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The Best, Easiest Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows

A stack of thick, square homemade marshmallows generously dusted with white powdered sugar on a plate.
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Make soft, fluffy homemade marshmallows that taste much better than store-bought versions. This straightforward recipe results in pillowy treats perfect for hot chocolate or s’mores.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1/2 cup cold water, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.
  2. While the gelatin blooms, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage).
  4. Once the syrup reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the pan from the heat.
  5. Turn the stand mixer on low speed. Carefully and slowly pour the hot syrup down the side of the mixing bowl into the bloomed gelatin. Avoid pouring directly onto the whisk attachment.
  6. Once all the syrup is added, increase the mixer speed to high. Beat for 12 to 15 minutes until the mixture is very thick, glossy, and has cooled down significantly. It should hold stiff peaks.
  7. Beat in the vanilla extract during the last minute of mixing.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cornstarch for dusting. Generously dust the prepared baking pan with the mixture.
  9. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan. Use a lightly oiled spatula to spread it evenly. Dust the top surface generously with more of the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture.
  10. Let the marshmallows set uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  11. Once set, turn the marshmallow slab out onto a cutting board dusted with more of the coating mixture. Use a sharp, oiled knife or pizza cutter to cut the slab into squares. Toss the cut sides in the remaining coating mixture to prevent sticking.

Notes

  • To make these marshmallows for s’mores, cut them into thick squares before they fully set (about 2 hours in).
  • If you want vanilla bean marshmallows, scrape the seeds from one vanilla bean pod and add them with the vanilla extract in step 11.
  • For easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper before dusting with the coating mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/homemade-marshmallows-recipe-easy/