Soft Fluffy Homemade Marshmallows (Printable)
Light, airy vanilla squares ideal for cozy beverages and sweet treats
# What You’ll Need:
→ Sugar Syrup
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
→ Gelatin Mixture
05 - 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 0.75 oz)
06 - 1/2 cup cold water
→ Finishing & Flavor
07 - 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
09 - 1/2 cup cornstarch
# How-to Steps:
01 - Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. Mix confectioners sugar and cornstarch together, then dust the pan with the mixture. Reserve remaining mixture for later use.
02 - Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let stand for 5 minutes to bloom while preparing the syrup.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil without stirring. Cook until mixture reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
04 - With mixer on low speed, carefully pour hot syrup into bloomed gelatin. Gradually increase speed to high and beat for 10–12 minutes until mixture is thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add vanilla extract during the final minute of mixing.
05 - Quickly spread mixture evenly into prepared pan using a greased spatula. Smooth the top and dust with additional sugar-cornstarch mixture. Let set uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
06 - Turn marshmallow slab onto a cutting board. Cut into 1-inch squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter dusted in the sugar-cornstarch mixture. Toss each piece in remaining mixture to prevent sticking.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Homemade marshmallows melt beautifully in hot chocolate, creating these silky ribbons of vanilla that storebought versions can never achieve
- They're surprisingly simple to make and will make you feel like a kitchen wizard when you see the transformation
02 -
- A candy thermometer is absolutely non-negotiable here, otherwise you're guessing and marshmallows are unforgiving
- Work quickly once the whipping is done because the mixture starts setting up faster than you expect
03 -
- Keep a bowl of warm water nearby to clean sticky fingers and tools as you work
- If your marshmallows seem too soft, they probably needed another minute or two of whipping