Perfect Homemade Marshmallows

Rating: 3.48 stars
100 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 21
  • 4 star values: 31
  • 3 star values: 30
  • 2 star values: 11
  • 1 star values: 7

Marshmallows were originally made from the root of the marshmallow plant; today, corn syrup and sugar are the main ingredients. Homemade marshmallows can be cut into any shape you like, and used to top any type of treat, or on their own, for dessert.

Martha Stewart Living, February 1996

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Recipe Summary

Yield:
Makes about 40
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment. Let stand 30 minutes.

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  • Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat, and stir until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.

  • Clip on a candy thermometer; raise heat to high. Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244 degrees (firm-ball stage). Immediately remove pan from heat.

  • With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin. Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.

  • Generously dust an 8-by-12-inch glass baking pan with confectioners' sugar. Pour marshmallow mixture into pan. Dust top with confectioners' sugar; wet your hands, and pat it to smooth. Dust with confectioners' sugar; let stand overnight, uncovered, to dry out. Turn out onto a board; cut marshmallows with a dry hot knife into 1 1/2-inch squares, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.

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Reviews (21)

100 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 21
  • 4 star values: 31
  • 3 star values: 30
  • 2 star values: 11
  • 1 star values: 7
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/06/2012
I used Agave syrup and one big teaspoon of vanilla and the marshmallows turned out perfectly. I increased the water to one third cup when boiling and only used half the called for syrup. My granddaughter and I made these for Easter. We cut them into squares and rolled them in homemade pink sugar. I would have cut them into other shapes but because they were so thick it would have been too unwieldy. Next time we will pour the mixture into a larger pan and make them thinner to cut shapes.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/06/2012
I used Agave syrup and one big teaspoon of vanilla and the marshmallows turned out perfectly. I increased the water to one third cup when boiling and only used half the called for syrup. My granddaughter and I made these for Easter. We cut them into squares and rolled them in homemade pink sugar. I would have cut them into other shapes but because they were so thick it would have been too unwieldy. Next time we will pour the mixture into a larger pan and make them thinner to cut shapes.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/24/2011
The directions were clear and everything cooked and whipped up perfectly, but....I agree with the other reviewer about the amount of vanilla--two tablespoons of my best bourbon-based vanilla just seemed to kill the recipe. Next time: one tablespoon of vanilla and maybe a teaspoon of almond extract. The abundance of vanilla left a bitter aftertaste.
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Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/20/2011
knitphomanic: I have also made these marshmallows before with great success, however this past weekend I had the same experience as you. I bought new gelatin today and tried again and everything went perfectly. It is my guess that during the humid summer months my gelatin had taken on a bit of moisture and that might have prevented it from gelling properly during my failed attempt. It's just a guess, but try some new, fresh gelatin and maybe you also will be lucky. Good luck.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/17/2011
I've made marshmallow recipes before with success, but the last two times I made this recipe it didn't work. I followed it to a "t" and for some reason it just won't 'fluff up' when it's in my mixer, despite my best efforts. Any suggestions? I've already tried using a different kind of corn syrup, a different brand of sugar, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly and can't figure out why it's failing me these two times (once before, twice today).
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/31/2011
Surely it should be 2 teaspoons of vanilla and not 2 tablespoons?
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Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/25/2011
Yes, you can substitute honey for corn syrup. The recipe still works perfectly and the marshmallows have a pleasant, faintly floral quality.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/03/2011
You can always try replacing gelatin with agar agar (made form seaweed and vegan friendly), but it doesn't always behave the same as gelatin, so I would recommend a trial run. For one thing, agar agar is a lot more stable at room temp than gelatin, so if you do a one to one substitution, you might end up with firmer marshmallows than you'd planned on. It can also be gummier and have an odd flavor.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/08/2010
can i substitute corn syrup for something? like molasses or golden syrup?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/04/2009
Gelatin is made from collagen (which is not the same as keratin). It's a protein, but the old wives' tale about it being good for your hair and nails is not true. It's not from animal fat. Collagen is, of course, an animal product and thus not appropriate for vegetarians.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/14/2008
Is it true that gelatin is made of animal fat such as pork and if so is there a certain brand of gelatin that doesnt use animal fat in the ingredients of gelatin? If there is no brand that doesnt use animal fat in gelatin as an ingredient than can we replace the gelatin with something else?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/13/2008
Has anyone tried homemade marshmallows for rice krispy treats? I tried Martha Stewarts' other recipe that requires egg whites cooked over a double boiler and they were a success. I wonder if there is a big difference. To answer tes' question, I googled snow powder and this is what I found " "Snow powder" or "No melt icing sugar" means a type of icing sugar that doesn't melt when it's dusted on items that require refrigeration., it's treated with cocoa butter and sometimes starch. "
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/23/2008
ewaaii, I'm vegan, and was concerned about the use of gelatin in this recipe,too. I think agar-agar could do it. It's a sort of seaweed, often used to make jell-o like dessert. it can be flavour, heat, even add to dairy product. It can easily be found at organic groceries. hope this helps!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/20/2008
Can gelatin be replaced with something? Something that won't be coming from any animals maybe? It would be really great if anyone has an idea. Thanks :)
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/20/2008
What is snow powder and where does one get it.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/20/2008
I have tried above recipe turn out very nice and soft will never buy anymore! i substitute the vanilla flavor to strawberry flavor and the confectioners' sugar i change it to snow powder. My hubby and kids love it. Thank you for the recipe
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/06/2008
I have a recipe that calls for only 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. The texture is so soft and wonderful - try dipping one side of the marshmallow in melted caramel; chill till firm (only takes a few minutes) then dip again in melted dark chocolate. Made a great gift this year!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/22/2007
Yuck! I made these marshmallows following the recipe to include 2 TABLESPOONS of vanilla. The vanilla flavor was so overwhelming they were inedible. I am wondering if this is an error. Every other marshmallow recipe I have read includes one or 2 TEASPOONS.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/21/2007
Just made these for the first time. They're excellent! I used 1 tsp vanilla and 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract. Also, they are very easy to cut with a pizza cutter.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/20/2007
Sorry, these beat this years recipe. The lavor and consistency are ideal!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/20/2007
Sorry, these beat this years recipe. The lavor and consistency are ideal!
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