Easy Homemade Marshmallows
If you’re like me, you love marshmallows! In hot chocolate, on a s’more, or even by themself, marshmallows are a deliciously sweet treat! With this easy homemade marshmallows recipe, you’ll never buy marshmallows again! With just a handful of ingredients, you can have soft, squishy marshmallows that are sweet and chewy with a delightful hint of vanilla.
While I love these marshmallows plain, it’s so easy to make them extra delectable. Dip them in chocolate and cover them in crushed nuts or sprinkles, or use them to make cereal treats! The options are endless, which is why I continue to make this recipe again and again.
What are Easy Homemade Marshmallows?
Homemade marshmallows are just like store-bought but better! These homemade goodies are soft and squishy, and have a delightfully sweet vanilla flavor. Water and sugar are boiled on the stovetop before being whipped with gelatin. Once the mixture is thick and fluffy, it’s poured into a baking dish to set, then cut into squares. They’re delicious on their own, dipped in chocolate, or floating in a cup of warm cocoa.
How Do I Store Easy Homemade Marshmallows?
These tasty homemade marshmallows will stay fresh for up to a week if stored properly. To store them, place the marshmallows in an airtight container and store them at room temperature. I recommend layering pieces of wax paper between each layer of marshmallow if they need to be stacked or they’ll stick together.
Can I Freeze Easy Homemade Marshmallows?
These homemade marshmallows are truly the best because not only do they taste great, they’re a freezer-friendly recipe! To freeze these marshmallows, place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. If you’re needing to layer them, place pieces of wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking.
This method takes a bit longer, but you can also place the marshmallows on a lined baking sheet slightly spread apart so they’re not touching. Place them in the freezer until frozen, then place the marshmallows into a bag or container for long-term storage in the freezer.
Can I Make Easy Homemade Marshmallows Into Shapes?
This is such a fun recipe to make because you can cut these marshmallows into custom shapes! To create fun shapes out of this marshmallow mixture, spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet coated with icing sugar. Once the mixture has set overnight, use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Be sure to have a bowl of powdered sugar nearby so you can dip the cookie cutter into it each time to prevent the marshmallows from sticking.
Have you ever seen those beautiful flower marshmallows that bloom when placed in hot chocolate? This is the recipe to use! Following the above instructions, use a floral cookie cutter with petals that can be folded into the center. Use melted chocolate as a glue to hold the petals in place, and refrigerate them until the chocolate has set. When you’re ready to enjoy them, place the marshmallows in hot chocolate and watch them bloom in front of your eyes!
Tips for Making Easy Homemade Marshmallows
- These marshmallows are very sticky! I recommend wetting your fingers when spreading them in the pan so they don’t stick to you.
- Using a candy thermometer in this recipe is very important, so don’t skip out on using this handy tool. If the sugar gets hotter than 240°F, it becomes firm and will leave you with hard marshmallows instead of light and fluffy ones.
- If your marshmallows are sticking together at any point, place them in a sealed bag with powdered sugar and gently shake them until they are well coated. Add more sugar as needed.
Recommended
S’mores Pizza
Christmas Pavlova
S’mores Cheesecake Recipe
Substitutions and Additions
- Vanilla Extract: You can substitute vanilla extract for another flavoring of your choice to change the taste of the marshmallows, like almond, strawberry, peppermint, or lemon extract.
- Food Coloring: You can add a few drops to the mixture if you want to make these marshmallows colorful. Imagine biting into a bright pink marshmallow that tastes like strawberries. How fun!
- Toppings: Make these homemade marshmallows extra tasty by dipping them in chocolate, then rolling them in different toppings like Skor bits, crushed nuts, or coconut flakes.
More Yummy Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you like this easy homemade marshmallows recipe, try some of our other easy treats!
Try any from the list below.
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe
Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
Easy Homemade Marshmallows
Whip up these easy homemade marshmallows any time you need a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water, divided
- 3 envelopes (about 2 teaspoons per envelope) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for tossing and coating pan
Instructions
- Coat a square baking dish with powdered sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ½ cup cold water and sprinkle gelatin on top. Set aside while the gelatin softens.
- Place a candy thermometer on the side of a medium saucepan, then add ½ cup water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook until the thermometer reads 240°F (softball).
- Using a hand mixer on low, slowly drizzle the hot sugar mixture into the large mixing bowl containing the gelatin mixture.
- When all of the sugar has been added, turn the mixer to high and beat for 10 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
- When the mixture forms stiff peaks and the bowl has cooled to room temperature, add the vanilla and mix.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and work quickly to spread the mixture evenly.
- Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar.
- Allow the marshmallows to set overnight at room temperature.
- To cut, spread a generous amount of powdered sugar onto a large cookie sheet or cutting board.
- Loosen the marshmallows from the edge of the pan using a sharp knife, then remove them and place them on the prepared surface.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and toss to coat with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Marshmallows can be very sticky, so keep a bowl of powdered sugar nearby to run your knife through it between each cut. If the knife becomes very sticky, rinse it under hot water to remove any residue, dry it, then coat it in powdered sugar and continue cutting.
- These homemade marshmallows are tasty treats on their own, or use them to make other goodies like s’mores!