Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
54 comments » 
I’m not sure how much I’ve mentioned it here on the blog, but a few Fridays ago, I dropped the bomb… I don’t drink coffee. More specifically, I don’t like coffee. I just haven’t developed a taste for it, although if you blend it all up into a pseudo-milkshake called a mocha frappuccino, then I’ll drink a little bit. Aside from that, if I’m ever at Starbucks, there is a 99.9% chance that I’m ordering hot chocolate. I have always enjoyed some of the higher-end packaged hot chocolate mixes, but a few years ago I discovered how ridiculously easy it was to make my own homemade hot chocolate mix. Not only is it great to keep on hand during the winter months, but it also makes a perfect homemade Christmas gift. You know what ups the “wow” factor of homemade hot chocolate mix? Homemade marshmallows. If it’s December, peppermint marshmallows are definitely in order.
Marshmallows are one of those things that never really occurred to me to make from scratch until I saw them in Baking: From My Home to Yours nearly five years ago now. After making them once, I was amazed at how utterly easy they were. Not only that, but they were far, far superior to anything you could buy at the grocery store. Hot chocolate and s’mores never tasted so good!
While it’s easy (and traditional) to cut the marshmallows into squares, you could also use a little round cutter to cut them to fit mugs if you’re giving them away as part of a gift. As you can see, I took some of the marshmallows and dipped the bottom half in dark chocolate then rolled it in crushed candy canes. This makes for a pretty presentation if you’re packaging them up with hot chocolate mix for the holidays!
However you cut, package or serve the marshmallows, once you’re done, drop a couple in a piping hot cup of hot chocolate, kick back and enjoy!
One year ago: Classic Gingerbread Cake
Two years ago: Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Three years ago: Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Peppermint Marshmallows
Yield: About 90 marshmallows
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 12 hours
A batch of homemade peppermint marshmallows is the perfect addition to hot chocolate, or homemade treat bags for the holidays!
Ingredients:
⅔ cup powdered sugar
⅓ cup cornstarch
1 cup cold water, divided
2½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin
⅔ cup light corn syrup
2 cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extractDirections:
1. Line a 9x13-inch pan with foil, enough so that excess foil hangs over the sides of the pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside.
3. Pour ½ cup of the cold water into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Let stand until the gelatin becomes very firm, about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, combine the remaining water and the corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Pour the sugar into the center of the saucepan and add the salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, gently swirling the pan, until the sugar has dissolved completely and the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Turn the mixer on low speed and carefully pour the hot syrup mixture into the gelatin mixture, avoiding the side of the bowl as much as possible. Gradually increase the speed to high and whip until the mixture is very thick and stiff, 10 to 12 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and peppermint extract and mix until incorporated, about 15 seconds.
6. Working quickly, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Smooth the top into an even layer. Sift 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar mixture over the pan. Cover and let sit overnight at room temperature.
7. The next day, turn the marshmallow slab out onto a cutting board and peel off the foil. Sift 2 tablespoons of the powdered sugar mixture over the slab. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, cut into 1-inch strips one way, and then across the other way for square marshmallows. You could also use round cutters to cut them out as well.
8. Place the remaining powdered sugar mixture in a large ziploc bag. Working with 3 or 4 marshmallows at a time, toss the marshmallows in the bag with the powdered sugar mixture, then toss in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess powder. Marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks.
(Recipe adapted from The America's Test Kitchen D.I.Y. Cookbook)
print
save
email
I love love love homemade marshmallows! They are crazy good and although a bit of a sticky hot mess to deal with, well worth it
I have only ever made vanilla though but boy the peppermint addition is smart!
Cannot believe you don’t drink coffee? Just leaves more for the rest of us..ha! But the money I’d save if I didn’t drink it!
Reply
Those don’t look difficult at all, I think I might just give them a try. I need to find a candy thermometer first, though. I love the hot chocolate recipe, too. And now I need a food processor for Christmas!
Reply
What a GREAT tutorial!! I’ve wanted to make marshmallows for a long time. I’m thrilled to hear that they will keep for a couple weeks, that’s good to know. Thank you for sharing.
Reply
I’ve always been surprised as well at how easy it is to make homemade marshmallows! I still haven’t gotten around to making them, but maybe now I finally will! These sound wonderful and the chocolate and peppermint combination is to-die-for
.
Reply
I don’t like coffee either! Coffee haters unite!!
