Our gourmet peppermint marshmallows are a testament to just how delicious homemade marshmallows can be. These fluffy marshmallows get elevated with peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candies, while streaks of red and green remind us of holiday candy canes.
Place these adorable peppermint marshmallows in mugs filled to the brim with homemade hot cocoa, or use them in any of our delicious marshmallow recipes. They make especially great DIY edible holiday gifts for foodies.
Ingredients for Peppermint Marshmallows
- Gelatin: Gelatin gives the marshmallows their structure and creates the stretchy, gooey consistency.
- Cold water: Cold water blooms (i.e., hydrates) the gelatin so it fully dissolves. No chunks of raw gelatin in these peppermint marshmallows!
- Sugar: Sugar thickens and sweetens the marshmallows.
- Light corn syrup: Light corn syrup ensures the granulated sugar doesn’t crystallize so there aren’t any hard candy pieces in the marshmallows.
- Peppermint extract: Peppermint extract adds the gorgeous peppermint flavor we’re after.
- Food coloring: A bit of food coloring swirled into the marshmallows creates a whimsical candy cane look.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is tossed with the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking to one another.
- Peppermint candies: Finely ground peppermint candies are whisked with the confectioners’ sugar to add an attractive appearance, a slight crunch and a bit more peppermint flavor.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Line a 13×9-inch pan with aluminum foil, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Grease the pan with the butter, and set aside.
Step 2: Bloom the gelatin, and cook the sugar
In a large metal bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Set the bowl 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°F (the soft-ball stage).
Editor’s Tip: Our guide on how to make candy runs through the important steps during the sugar-cooking process like how to use a candy thermometer and the different sugar-cooking stages.
Step 3: Create the marshmallows
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and gradually add the sugar to the gelatin bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on high speed until the mixture is thick and the volume is doubled, about 15 minutes. Beat in the peppermint extract.
Step 4: Spread marshmallows in the pan
Using an offset spatula, spread the marshmallow mixture in the prepared pan. Quickly drop food coloring over the marshmallow mixture, and cut through the candy with a knife or offset spatula to swirl. Cover the pan, and let stand at room temperature for six hours or overnight.
Step 5: Cut the marshmallows
In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and peppermint candies. Using the foil overhang, lift the marshmallows out of the pan. With a knife or pizza cutter coated with cooking spray, cut the marshmallows into 1-inch squares, and toss them in the confectioners’ sugar mixture. Store marshmallows in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Peppermint Marshmallows Variations
- Dip in chocolate: Half-dip the prepared marshmallows into melted dark, semisweet, milk or white chocolate. Place them on a piece of parchment or waxed paper to let them set.
- Cut into fun shapes: Once the marshmallows have set in the pan, use a greased cookie cutter to cut out different shapes like in our snowflake-shaped homemade marshmallows pops.
- Use a different food coloring: Omit the food coloring, or add your fave colors to make this your own!
How to Store Peppermint Marshmallows
Store peppermint marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
To freeze, wrap the peppermint marshmallows in a few layers of aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store them in the freezer for up to four months.
Peppermint Marshmallows Tips
Why do you put corn syrup in marshmallows?
Corn syrup is added to marshmallows to prevent the granulated sugar from crystallizing. Crystallized sugar is rock hard and won’t blend into the marshmallows.
Is there dairy in marshmallows?
No, there is no dairy in marshmallows. However, we can’t say the same thing for the hot chocolate recipes you might enjoy them with!
