I’ve had a lot of fun making marshmallows. It’s surprisingly easy and the results are so tasty. I’ve modified a recipe I found at King Arthur Flour and there are many similar recipes online.
Ingredients
3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup cool water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
1. Combine the gelatin and 1/2 cup cool water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Mix briefly to combine; set aside.
2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup cool water in a small, deep saucepan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Raise the heat to high and cook, without stirring, until the syrup reaches 240°F on a candy thermometer. Remove from the heat.
4. With the mixer set on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the softened gelatin.
5. Increase the speed to high, and whip until the mixture is very thick and fluffy, has turned white, and has cooled to lukewarm, 3 to 10 minutes (depending on the mixer and attachment you use; a stand mixer using the whisk attachment will work more quickly than a hand mixer equipped with beaters).
6. Add vanilla towards the end of the mixing time. The mixture should be cool enough that you can spread it into the pan without burning your fingers, about 95°F.
7. Spread the marshmallow mixture into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan (glass or ceramic is best). Use your wet hands to smooth and flatten the marshmallows.
8. Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top, and let sit for several hours (or overnight) before cutting. Use a greased knife or cookie cutters to make squares or other shapes. Dipping the knife or cutters in cold water before
cutting helps reduce any stickiness.
9. Roll marshmallows in confectioners’ sugar to coat edges.
10. Store in a ziploc bag or closed container. Freezing works, too.
For chocolate marshmallows, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder when adding vanilla. Roll cut marshmallows in a cocoa and confectioners’ sugar mix.