Reply
How strange is this. I had always wanted to make home-made marshmallows and told my friend this was the year. I just sat down to the computer to find a recipe for marshmallows (I was going to check your site out first!) and wha-lah! There in my email was your post for peppermint marshmallows!
I can’t wait.
Thanks a bunch! Will let you know how they turned out.
Reply
Love your step-by-step tutorials! Now I feel I can make this!
Reply
Need to try the marshmallow recipe! Looks sooo yummy!
Reply
Not a fan of coffee either, so at morning coffee breaks I like to indulge with a hot choc
Can’t wait to try these out! Shared a candy cane version on my blog the other day!
http://lyndajanecakes.blogspot.co.uk/
x
Reply
I’ve been thinking about trying some homemade marshmallows for the holidays with some homemade hot chocolate mix. These look yummy! I’ve made homemade marshmallow creme in the past, so I know the general gist of getting to the point they need to be at while cooking! Yay!
Reply
I’m not a coffee drinker either, the smell of it even gets to me sometimes. But I am a marshmallow maker! I have made them for a few years now and plan on making some to give out in Christmas goodie boxes (along with sea salt caramels). I have done vanilla and peppermint (with red food coloring added at the very end to give them a pink swirl) and most recently, the S’mores Marshmallow. I made regular vanilla marshmallows, and topped them with mini chocolate chips before letting them set up. Once I cut them into squares, I rolled them in a mixture of crushed graham crackers and powdered sugar. So good! I use Martha Stewart’s recipe, which is very similar to the one above. Lots of people seem dumbfounded when I tell them I made marshmallow, pointing out that I can buy a whole bag at the grocery store, but I can’t even eat store bought marshmallows any more, they taste artificial now.
Reply
Michelle on December 5th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
I love the idea of adding a splash of red food coloring for a pink swirl! So festive! I will definitely do that next time!
Reply
Making them this weekend! I made marshmallows about 7 years ago and every year for Christmas i get asked, will you make marshmallows? I say ok, and I buy all the ingredients, then I don’t make them! I am so making them on Saturday!!! Yours look so cute! By the way I love the Christmas theme of your header!
Reply
Michelle on December 5th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
Thanks Jennifer! All credit to my illustrator – she’s supremely talented!
Reply
Never made homemade marshmallows and I have always wanted to just havent gotten around to it. Now I have no excuse because the recipe is right in front of me! Thanks! They look awesome.
Reply
I am jealous. I tried my hand at making peppermint marshmallows on Friday. Mine did not turn out so good. This gives me hope to try again! Thanks for the post!
Reply
What candy thermometer do you use? I’ve been looking for a good one so I can make marshmallows and caramels!
Reply
Noreen on December 5th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
It is called TruTemp. I see a lot of professionals on TV use this one. I use mine all the time especially when I am making BEB’s ice cream recipes. About a foot long in length. Try Amazon.
Reply
Rachael on December 5th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Thanks!
Reply
Michelle on December 5th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Hi Rachael, I use a Thermapen, love it! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GIZZWM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002GIZZWM&linkCode=as2&tag=broeyebak-20
Reply
Rachael on December 5th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Thanks Michelle!
Reply
homemade marshmallows are amazinggggg! i received some last year as a christmas gift and devoured them embarrassingly quickly.
peppermint ones are a fabulous idea!
Reply
I bet these would be awesome in a s’more! Thanks for the recipe
Reply
I feel the same way about coffee. At Starbucks I get hot chocolate like you or my new absolute favorite is Soy Chai Tea Latte! It tastes a bit like Eggnog. Try one!
Reply
You read my mind! I was totally gonna make homemade hot chocolate mix for Christmas gifts and this is ppeerrffecttt with it. Thanks!
Reply
Someday I hope to make homemade marshmallows!
P.S. I don’t like coffee either, YUCK!
Reply
I am not a coffee fan, either! This is such a great idea!
Reply
I’m not a fan of coffee either; however I do like the smell (weird huh)! I do love hot chocolate with marshmallows, whether on hot chocolate or by themselves, and peppermint sounds great! I was comparing it to the recipe you posted on April 15, 2008 for homemade marshmallows and noticed that the ingredients aren’t the same (besides the peppermint extract). Can this recipe be used without the peppermint extract or is it best to use the one in 2008?
