Gluesticks Blog

  • About
  • Sewing
    • My Book
    • Kids Sewing Projects
    • All Sewing Projects
  • Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
    • Paper Crafts
    • Free Printables
    • All Crafts
  • Holidays
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Patriotic Holidays
    • Easter
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Gift Ideas
      • Teacher Gifts
      • All Gift Ideas
    • Parties
  • Home
    • Home Decor Projects
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Gardening
    • Motherhood
  • Recipes
    • Kids in the Kitchen
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
      • Cake Recipes
      • Cookie Recipes
      • All Dessert
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides & Salads
    • Holiday Recipes
    • All Recipes

October 30, 2020 By Brandy 15 Comments

Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

Easy Homemade Marshmallows Recipe (Video)

Filed Under: Dessert Recipes, Gift Ideas

Jump to Recipe

Once you make your own marshmallows it will be hard to ever go back to store-bought! I’ll share how to make homemade marshmallows with only a few ingredients. It’s easier than you might think. Add them to holiday gifts, dip in chocolate, or enjoy as a snack!  This post was originally shared in 2009 but has since been updated with new photos and a step by step video. This post contains affiliate links.

Speaking of marshmallows—have you tried our hot chocolate bombs filled with mini freeze-dried marshmallows? They are the most popular recipe on the site right now. So fun and mesmerizing to watch! We also have a snowman hot chocolate bomb.

Watch our step by step video!

glass jar with marshmallows

Homemade marshmallows are a fun holiday tradition. It’s one of those things that I only feel like making at certain times of the year. Like homemade toffee. It’s easy to make, but I generally only make it during the holidays! I love that you can customize them by making a few simple adjustments.

We first made these in 2009 after seeing Alton Brown do it. He’s the master of food science and we love his recipes. We’ve tweaked a few things here and there over the years, but the process is basically the same.

homemade marshmallow dipped in chocolate

My favorite way to enjoy homemade marshmallows is dipped in chocolate. You can also flavor them by adding a bit of extract. Want different colors? You can do that too by adding food coloring!

glass jar filled with homemade marshmallows

Homemade Marshmallow Ingredients

  • unflavored gelatin
  • water
  • sugar
  • corn syrup
  • salt

white bowl filled with homemade marshmallows

How To Make Marshmallows

The process is simple, but there are two things that you will absolutely need:

  1. stand mixer: you can use an electric hand mixer, but just remember that you are beating the marshmallow whip for 15 minutes—that could get tedious.
  2. candy thermometer: this is an absolute must. When making homemade toffee I can get away without using a thermometer because you just set a timer and watch for the toffee to turn color. That isn’t the case when working with a clear syrup like this recipe. You need to let the mixture simmer until it reaches 245 degrees. That’s easy to do with the help of a thermometer. One that clips onto your pan makes it even easier, but you can use one that you hold like I did.

 

large homemade marshmallows in jar

Instructions

  • You’ll begin by mixing 3 packets of unflavored gelatin with ice water. Set that aside.
  • Heat sugar, water, salt, and corn syrup until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until it reaches 245 degrees. Depending on your stove, pan, etc. this could take 8-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on the mixture and stir occasionally.
  • Add the gelatin mixture (that will look like a gelatinous blob) and hot syrup mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Be careful not to splash as you pour the hot mixture into the stand mixer bowl.
  • Beat on med-high speed for 13 minutes.
  • Add vanilla and beat another minute or two.
  • At this point, you’ll have a bowl of warm marshmallow fluff. YUMMY. It is also VERY sticky.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle liberally with powdered sugar. Lift the pan and rotate around until the entire pan is covered then turn over and dump out excess sugar. We’ll use it later.
  • Spoon marshmallow mixture into the pan. Spray a spatula with nonstick spray and smooth the mixture until it is evenly distributed. It won’t be perfectly smooth and that’s fine.
  • Let the pan sit out for 30-60 minutes to cool then sprinkle or dust a handful of SIFTED powdered sugar over the marshmallows and smooth with your hand to make sure everything is coated.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit overnight. Alton suggests at least 4 hours. I usually make these in the afternoon, let them sit all night, and cut them into shapes in the morning.
  • Remove marshmallows from the pan and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a pizza cutter.
  • Roll the marshmallows in powdered sugar and tap off excess. This prevents the sides from being sticky after you sliced them with the pizza cutter.

Homemade Marshmallow Gift Idea

hot chocolate packet

Grab a packet of your favorite hot chocolate mix (I like this brand and Starbucks) and tuck it inside a disposable beverage cup (with lid).

disposable cocoa cup with marshmallows inside

Add a bag of homemade marshmallows and tie with a ribbon. Tuck everything inside the cup and add the lid!

