Fluffy Cloud Delight: Simple Homemade Marshmallows Recipe

Sweet, pillowy homemade marshmallows dance with sugary magic, promising a foolproof easy homemade marshmallows recipe that melts in your mouth.

No store-bought brand can match the pure delight of these cloud-like treats.

Soft, billowy, and impossibly light, these marshmallows bring bakery-quality perfection straight to your kitchen.

Each fluffy cube bursts with rich vanilla essence and delicate sweetness.

The process looks complex but requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools.

Professional bakers and novice cooks alike can master this delectable confection with minimal effort.

Get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible homemade marshmallows that will spark joy and create sweet memories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18-22 minutes

Total Time: Overnight + 30-32 minutes

Calories: 100 kcal

Servings: 17

What You’ll Need for Foolproof Marshmallows

• Powdered Sugar, Cornstarch: Creates a silky, non-stick coating that prevents marshmallows from clumping and adds a delicate, soft texture.

• Cold Water, Unflavored Gelatin, Light Corn Syrup, Granulated Sugar: Magical combination that transforms liquid into fluffy, pillowy marshmallows with perfect bounce and stretch.

• Salt, Vanilla Extract: Balances sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the marshmallow's overall taste profile, making each bite more complex and memorable.

Tools to Whip Up Fluffy Marshmallows Smoothly

• Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Essential for whipping marshmallow mixture to perfect fluffy texture.
• 9×13-inch Pan: Key for setting and shaping marshmallows.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and lining of pan.
• Silicone Spatula: Perfect for scraping and smoothing marshmallow mixture.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing powdered sugar and cornstarch.
• Medium Saucepan: Required for heating sugar syrup.
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: Ideal for cutting marshmallows into clean squares.
• Large Ziploc Bag: Used for coating marshmallows with powdered sugar.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps remove excess powdered sugar.
• Cutting Board: Provides surface for cutting marshmallows.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking on tools and pan.

Steps to Make Homemade Marshmallows Easily

Marshmallow Magic

• Preparation Station

Create a cozy workspace with a large baking pan, parchment paper, and non-stick cooking spray. Line the pan carefully, ensuring parchment extends beyond the edges for easy removal.

• Gelatin Foundation

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it transform into a soft, wobbly base. This magical ingredient will give your marshmallows their signature fluffy texture.

• Sugar Syrup Symphony

In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat until the mixture reaches a perfect 240 degrees, creating a sweet, bubbling concoction that will bind your marshmallows together.

• Whipping Wonder

Pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture, whipping on high speed. Watch as the liquid turns white and glossy, expanding into a cloud-like mixture that’s pure marshmallow magic.

• Pan and Rest

Quickly spread the fluffy mixture into your prepared pan. Dust with powdered sugar mixture and let it rest overnight, allowing the marshmallows to set and develop their perfect texture.

• Cutting Celebration

The next day, turn out the marshmallow slab and slice into delightful squares or fun shapes. Toss each piece in powdered sugar for that classic, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

• Storage Secrets

Keep your homemade marshmallows in an airtight container, ready to sweeten hot chocolate, decorate desserts, or enjoy as a special treat for up to two weeks.

Add-Ins and Flavor Swaps for Marshmallows

• Flavor Boost: Swap vanilla extract with almond, peppermint, or coconut extract for unique taste profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
• Chocolate Dunk: Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and dip half of each marshmallow for an elegant gourmet twist that looks professionally crafted.
• Festive Coatings: Roll marshmallows in crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, or colored sprinkles to match seasonal themes or personal preferences.
• Spice Infusion: Experiment by adding ground cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of chili powder to the sugar-cornstarch mixture for unexpected warmth and complexity in your homemade treats.
• Shape Adventure: Use holiday-themed cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or seasonal shapes to create marshmallows that are visually exciting and perfect for special occasions or gifting.

Present Marshmallows for S’mores or Gifts

• Sweet Cocoa Companion: Dust these fluffy marshmallows with rich cocoa powder for an indulgent hot chocolate topping that melts perfectly and adds a decadent chocolate twist.
• Festive Gift Packaging: Bundle these homemade marshmallows in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, creating charming edible gifts for friends and family during holiday seasons.
• Gourmet S'mores Upgrade: Elevate classic campfire s'mores by replacing store-bought marshmallows with these luxurious homemade ones, pairing them with premium dark chocolate and artisan graham crackers for an extraordinary treat.
• Dessert Decorative Delight: Slice marshmallows into fun shapes like stars or hearts, then use them as elegant garnishes for puddings, cupcakes, and ice cream sundaes to add whimsical texture and sweetness.

Store Homemade Marshmallows the Tidy Way

• Marshmallow Storage Magic: Keep your homemade marshmallows fresh and fluffy with these smart tips.
• Room Temperature Sanctuary: Store marshmallows in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat, ensuring they stay soft and delightful for up to two weeks.
• Moisture Shield Strategy: Place a small piece of parchment paper between marshmallow layers to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture during storage.
• Freezing Flavor Lock: Wrap individual marshmallows in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months, keeping them deliciously ready for hot cocoa or sweet treats.
• Dust Defense Technique: Before sealing the storage container, sprinkle a light layer of powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture to prevent marshmallows from clumping or becoming sticky.

Creamy Homemade Marshmallows

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: Overnight + 30-32 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky homemade marshmallows deliver sweet clouds of pure delight with simple ingredients and straightforward technique. Delicate squares melt smoothly in hot cocoa or stack perfectly for classic s’mores you will savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) granulated sugar
• 2½ tbsps (about 3 [0.25-oz] packets) unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup (240 ml) powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) light corn syrup
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold water, divided
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch pan with oversized parchment paper, creating easy-removal handles. Generously coat with non-stick spray.
2. Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in an electric mixer bowl, allowing it to bloom and firm for 10 minutes.
3. Sugar Syrup Creation: In a medium saucepan, combine water and corn syrup. Center sugar and salt, heating over medium-high until completely dissolved and reaching 240 degrees F.
4. Marshmallow Formation: Cautiously stream hot syrup into bloomed gelatin while mixer runs on low, then increase to high speed. Whip until mixture becomes thick, white, and glossy. Briefly mix in vanilla extract.
5. Setting and Cooling: Transfer marshmallow mixture to prepared pan using a non-stick sprayed silicone spatula. Smooth surface quickly. Dust half of powdered sugar-cornstarch blend over the slab. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and rest overnight at room temperature.
6. Cutting and Coating: Invert marshmallow onto a parchment-lined cutting board. Remove original lining and sprinkle remaining sugar-cornstarch mixture. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into 1-inch strips horizontally and vertically. Alternatively, use cookie cutters for different shapes.
7. Final Preparation: Tumble marshmallows in a zip-top bag filled with powdered sugar, 3-4 at a time. Sift through a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess powder.
8. Storage: Keep marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Prepare Pan Perfectly: Use oversized parchment paper with extended handles for effortless marshmallow removal and prevent sticking.
• Gelatin Blooming Technique: Let gelatin sit in cold water for exactly 10 minutes to ensure smooth, stable marshmallow texture.
• Syrup Temperature Matters: Heat sugar mixture precisely to 240 degrees F for the ideal marshmallow consistency and structure.
• Handle with Care: Work quickly when transferring and smoothing marshmallow mixture, as it sets rapidly and can become difficult to manage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 0.5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg