Homemade Marshmallows
Fluffy, light-as-air homemade marshmallows come together with a few ingredients for the ultimate treat. Learn how to make your own with this easy-to-follow recipe then, use the marshmallows for topping hot cocoa, roasting into s’mores, or melting into rice krispie treats!
I first made homemade marshmallows more than a decade ago, but I’ve been making this new recipe for at least five years now; it is far and away my favorite!
If you’ve never treated yourself to homemade marshmallows, let me start off by saying yes, they are absolutely, positively, a million times better than any store-bought marshmallow you’ve tasted. The homemade version is fluffier, tastier, and not as cloyingly sweet…. AND they’re not very difficult to make, either!
Marshmallows are made from whipping water, sugar, and gelatin into a soft, fluffy consistency. Often used to top hot chocolate or melted down into other sweet treats such as s’mores or rice krispie treats, they haven’t always been used as a dessert.
Marshmallows were originally created by boiling the sap from a mallow root with honey to create a lozenge to help soothe coughs and sore throats. Later the mallow root sap was whipped, instead of boiled, with sugar, egg whites, and water to create a spongy candy more similar to the marshmallows we know today. While the mallow root was eventually replaced with corn syrup and gelatin the name marshmallow stuck.
Why we LOVE these Homemade Marshmallows
What’s not to love about a fluffy, light-as-air marshmallow? Here are some of the reasons we love these soft, gooey confections:
- Better than store-bought. Seriously there is no competition when it comes to homemade vs. store-bought marshmallows. The texture, the flavor, the fluff!
- Melt-in-your-mouth pillowy soft. The texture of these marshmallows is beyond anything you will find at the store.
- Customizable. You can cut them, shape them, dip them, and dress them up any way you want.
- Keeps forever! Okay well not exactly forever but if you store them properly they keep soft and spongey far longer than any open bag of marshmallows on the shelf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Powdered sugar + cornstarch: Used to coat the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking to each other.
- Water: Activates the gelatin and helps make a syrup mixture with the sugar.
- Unflavored gelatin: Allows the marshmallows to set properly.
- Corn syrup: Prevents the crystallization of the sugar, which allows for a spongey finish.
- Sugar: Sweetens the marshmallows without making them too sweet.
- Salt + vanilla: Balances out the sweetness and adds a light vanilla flavor.
Step-By-Step Directions
Step #1: Prepare the Homemade Marshmallows
- Prepare for marshmallow forming: Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, enough so that excess foil hangs over the sides of the pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside.
- Activate gelatin: Pour ½ cup of 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.
- Make corn syrup mixture: 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.
- Boil corn syrup mixture: 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 reached 240°F, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Mix the syrup with the gelatin: 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.
- Whip until thick and glossy: 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.
- Flavor with vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated, about 15 seconds.
Step #2 Set and Shape Marshmallows
- Pour into the prepared pan: Working quickly, scrape the mixture into the prepared pan using a spatula that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Smooth and top with powdered sugar: Smooth the top into an even layer. Sift 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar mixture over the pan.
- Cover and let sit overnight at room temperature.
- Remove from pan and dust with powdered sugar: 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.
- Cut into squares: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife that has been sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray, cut into 1-inch strips one way, then across the other way for square marshmallows.
- Toss with powdered sugar: Working with 3 or 4 marshmallows at a time, toss them in a ziplock bag with the remaining powdered sugar mixture, then toss in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess powder.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Cutting and Shaping Homemade Marshmallows
While it’s easy (and traditional) to cut the marshmallows into squares, you could use cookie cutters to make just about any size and shape. Here are a few different ways to cut and shape these fluffy homemade marshmallows.
- Make “mini” marshmallows by spreading the mixture into a half sheet pan so they are shorter.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make them for Valentine’s Day.
- Make round marshmallows by cutting with a small circular cookie cutter.
- Use a small star-shaped cookie cutter for patriotic-themed marshmallows.
Serving Suggestions
Once cut or shaped, you are ready to serve these fluffy marshmallows up in a variety of ways.
- Drop them in a fresh cup of hot chocolate.
- Roast them over the fire for a delicious s’more.
- Melt them into an ooey gooey rice krispie treat.
- Dip them in chocolate and give them as gifts at the holidays.
Storage, Shelf-Life, and Freezing
If you want your homemade marshmallows to stay fresh as long as possible, here are my tips for storing them.
- Storage: Keep stored at room temperature in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. Wrap the bag in aluminum foil and store for up to 3 months.
Troubleshooting Marshmallows
The powdered sugar mixed with cornstarch used to top the marshmallow mixture coats the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking to one another.
My second tip for handling the stickiness is to use non-stick spray. Be sure to coat the pan you pour the marshmallow mixture in as well as any utensil you use to spread or cut the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking to the surface before being cut.
If the sugar in the corn syrup mixture does not get hot enough, 240°F, they will not set properly and be a bit wet or soggy. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the temperature of the mixture reaches the proper heat to prevent a wet marshmallow.
Try these homemade treats next:
- Best Graham Cracker Crust
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch Marshmallow Treats
- Ambrosia Salad
- Homemade Marshmallow Creme
Light as air and absolutely delicious, these homemade marshmallows are the ultimate treat! Pop them into a warm cup of cocoa, roast them into the most incredible s’mores, or eat them plain, there is no wrong way to enjoy them!
If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe! ❤️️
Homemade Marshmallows
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (80 g) powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup (42.67 g) cornstarch
- 1 cup (250 ml) cold water, divided
- 2½ tablespoons (2.5 tablespoons) unflavored gelatin, about 3 (0.25-ounce packets)
- ⅔ cup (227.33 ml) light corn syrup
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, enough so that excess foil hangs over the sides of the pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch; set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 extract and mix until incorporated, about 15 seconds.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 at room temperature in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Storage– Keep stored at room temperature in an airtight container or bag.
