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How to make soft and homemade marshmallows. Simple recipe to make perfect marshmallows at home. www.modernhoney.com

I remember as a young married girl ordering homemade marshmallows in my hot chocolate. I would get so excited to eat the pillow soft, creamy, sweet marshmallow and let it melt in my mouth. I was always so intimated by them and thought they were way too difficult to even attempt. A few years back, I decided to face my culinary fears and attempt to make homemade marshmallows from scratch. I realized that it was so much easier than I thought and the outcome was well worth the effort. I adapted a recipe from the famous Butter Bakery’s cookbook.

How to make soft and homemade marshmallows. Simple recipe to make perfect marshmallows at home. www.modernhoney.com

These Homemade Marshmallows are way better than anything you can buy in the store.

So how do you make homemade marshmallows?

  • It all starts with adding sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan and bringing to a rolling boil.
  • Then in a stand mixer, adding gelatin, water, and hot sugar mixture.  The sugar mixture is mixed on high for 12 minutes to get nice and fluffy.  Then you add in your favorite flavorings — vanilla, almond, orange, lemon, mint and many more.
  • The mixture is poured into a pan lined with parchment paper or butter to keep the marshmallows from sticking.  The parchment paper works nice since it makes it easier to remove the marshmallows from the pan. This is my favorite 9 x 13 pan and 9 x 9 pan.
  • Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let set for 3 hours or overnight.
  • After the marshmallows are set, invert baking pan on a work surface covered in powdered sugar (mixed with a small amount of cornstarch).  Rub powdered sugar all over marshmallows.
  • Cut into squares and roll into powdered sugar.
  • Optional: roll into toasted coconut flakes

How to make soft and homemade marshmallows. Simple recipe to make perfect marshmallows at home. www.modernhoney.com

Here are a few tips to making homemade marshmallows:

  • Allow the gelatin to soak into the water for several minutes.
  • Mix for at least 10-12 minutes to create fluffy, thick marshmallows. It is easiest to use a large stand mixer with whisk attachment but you may use a hand mixer.
  • Homemade marshmallows need time to set up so allow that time. Cover and set out at room temperature.
  • May use powdered sugar to coat marshmallows or a mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar.

How to make soft and homemade marshmallows. Simple recipe to make perfect marshmallows at home. www.modernhoney.com

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5 from 3 votes

Homemade Marshmallows

By: Melissa Stadler, Modern Honey
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 32

Ingredients  

  • 1 cup Water divided
  • 3 Envelopes Unflavored Gelatin
  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Karo Syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract or vanilla beans, almond, lemon, orange, or mint
  • To coat marshmallows:
  • 1 - 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch optional

Instructions 

  • In a stand mixer with whisk attachment, pour in 1/2 cup of the water and gelatin. Set aside to allow gelatin to soak in.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add sugar, karo syrup, remaining 1/2 cup water, and salt. Bring to rolling boil. Let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  • Turn the mixer on and mix the gelatin and water. Slowly add the hot sugar mixture and continue to mix on the low speed.
  • Turn the mixer to high speed and mix for 12 minutes until it becomes thick and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl often. Add vanilla or other extract and combine.
  • Pour mixture into buttered or parchment covered baking pan -- 9 x 9 or 9 x 13 depending on desired thickness. Spread it in pan.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the marshmallows set.
  • Once the marshmallows are set, pour powdered sugar and cornstarch over working surface. Invert pan over powdered sugar. Sprinkle powdered sugar over marshmallows.
  • Cut into squares. Roll each one in powdered sugar.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Servings: 32
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How to make soft and homemade marshmallows. Simple recipe to make perfect marshmallows at home. www.modernhoney.com

You can make gourmet s’mores by using these homemade marshmallows, stick them in a mug of rich hot chocolate, dip them in chocolate, or just eat them plain…because they are that good.


Hi, I'm Melissa Stadler!

I am an Award-Winning Recipe Creator. Cover of Food Network Magazine. Two-Time Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist. I am passionate about sharing the best recipes so you have success in the kitchen!

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6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’m not sure I will ever use store bought marshmallows in my hot chocolate again after eating these. The are SO much better, there is no comparison. And easy to make. LOVE them!

  2. Hi there! I am SOOO excited to taste these marshmallows! I’ve poured in the gelatin and Let it resolve for. A couple minutes while I ready the rest of e recipe, but it gets so clumpy, is this normal, will all that go away with the 13 minutes of mixing? Thanks so much!

    1. Hi Kayla! The gelatin does clump up as it soaks up the water. It should dissolve no problem once it is mixed in. I hope they turned out good!

  3. 5 stars
    It has been a very long time since I’ve made homemade marshmallows. I love them but work and other things kept me from it. I will be making them again. I like the idea of having a Hot Chocolate bar on the counter for when who ever comes by or family wants something. I will be serving your brownies along with the Hot Chcolate
    Thank you!!!!
    Donna Pollock