and tastes) them!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hershey nuggets chocolates
4 (Unwrapped)
Decorating chocolate icing
1 (4 1/4 ounce) package (Ready to use, with writing tip attached)
Vanilla wafer cookies
4 (Whole)
Reese's pieces (peanut butter decorative candies)
8 (Whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by unwrapping the Hershey nuggets and setting them aside.
2
Take the decorating chocolate icing tube and attach the writing tip, then squeeze a small amount of icing onto the bottom of each Hershey nugget.
3
Place each nugget icing-side down onto a vanilla wafer cookie, pressing gently to secure them in place.
4
For the buggy details, add a small dot of icing to one flat side of each Reese's Pieces candy, and attach two candies onto one end of each chocolate nugget to create bug-like eyes.
5
Using the decorating icing, pipe out 8 legs for each bug. Start at the top of the nugget, drape the icing down the sides, and extend outward to form legs. For the eyes, apply a simple dot of icing on each Reese's piece.
6
Let the decorated bug bites sit for a few minutes to allow the icing to set before serving or sharing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Playful Bug Bites?
Playful Bug Bites are a whimsical, no-bake candy treat made from Hershey nuggets, vanilla wafers, Reese's Pieces, and decorating icing, designed to look like cute insects.
Are these bug bites suitable for children to make?
Yes, this is an excellent hands-on activity for kids as it involves simple assembly and decorating without any cooking or heat required.
Can I use a different type of chocolate besides Hershey nuggets?
Certainly; any small, rectangular chocolate bar or nugget will work as the body for the bug.
What can I substitute for vanilla wafer cookies?
You can use round sugar cookies, graham cracker squares, or even small chocolate cookies as the base.
How do I attach the chocolate nugget to the cookie?
Apply a small amount of decorating chocolate icing to the bottom of the nugget and press it gently onto the center of the wafer.
What should I use for the bug eyes?
The recipe calls for Reese's Pieces, but you can also use M&Ms, Skittles, or pre-made edible candy eyes.
How many legs should each bug have?
To make them look like realistic insects, you should pipe 8 legs using the decorating icing, four on each side.
How long does it take for the icing to set?
The icing usually sets within 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness and the humidity in your kitchen.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Just ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place so the cookies stay crisp.
How should I store the finished Playful Bug Bites?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the chocolate to bloom or the cookies to soften.
Can these bug bites be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended because the wafers can become soggy and the icing may crack upon thawing.
Are Playful Bug Bites nut-free?
No, this recipe contains Reese's Pieces which contain peanut butter. For a nut-free version, substitute with a nut-free candy like Skittles.
What if I do not have a decorating icing tube with a writing tip?
You can put regular frosting into a plastic sandwich bag and snip off a tiny corner to create a DIY piping bag.
Can I use different colors for the legs?
Absolutely. While chocolate icing is standard, you can use green, red, or any bright-colored icing to make your bugs more colorful.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, there is no baking or cooking involved; it is strictly an assembly-based treat.
Can I use white chocolate nuggets?
Yes, using white chocolate nuggets is a great way to create different types of bugs, like 'white moths' or 'ghost bugs' for Halloween.
How can I prevent the icing from smearing?
Make sure the chocolate nuggets are at room temperature and allow the bugs to sit undisturbed until the icing is completely firm.
Can I use M&Ms instead of Reese's Pieces?
Yes, M&Ms work perfectly and offer a wider variety of colors for the bug eyes.
What is the best way to transport these for a party?
Place them in a single layer in a flat, rigid container to ensure the legs and eyes do not get knocked off.
Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Yes, simply replace the vanilla wafers with your favorite round gluten-free cookie to make the recipe gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The base recipe makes 4 bug bites, but it is easily scalable to make as many as you need for your event.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up to create a large batch for parties or school events.
Are these suitable for a Halloween theme?
Definitely! These are very popular for Halloween parties because of their 'creepy-crawly' yet cute appearance.
Can I use almond bark instead of nuggets?
Yes, you can cut blocks of almond bark into small rectangles to use as the bug bodies.
How do I make the legs look more realistic?
Pipe the icing starting from the top of the nugget, dragging it down the side and outward onto the cookie for a jointed look.
What should I do if my icing is too runny?
If using homemade icing, add more powdered sugar. If using a tube, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to thicken it.
Should I unwrap the chocolates before starting?
Yes, ensure all Hershey nuggets are completely unwrapped before you begin the assembly process.
Can I add antennae to the bugs?
Yes, you can pipe two small lines of icing on the head or use small pieces of chow mein noodles for antennae.
Is this recipe safe for a classroom activity?
It is great for classrooms, but always check for peanut allergies first since the recipe uses Reese's Pieces.
Can I use dark chocolate nuggets?
Yes, dark chocolate nuggets provide a nice contrast and a more sophisticated flavor for adult guests.