How To Flavor Or Color Marshmallows

Towards the end of the mixing process, we added 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. If you’d prefer a different flavor of marshmallows you can add a teaspoon or two of your favorite flavoring. Vanilla is mild so adding 2 teaspoons is a safe bet, start with 1 teaspoon of more potent flavors like mint.

Add a few drops of food coloring to tint your marshmallows before the mixing process ends.

How To Store Marshmallows

These can be store in an airtight container or in plastic bags for up to a week.

large homemade marshmallows in jar

Easy Homemade Marshmallows

Once you make your own marshmallows it will be hard to ever go back to store-bought! I'll share how to make homemade marshmallows with only a few ingredients. It's easier than you might think. Add them to holiday gifts, dip in chocolate, or enjoy as a snack! 
0 from 0 votes
Print Pin Rate
Cook Time: 12 minutes
resting: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 12 minutes
Servings: 24
Calories: 88kcal

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • candy thermometer

Ingredients

  • 3 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup ice water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2/3 cup sifted powdered sugar divided

Instructions

  • Mix 3 packets of unflavored gelatin with ice water in a small bowl. Set that aside.
  • Heat sugar, water, salt, and corn syrup until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer until it reaches 245 degrees. Depending on your stove, pan, etc. this could take 8-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on the mixture and stir occasionally.
  • Scoop the gelatin mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer. Carefully pour the hot syrup mixture into the bowl (it will be HOT).
  • Beat on med-high speed for 13 minutes.
  • Add vanilla and beat another minute or two. It should be lukewarm at this point.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish (metal or glass) and sprinkle or dust with a handful of SIFTED powdered sugar (you don't want clumps). Gently shake and rotate around until the entire pan is covered, then turn over and dump out excess sugar. We’ll use it later.
  • Spoon marshmallow mixture into the pan. Spray a rubber spatula with nonstick spray (the marshmallow mixture is super STICKY!) and smooth the mixture until it is evenly distributed. It may not be perfectly smooth and that’s fine.
  • Let the pan sit out for 30-60 minutes to cool then sprinkle a handful of powdered sugar over the marshmallows and smooth with your hand to make sure everything is coated.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at least 4 hours. You can even let it sit overnight.
  • Remove marshmallows from the pan and cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a pizza cutter.
  • Roll the marshmallows in powdered sugar and tap off excess. This prevents the sides from being sticky after you sliced them with the pizza cutter.

Notes

HOW TO FLAVOR OR COLOR MARSHMALLOWS
Towards the end of the mixing process, we added 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. If you’d prefer a different flavor of marshmallows you can add a teaspoon or two of your favorite flavoring. Vanilla is mild so adding 2 teaspoons is a safe bet, start with 1 teaspoon of more potent flavors like mint.
Add a few drops of food coloring to tint your marshmallows before the mixing process ends.
HOW TO STORE MARSHMALLOWS
These can be store in an airtight container or in plastic bags for up to a week.
RECIPE YIELD
This recipe makes 24 ounces of marshmallows. Calories have been calculated for a 1-ounce portion.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

About Brandy

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

Previous Post: « Pleated Kids Apron Sewing Tutorial (Video)
Next Post: Pure Vanilla Extract Recipe (Video) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. linsey grae says

    December 17, 2010 at 5:33 am

    how creative! you’d never think you could make something like marshmellows!

    Reply
  2. Stacy says

    December 17, 2010 at 5:54 am

    Lol. Okay, so guess what I made yesterday to give out as gifts? One of the things I made was (store bought) marshmallows dipped in chocolate and crushed candy canes. Nice. 🙂 Yet again we’re on the same page…

    Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    December 18, 2010 at 3:52 am

    Visiting via the Weekend Wrap Up. Thanks for this post, I love homemade marshmallows, I’ve just been too nervous to try them out. I will now. thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply
  4. Steve Finnell says

    December 18, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    you are invited to follow my blog

    Reply
  5. Jana says

    December 19, 2010 at 12:20 am

    Cute!

    Come enter for a free paper bead necklace from Heart Strings for Orphans!

    http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2010/12/gifts-that-give-back-heart-strings.html

    Reply
  6. Southern Fried Gal says

    December 20, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    I have always wanted to make my own marshmallows but just never do. These look delicious and your container is precious! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  7. Steph says

    December 20, 2010 at 5:50 pm

    Mmmmmmmmmmmm! I really want to make these, especially the chocolate ones. Love how you presented them in that cute jar!

    Reply
  8. April says

    December 21, 2010 at 1:38 am

    Ooooooo! I bet my kids would love to make these….they are marshmellow fanatics! Come link up…

    http://wildflowersandwhimsy.blogspot.com/2010/12/startin-early-for-orphaned-no-more.html

    Reply
  9. Scary Mommy says

    December 22, 2010 at 2:11 am

    I have always wanted to try and make these- I bet you’ll never eat packaged ones again!

