Christmas Marshmallows
Soft, fluffy homemade marshmallows with festive colors and flavors — a perfect holiday treat for gifting, hot cocoa topping, or festive dessert tables.
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9x9-inch pan
- Saucepan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water (for syrup mixture)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or peppermint extract for holiday flavor)
Coating & Decoration
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- Red and green food coloring (optional, for festive swirl)
- Crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles (optional topping)
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly dust with a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine gelatin with 1/2 cup of cold water and let it bloom while you prepare the syrup.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then attach a candy thermometer. Heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C).
- Carefully pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while mixing on low speed. Gradually increase to high speed and beat for about 10–12 minutes until thick, glossy, and tripled in volume. Add vanilla or peppermint extract in the final minute.
- If coloring, divide the mixture and fold in red and green food coloring for a festive swirl effect. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Dust the top lightly with the powdered sugar mixture. Let set at room temperature for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Once set, lift from pan, cut into squares, and toss in the powdered sugar mixture to coat. Optionally, decorate with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles.
Notes
For a peppermint version, use peppermint extract and swirl in red coloring. To make hot cocoa marshmallows, dip the finished squares in melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Perfect as homemade gifts or cozy winter treats.