Reply
Michelle on December 5th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
I like the smell, too! So crazy! Yes, you can absolutely use this recipe, just omit the peppermint extract. The recipes result in similar marshmallows, but I like these just a little bit better
Reply
I love making marshmallows! And these look especially delicious and festive!
Reply
These look amazing!
I also spent most of my life hating coffee (until a few years ago – but I still can’t drink it black).
Reply
I absolutely love anything peppermint+chocolate flavored! My favorite drink to indulge in at Starbucks is definitely a peppermint mocha
These sound sooo good, and I love the chocolate dipped ones with crushed candy canes! What a fun gift idea!
Reply
Your marshmallows are beautiful! Thanks for linking back to your homemade cocoa mix. I’ll be making some of it over the winter for sure.
Reply
Love homemade marshmallows, and peppermint is just perfect!
Reply
These marshmallow look and sound so good.I love all your recipe and i’m folling you on Pinterest and facebook.
Reply
I made marshmallows few times and they always are a such a fun projects! Our kids love them! The shot of hot chocolate – oh my! I would love a cup right now!
Reply
my favorite snack is greek yogurt. delicious!
Reply
I don’t like coffee either, though I did when I was a tween, and I’m allergic to chocolate so no hot chocolate but I looooooove marshmallows! Making my own is on my baking to do list. Peppermint ones would be great as the ones I bought at the store are terrible.
Reply
I don’t like coffee, either, but I am similarly a hot chocolate junkie. On a related note, I also dislike marshmallows, EXCEPT for homemade marshmallows.
Reply
chocolate in any form…
Reply
ok…i already made the hot chocolate. i am getting ready to make these marshmallows, but when does the salt go in? or can it be safely omitted? and thank you in advance for making me look like a hero to my hot-chocolate-and-marshmallow loving son!
Reply
Michelle on December 6th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
Hi Sue, Sorry about that! It should go in the pan with the corn syrup, water and sugar.
Reply
I don’t believe you. You do all this without caffeine? I can’t walk ten steps without a coffee, I’m very lucky my husband makes me one every morning. I love hot chocolate equally though and these marshmallows look adorable. Home-made marshmallows are now on my list to make. Thank you.
Reply
I did it. Made the marshmallows today! It ended up being a success. BUT,not before I made a mess! My mixer pooped out on me! The only thing that saved me was that the motor stopped like 2 minutes to go and they were done anyway.
Hubby said I’d have a new mixer for Christmas! Yeahhhh!
Reply
Those chocolate-dipped peppermint marshmallows look amazing and so professional. I recently bought a bag of hot chocolate mix from LA Burdick in Boston and have been waiting for a nice, cold night to make myself a cup. Now I have an even better reason to whip out the hot chocolate – homemade marshamallows. I can’t wait to make these! Thanks for sharing the recipe and for the cute gift ideas.
Reply
I’ve been wanting to do a corn syrup-free version of a homemade marshmallow forever….I’m pretty sure when it happens, I’ll be dipping them in chocolate!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Reply
Such a yummy recipe! I included this post in my Five Tips For The Weekend.
http://thisblogisnotforyou.com/5-tips-for-the-weekend-4-2/
Have to try this!
Reply
These look great and do-able with all the holiday madness.
Reply
I will be making these with my daughter this weekend when she comes home for Winter Break, she is such a Hot Chocolate fan !! ! I have a quick Hot Chocolate question, the recipe calls for powdered milk, and then says to use milk for the liquid. Is this correct? I was thinking about crushing some peppermint candies and adding it to the mix. ..What do you think , Michelle?
Reply
Michelle on December 11th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Hi Judi, Yes, you use powdered milk in the recipe and then use milk as the liquid. If you’d prefer a less-rich drink, you could always use water. Candy canes would be delicious, give it a nice kick!
Reply
I just made these (it was my first time making marshmallows), and it was SO GOOD! I am hooked!
I made a half batch in an 8×8 pan. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Reply
Just made your marshmallow recipe…question…when do you put the salt in? I didn’t see where it was referenced. I put it in with the sugar, water and corn syrup.
Reply
Michelle on December 28th, 2012 at 10:09 am
Hi Denise, So sorry about that! You were right, though – it goes in with the sugar, water and corn syrup.
Reply
Denise M. on December 29th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
OMG these turned out so good! Will definitely make these with some hot chocolate mix for Christmas gifts in 2013
Reply