    Reply
  10. Nancy says

    November 28, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    These look amazing. I think you convinced me to try and make them. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  11. Karyn says

    December 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    I have been wanting to try making these for a while… Looks amazing! If you have a chance, I would love to have you link up to my blog this week.
    http://cookingwithkaryn.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-makes-you-say-mmmmm-4-and-bread.html

    Reply
  12. Mommy Provost says

    December 2, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    I was thinking about making these this year too. They look yummy!

    Reply
  13. mellywoods5 says

    December 3, 2011 at 7:52 am

    roll them in toasted coconut Yum!

    Reply
  14. Jamie H says

    December 3, 2011 at 5:39 pm

    Who knew you could make your own marshmallows?!? I’d love for you to link up and share this with our readers at Toys In The Dryer!
    http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2011/12/fun-stuff-fridays-2.html

    Reply
  15. Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says

    December 5, 2011 at 12:18 pm

    YUM!! I had no idea you could make your own marshmallows!
    Beth (TGIF)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About the Author

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you! Learn More About The Author

My Sewing Book for Kids!

kids sewing book cover

Snowman Hot Chocolate Bombs!

hand holding snowman hot chocolate bombs over mug

Pop Tart Gingerbread House!

pop tart house with candy and frosting

Hot Chocolate Bombs!

hot chocolate bomb next to white mug of hot chocolate

Affiliate Link Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Let’s Connect!

If you make one of my projects, I’d love to see it! Tag me @gluesticksblog #gluesticksblog

Bonus Guide

  • Home
  • Website Accessibility
  • My Book
  • Privacy Policy

gluesticksblog

Brandy Nelson | Gluesticks
I feel like we all knew this was coming. 🐰 It’s a pop tart bunny house! 
.
.
.
#poptarthouse #thatsdarling #easterdecor #eastercrafts @mmschocolate @poptartsus #craftymama #craftymom
I made a story highlight for our easy sugar cookin I made a story highlight for our easy sugar cooking decorating tutorials! The latest being rainbow cookies made from circle cookie cutters. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! 🌈 ☘️ I always use buttercream frosting and basic frosting tips that you can grab at your local craft store. 🙌🏻
#sugarcookiesofinstagram #sugarcookies #sugarcookiesdecorating #sugarcookieart #thatsdarling
Ruby is so excited to share these with her teacher Ruby is so excited to share these with her teacher, who frequently asks how the chickens are doing. ❤️🐔 #nelsonsbackyardchickens
These chicken Caesar wraps are so yummy! #AD I use These chicken Caesar wraps are so yummy! #AD I used @missionfoodsus Carb Balance Spinach Herb Tortilla Wraps. They are delicious, and are an easy way to sneak in come extra fiber to my meals without adding extra sugar (because we all know that I don’t need any more sugar, ha!) Stop by the blog for the recipe! 
#missionfoods #missionbyme #missiontastemaker
Prettier than candy, but just as sweet! 🍓 #bhg Prettier than candy, but just as sweet! 🍓 
#bhgfood #foodphotography #foodstylist #healthyfood #fruitarian #imsomartha #creativelifehappylife #playwithyourfood #valentinesday #eathealthy #eathealthyfood #fruitsandveggies #kidssnacks
Fun Valentine’s day tradition—-heart pizzas! L Fun Valentine’s day tradition—-heart pizzas! Link in stories to our recipe. Don’t forget to brush with garlic butter. 😋❤️

.
#valentinesdaydinner #homemadepizza #heartpizza #heartshapedpizza #instafoodie #instafood #bhgcelebrate #bhgfood #foodgawker #pepperonipizza #bakersofinstagram #kidsinthekitchen
Made these cute little dinner rolls using the tuto Made these cute little dinner rolls using the tutorial from @rhodesbread. They were super easy to shape! I made my own dough (my favorite roll recipe!) Linked in stories.
.
.
.

.
.
.

#foodiesofinstagram #bhgfood #foodie #foodblogger #creativelifehappylife #bakeandshare #foodphotography #foodphotographer #instagood #marthafood #buzzfeedfood #bhgcelebrate #homemadebread #homemadeisbest #foodblogeats #foodblogfeed #foodgawker #food52grams #homebaker #homebakery #gluesticksblog #sundaydinner #homemaderolls
Check out our stories to see how easy it is to dec Check out our stories to see how easy it is to decorate sugar cookies with frosting tips. Fun, too! The pigs though! So cute for Valentine’s Day!

#valentinescookies #sugarcookies #sugarcookiesofinstagram #craftymama #craftykids #buttercream #buttercreamfrosting #kidsinthekitchen #wiltoncakes @wiltoncakes
I don’t think this will ever get old. I think th I don’t think this will ever get old. I think the cream eggs from our leghorn mixes are my favorite! #nelsonsbackyardchickens
More on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2021 Log in