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How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 60 marshmallows 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These homemade marshmallows are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re a far cry from store-bought marshmallows and are perfect for hot chocolate, s’mores, or just snacking.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/3 cup (40g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) cornstarch
  • 3/4 ounce (21g) unflavored gelatin (3 standard 1/4-ounce packets)
  • 1 cup (240ml) cold water, divided
  • 1 cup (325g) light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Generously spray a 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Sift confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch together and lightly dust the pan. Set the remaining sugar/cornstarch mixture aside.
  2. Soften Gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a large bowl if using a handheld mixer), combine gelatin and ½ cup cold water. Whisk on low speed for 1 minute. Let sit while you cook the syrup.
  3. Cook Syrup: In a 3-quart heavy-duty saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup water, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer. Brush down the sides of the pan with a water-moistened pastry brush to prevent crystallization.
  4. Reach Soft Ball Stage: Cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 235-240°F (113-116°C) on a candy thermometer (soft ball stage). Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Whip Marshmallow: Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture. Gradually increase to high speed and whip for 10-15 minutes, or until thick, white, and shiny. During the last minute, add vanilla extract.
  6. Pour and Set: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours, or up to 48 hours.
  7. Cut Marshmallows: Once firm, cover a surface with parchment paper and liberally sprinkle with the remaining cornstarch/sugar mixture. Loosen the marshmallow from the pan and invert it onto the prepared surface. Peel away the pan.
  8. Cut and Coat: Cut the marshmallow into 1.5-inch squares, coating the knife with cornstarch/sugar mixture as needed. Running the blade under hot water and wiping dry also helps. Roll the edges of the marshmallows in the cornstarch/sugar mixture.
  9. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Pan: A glass or ceramic pan is recommended.
  • Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for accurate temperature readings.
  • Whipping: Whipping time may vary depending on the mixer.
  • Cutting: Coating the knife with cornstarch/sugar mixture helps prevent sticking.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 marshmallow
  • Calories: 500kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 1g