Description

Learn how to make easy homemade marshmallows with this simple recipe. Using a few basic ingredients like gelatin, sugar, and vanilla, you can whip up fluffy, soft marshmallows perfect for snacking, hot chocolate, or roasting over a fire. This recipe requires no special equipment beyond a mixer and stove, and you’ll get delightfully fresh marshmallows that are far superior to store-bought ones.

Ingredients

Scale

Gelatin Mixture

5 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
¼ cup cold water

Syrup

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water

Flavoring

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Coating

¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Bloom the Gelatin: Pour the gelatin powder into ¼ cup of cold water and stir to combine. Set this mixture aside to ‘bloom’ for about 10 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes thickened.
Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later.
Dissolve Sugar and Gelatin: In a large saucepan over low heat, combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture begins to simmer gently. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir just until it dissolves. Immediately stop stirring after this point.
Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium and bring the syrup to a low, steady boil. Boil for 15 minutes without stirring. Watch carefully and adjust heat as needed to maintain the boil without spilling over.
Whip the Marshmallow Mixture: Remove the hot syrup from the heat and carefully pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip on medium speed for 2 minutes. Then add the vanilla extract, increase speed to high, and whip until the mixture becomes very thick, white, and roughly doubles in volume, about 10 minutes.
Set the Marshmallows: Quickly pour the whipped marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula lightly sprayed with cooking spray to smooth the top evenly. Work fast as the mixture begins to set quickly.
Allow to Set: Let the marshmallows sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours to set. The surface will feel tacky.
Coat and Cut: Mix the powdered sugar and cornstarch together and lightly dust the top of the set marshmallows. Use the parchment paper to lift the marshmallow slab out of the pan onto a cutting board generously dusted with the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. Using a sharp knife lightly sprayed with cooking spray, cut into desired squares, dusting the pieces with the sugar-cornstarch mix to reduce stickiness.

Notes

Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment for best results when whipping the marshmallow mixture.
Adjust boiling heat carefully to prevent the syrup from boiling over during the 15-minute cook.
For firmer marshmallows, allow them to set longer than 2 hours if desired.
Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
To make flavored marshmallows, replace vanilla with other extracts like peppermint or almond.
If you do not have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer but prepare for a longer whipping time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade marshmallows, easy marshmallow recipe, fluffy marshmallows, gelatin dessert, sweet treat