- Shelf-Life– These homemade marshmallows will keep for up to 2 weeks as long as they are properly stored.
- Freezing- To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. Wrap the bag in aluminum foil and store for up to 3 months.
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @thebrowneyedbaker on Instagram so I can see it!
Photography by Dee Frances.
I’m thinking, if you plan to use them for rice krispie treats, you could just proceed from when the mixture is whipped in the bowl. Why spread the mixture in a prepared pan, let them dry overnight, sprinkle with cornstarch and cut into pieces – only to melt them down again to make the cereal treats, right? If you stop at the end of step 5, you basically have melted marshmallows.
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This is the exact recipe taken from America’s Test Kitchen.
Confusingly written – it’s not made clear enough what you are supposed to do with the cornstarch and powdered sugar and when.
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You skipped the most essential part of a marshmallow. Use marshmallow root and now you make it into an item that you can eat that also works and helps your digestive system. :)
What is marshmallow root?
It is an herb that is very good for you and does many things.
Marshmallows today usually forget this main ingredient….
Basically, take whatever liquid you are using and infuse something in it, then make like the recipe says.
Finding a recipe with marshmallow root is proving to be hard, which is why I made this comment four years ago. Hoping that this recipe could change and that this site could have the first marshmallow root infused marshmallow that is easily found online.
You can find some recipes online that include various herbs/items. Here is one example I found using rose petals, etc.
https://joybileefarm.com/healthy-homemade-marshmallows-rose/
I make these lovely marshmallows
occasionally and I love them! I recently
made homemade graham crackers, topped with marshmallows and dipped in dark
chocolate…homemade mallomars! YUM!
This is a very general question, but it comes up in this recipe! Something I’ve never understood…
When a recipe says “line a pan with foil/parchment to leave enough for an overhang,” does that mean on all four sides…? Or just the long sides? Or the short sides?
Similarly, when a recipe ONLY says “line with foil/parchment” does it mean leave an overhang, just the bottom of the pan (like is seen with most cakes), or enough to cover the bottom and all four sides?
I need to get this figured out because it’s a conundrum I run into all the time!
Hi Lisa, If it’s a square pan or rectangle, and brownies or bars, I always line with overhang on the long sides so I can easily lift them out and slice them on a cutting board. If it’s a cake in a pan that size, then I just grease, since I normally don’t lift out cakes with frosting. For round cakes, I just fit rounds of parchment onto the bottom (not up the sides). I hope that helps!!
Homemade marshmallows far outshine those you buy in a store. They’re not only delicious, but they also look amazing! These marshmallows are dense and melt well when added to a cup of hot cocoa.
Hi there,
I’m just confirming the amount of gelatin. I’ve made marshmallows before and the recipe I have says to use 3 packages of gelatin. Yours is much more detailed so I want to use your recipe but was thrown by the small amount. Thx!
Elisa, I made these today and used 3 packets of gelatin. I measured them and each packet was a little less than a tablespoon. Also, Alton Brown’s recipe on Food Network calls for 3 packets of gelatin and has similar measurements for the rest of the recipe. Mine turned out fluffy and wonderful.
Thanks, Michelle! These are amazing!
Hi Elisa, Yes, it does come out to about 3 packets of gelatin, I should note that above. Sorry about that!
I love homemade marshmallows. It’s been too long since I whipped up a batch. I always use and love Alton Brown’s recipe. Have you tried it?
Hi Laura, I haven’t, I’ll have to check it out and give it a try!
OMG so delicious
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I think this is the year that I’m going to bite the bullet and make homemade marshmallows! I wonder–could I substitute the scrapings of a vanilla bean for some (or all) of the extract?
Hi Kerry, Yes, absolutely! And all those little flecks will be gorgeous!
These look amazing! I do have a question tho, if I wanted to make them vegan and Swop out the gelatin for something like agar-agar, would the recipe still work??
Hi Susan, Unfortunately I am not at all sure, I’ve never tried working with gelatin alternatives.
These look awesome. But, everything on your site does. What got me to comment for the first time is the quantity. It’s so precise. And then there’s the word “about” in there. Made me literally laugh out loud. :)
I’ve always wanted to try homemade marshmallows but I figured they’d be tough to get right. I’m going to try this recipe!
I made them! It was easy and they came out great. Thanks!
Do you use the paddle or whisk attachment on your mixer?
Whisk, sorry that I did not clarify that!
What’s not to love about this recipe? Looking forward to making these for holiday gifts!~Carolyn @ Cabot
I too have been making this recipe for quite a long time. Helen nailed it describing them as clouds. I do warn my gift recipient of roasting and hot sugar.
I have found mine to melt faster than toasting so be careful.
I also love them out of the freezer!
I can vouch for this recipe. Like Helen, I agree that peppermint adds a nice touch. You can make chocolate marshmallows, too. I’ve forgotten what recipe I used for chocolate.
Maybe BEB can refresh my memory?
Hi Joe, I’ve yet to make chocolate marshmallows, on my list!
These are like eating clouds! I’ve been making them for several years and people are always sooooo impressed that I hate to tell them how easy they are to make. I add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and a few drops red food coloring for pink almond clouds or 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract for peppermint clouds! And YES! Dip them halfway in dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a yummy treat! The possibilities are endless!
Soft pillowy goodness :)
The English teacher in my just loves your description~! This is that project that I mean to get to every year and just don’t. But this year, I’m doing homemade cocoa gifts for my daughters teachers, aids, bus drivers, cafe workers, just found a good cocoa recipe but needed marshmallows and bam, this popped up. Feeling lucky today!