Hershey's Now Makes A Solid Cookies 'N' Creme Easter Bunny And It's A Must

It's that time of year, when pastel-colored, candy-coated eggs and bright yellow, soft, and squishy marshmallow birds fill the aisles of grocery stores. It's all destined for Easter baskets and plastic eggs to be secreted around houses and yards for kiddos to unearth.

Eggs and bunnies have for centuries been symbols of rebirth and fertility, so it makes sense that overtime they became connected to Easter, the Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. The specific practice of exchanging dyed eggs came about in the 13th century, when Edward I of England had 450 eggs dyed, covered in gold leaf, and distributed amongst the "royal entourage." Residents of 13th-century English villages would also bring Easter eggs to their manorial lords and church each year as a special gift. It wasn't until the late 19th and 20th century, however, when Easter eggs were primarily given to children, a side effect of the Victorian era's emphasis on family life.

So when did candy become an Easter thing? During Lent going back to ancient times, it's common give up not only sweets, but all meat and animal products. The arrival of Easter means a lifting of these restrictions, which has turned the holiday into a celebration of food, especially sweets! Now, Easter is the third biggest holiday for candy sales in America behind Halloween and Christmas.

We've compiled a list of all the best Easter candies that you absolutely have to have in your basket this year. Some are returning favorites, like Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, a total classic. Some are brand-spanking new—hello vanilla frosting Hershey's Kisses! And others should just straight-up be in the candy hall of fame. Looking at you, Peeps. But one thing's for sure: You definitely need these Easter candies in your basket this year.