Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own candy that’s soft, fluffy, and packed with a refreshing twist, this Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these marshmallows turn out—airy clouds of peppermint goodness that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re spoiling yourself with a cozy cup of hot chocolate or surprising friends with a sweet gift, you’ll find that homemade marshmallows are surprisingly simple and endlessly rewarding to make.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to perfect marshmallows, especially when it comes to sweetness and texture. I always recommend fresh peppermint extract for that authentic, clean flavor. Keep an eye out for unflavored gelatin packets and light corn syrup — these do the heavy lifting in texture and sweetness. Here are the essentials explained:

• Unflavored Gelatin: This is what gives marshmallows their signature bounce. Make sure you buy the unflavored kind, usually found near boxed gelatins like Jell-O.
• Light Corn Syrup: It prevents the sugar from crystallizing, keeping your marshmallows silky and smooth.
• White Sugar: The sweet base for your marshmallows, balancing the gelatin’s texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the mint flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Not to be confused with mint extract — this is vital for that classic peppermint punch.
• Crushed Candy Canes (Optional): For a little crunch and extra peppermint flair inside your marshmallows.
• Red Gel Food Coloring (Optional): For adding those pretty peppermint swirls.
• Cornstarch and Confectioners’ Sugar: To dust your marshmallows and keep them from sticking.
• Water: Divided to bloom the gelatin and dissolve the sugar syrup.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or occasion, and this Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe is a great canvas. Feel free to personalize it with flavors or textures you love — it’s your kitchen adventure, after all!

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add a swirl of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle cocoa powder right before setting. My family goes crazy for this twist at holiday parties.
• Vegan Version: While this recipe uses gelatin, you could experiment with agar agar to make a plant-based marshmallow — just be mindful the texture will differ.
• No Corn Syrup: I’ve tried substituting honey for corn syrup; it works but gives a slightly different flavor and texture, so taste-test as you go.
• Extra Crunch: Try folding in chopped peppermint bark or white chocolate chips for a little surprise contrast inside the marshmallow.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gelatin

First things first — line a 9×9 inch baking dish with plastic wrap and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Then, grab your stand mixer bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of cold water. Let it soak while you move to the next step. I’ve learned soaking the gelatin properly makes all the difference in the world for that perfect marshmallow texture.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

Combine ¼ cup of water, light corn syrup, and white sugar in a saucepan. Heat it over medium and bring it to a hard boil, then let it boil for exactly one minute. This step might seem intimidating, but timing is key to avoid grainy marshmallows.

Step 3: Whip It Good

Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the gelatin mixture. Immediately switch on your stand mixer to high speed and beat for about 12 minutes until the mixture is thick, fluffy, and forms stiff peaks. This part makes me smile every time — that flurry of clouds forming is so satisfying. At the end, fold in the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and if you’re adventurous, the crushed candy canes.

Step 4: Add Some Peppermint Swirls

Pour the marshmallow fluff into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a greased spatula. To get those pretty red peppermint swirls, drop 9-12 drops of red gel food coloring on the top and swirl gently with an oiled knife or chopstick. Cover with the sprayed plastic wrap pressed lightly to seal.

Step 5: Let It Set

Patience is crucial here — let your marshmallows rest for at least 4 hours or overnight. This slow setting guarantees that perfect chewy, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 6: Cut and Coat

Combine cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar in a shallow dish. Using oiled scissors or knife, cut the marshmallow slab into strips, then into 1-inch squares. Toss them gently in the cornstarch mixture to keep them from sticking — this step is a lifesaver for easy storing and serving!

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of whipped cream or right inside hot cocoa—it adds a lovely crunch and extra peppermint zing. Sometimes I even dip the corners of marshmallows in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist.

Side Dishes

These marshmallows are wonderful with warm drinks like peppermint hot chocolate or creamy coffee lattes. I also enjoy them alongside gingerbread cookies or a simple slice of chocolate cake for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gifts, I like to package my marshmallows in cute mason jars layered with crushed candy canes and tied with a festive ribbon. Another fun idea is threading them on skewers with mini gingerbread cookies for a sweet centerpiece or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Be sure they’re well-coated in the cornstarch-confectioners sugar mix to keep them from sticking together inside the container.

Freezing

Freezing these marshmallows works beautifully! Just separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed, they’ll still be soft and delicious, making them a great make-ahead treat.

Reheating

Typically, you don’t need to reheat marshmallows. However, if you want them softer and pillowy again after storage, pop them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds. Just be careful not to melt them entirely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen projects that feels fancy but is totally doable, even on a busy day. Every time I serve them, friends and family are blown away—not just by the flavor but by the love you can taste in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on making your own marshmallow magic at home!

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