Homemade Holiday Marshmallows

Total Time

Prep: 55 min. + standing

Makes

about 9-1/2 dozen

Updated: Nov. 03, 2022
This recipe was my grandpa’s favorite. Every year, he would busy himself by making Christmas marshmallows for his family and friends. —Diana Byron, New London, Ohio

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup cold water, divided
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: Melted chocolate, hot fudge and/or caramel ice cream topping
  • Optional garnishes: Baking cocoa, confectioners' sugar, crushed assorted candies, chopped nuts, colored sugars and/or sprinkles

Directions

  1. Line a 13x9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with butter; set aside.
  2. In a large metal bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup water; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and remaining water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage).
  3. Remove from the heat and gradually add to gelatin. Beat on high speed until mixture is thick and the volume is doubled, about 15 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Spread into prepared pan. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 6 hours or overnight.
  4. Using foil, lift marshmallows out of pan. With a knife or pizza cutter coated with cooking spray, cut into 1-in. squares. Dip or drizzle marshmallows with toppings if desired; coat with garnishes as desired. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Marshmallow Recipe Tips

What can homemade marshmallows be used for?

Homemade marshmallows are one of many great food gift ideas—not only for the holiday season but for year-round giving. These marshmallows are delicious on their own but you can also drop them into a cup of homemade hot cocoa or turn them into s'mores.

How do you store homemade marshmallows?

To keep homemade marshmallows fresh, place them in an airtight cookie storage container, separating the layers with parchment or wax paper. Since marshmallows have a high sugar content, you don't want to refrigerate them. If you keep them in a cool, dry place, then they should last for about 3 to 4 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months.

How do I stop my marshmallows from getting sticky?

If you live in a humid area, you may find your marshmallows getting a little sticky after a few days. To prevent sticking, simply dust them with a little powdered sugar or cornstarch.

How do you rehydrate hard marshmallows?

While it's best to eat marshmallows while they're fresh, sometimes they do dry out a little. To revive them a bit, place a couple of slices of fresh bread in the same container as the marshmallows and seal it up. You can also try microwaving them for 5 to 10 seconds.

Can I melt these marshmallows for homemade Rice Krispies Treats?

While these marshmallows will melt if you heat them, we don't recommend using them for making Rice Krispies Treats.
Research contributed by James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor, Culinary

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 22 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.