Easy Homemade Marshmallows – Perfect Christmas Gift Idea
These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade marshmallows are the perfect Christmas gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! Light, airy, and made from just a few ingredients, they add a personal touch to holiday treats. Imagine a warm cup of cocoa topped with a few of these soft pillows—pure bliss. Not only are they easy to make, but they also show just how special homemade gifts can be. Plus, you can customize them with holiday colors or flavors, making each batch unique. Give the gift of sweetness this Christmas, and watch faces light up with every bite!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Super Fluffy Texture – These marshmallows are light, airy, and have the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like sugar, gelatin, and vanilla, no need for complex ingredients.
- Easy to Customize – Add festive colors, sprinkle in peppermint bits, or dip in chocolate for a holiday twist.
- Perfect for Gifting – Homemade marshmallows are a unique, thoughtful, and delicious Christmas gift.
- Ideal for Hot Cocoa – They melt beautifully in hot chocolate, creating a creamy, rich flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Activity – A fun recipe to make with kids, creating memories along the way!
- Long Shelf Life – These marshmallows keep well, so you can make them in advance for gifting.
- Endless Flavor Options – Try vanilla, peppermint, or even caramel flavors for a creative touch.
Key Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- Corn Syrup or Honey – Helps prevent crystallization, keeping the texture smooth.
- Unflavored Gelatin – Essential for the marshmallows’ light and airy structure.
- Water – Used in both the sugar syrup and the gelatin mixture.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds classic flavor, but you can also experiment with other extracts.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Peppermint Extract – For a festive twist! (optional)
- Food Coloring – Red, green, or any color for holiday cheer. (optional)
- Powdered Sugar & Cornstarch Mix – For dusting, keeps marshmallows from sticking together.
Chefs Helpful Tips
- Bloom the Gelatin Properly – Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to "bloom." This step is essential for a smooth texture.
- Use a Candy Thermometer – Heat the sugar syrup to 240°F (soft-ball stage) for the right consistency. A candy thermometer ensures accuracy.
- Whip Long Enough – Whip the mixture for 10-15 minutes until it triples in size and becomes thick, glossy, and slightly cooled. This creates fluffy marshmallows.
- Dust Generously – Coat your pan and cutting tools with a powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper – Lining with parchment and dusting with powdered sugar helps marshmallows release easily after setting.
- Experiment with Flavors – Add extracts, spices, or even citrus zest for unique flavors.
- Store Correctly – Keep marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature, as refrigerating can cause them to become sticky.
Recipes Youll Enjoy...
These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth homemade marshmallows are the perfect Christmas gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! Light, airy, and made from just a few ingredients, they add a personal touch to holiday treats. Imagine a warm cup of cocoa topped with a few of these soft pillows—pure bliss. Not only are they easy to make, but they also show just how special homemade gifts can be. Plus, you can customize them with holiday colors or flavors, making each batch unique. Give the gift of sweetness this Christmas, and watch faces light up with every bite!
- 1 cup water (divided)
- 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or honey)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (for flavor variation)
- food coloring (as desired)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dusting)
- Prepare the Gelatin
In a mixing bowl, pour 1/2 cup of water and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- Make the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of corn syrup (or honey), 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then increase the heat and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer.
- Combine Gelatin and Syrup
Carefully pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while beating on low speed (using a stand or hand mixer). Gradually increase to high speed and whip for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture becomes thick, glossy, and has cooled slightly.
- Add Vanilla (and Optional Flavoring)
Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract if desired) to the mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the Pan
Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and dust it generously with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Pour and Spread the Marshmallow Mixture
Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Dust the top with more powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Let the Marshmallows Set
Allow the marshmallows to sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Cut and Dust
Once set, lift the marshmallow slab out of the pan, dusting with more powdered sugar if sticky. Cut into squares with a knife or pizza cutter, dusting each side with the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
- Store
Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 90kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 10mg1%
- Potassium 2mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
- Sugars 21g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.