How to Make Homemade Marshmallows: A Simple Guide
Marshmallows are fluffy, sweet treats that many of us love to eat. Whether you enjoy them in hot chocolate, toasted over a campfire, or just as snacks, marshmallows make life a little sweeter. But did you know that you can make marshmallows at home with simple ingredients? Homemade marshmallows taste so much better than store-bought ones, and they’re surprisingly easy to make! In this blog, we’ll show you how to make homemade marshmallows step by step, using simple language so anyone can follow along.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients and tools. You don’t need anything fancy:
Ingredients:
- Gelatin: 3 packets (or about 7 teaspoons) of unflavored gelatin.
- Cold water: ½ cup for the gelatin and another ½ cup for the sugar syrup.
- Sugar: 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar.
- Corn syrup: 1 cup (light corn syrup works best).
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (or you can use other flavors).
- Powdered sugar and cornstarch: ¼ cup of each (for coating the marshmallows).
Tools:
- A large mixing bowl.
- A stand mixer or hand mixer.
- A saucepan.
- A candy thermometer or any thermometer that can measure high temperatures.
- A spatula.
- A pan (about 9×13 inches) for setting the marshmallows.
- Parchment paper or grease for lining the pan.
Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture
Start by preparing the gelatin, which is what gives marshmallows their soft and bouncy texture.
- Take a large mixing bowl and pour in ½ cup of cold water.
- Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. The gelatin will absorb the water and become thick—this is called “blooming.”
While your gelatin is blooming, you can move on to making the sugar syrup.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
The sugar syrup will add sweetness and help the marshmallows set.
- In a saucepan, add ½ cup of cold water, the sugar, the corn syrup, and the salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the syrup boil. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan and watch it closely.
- Cook the syrup until the temperature reaches 240°F (115°C). This is called the “soft-ball stage” in candy-making. Be careful—it will be very hot! Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
This is when the magic happens—the gelatin and sugar syrup come together to make marshmallows.
- Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the bowl with the bloomed gelatin. Be cautious to avoid splashing.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, start mixing the mixture on low speed to blend it together.
- Gradually increase the speed to high and keep mixing for about 10–15 minutes. The mixture will turn white, fluffy, and thick. You’ll know it’s done when it looks like marshmallow cream.
- Add the vanilla extract (or other flavorings, if you like) during the last minute of mixing.
Step 4: Pour and Set the Marshmallows
Now it’s time to let the marshmallows set.
- Prepare your pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. Dust the bottom with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture into the pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Dust the top with more of the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture.
- Let the marshmallows sit at room temperature for at least 4–6 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
Step 5: Cut and Enjoy!
After the marshmallows have set, they’re ready to be cut into whatever shapes you like!
- Dust a clean surface and a knife or scissors with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
- Carefully lift the marshmallow slab out of the pan and place it on the dusted surface.
- Cut the marshmallows into squares, rectangles, or fun shapes.
- Toss your marshmallows in more powdered sugar and cornstarch to coat them fully and keep them from sticking to each other.
Tips and Tricks
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding peppermint extract, almond extract, or even food coloring to make colorful and flavored marshmallows.
- Store them properly: Keep your marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 1–2 weeks. They stay fresh longer than you might think!
- Get creative: Use cookie cutters to make marshmallow shapes for holidays or special occasions.
Why Make Marshmallows at Home?
Homemade marshmallows are softer, fresher, and tastier than the ones from the store. Plus, you can customize them with flavors, colors, and shapes. They make wonderful gifts for friends and family or a fun dessert for parties.
So why not give it a try? You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make these sweet, fluffy treats. Once you taste your homemade marshmallows, you may never want store-bought ones again!
Now that you know how to make marshmallows at home, the next step is to roll up your sleeves and get started. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or floating on top of a mug of hot cocoa, homemade marshmallows are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy marshmallow-making! 🎉
