Homemade Marshmallows

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2007

Show: Good EatsEpisode: Puff the Magic Mallow

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (116)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(116)

Cook Time:
10 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
approximately 9 dozen marshmallows or 1 1/2 pounds miniature

Times:

Prep: 35 min
Inactive Prep: 4 hr 0 min
Cook: 10 min
Total:: 4 hr 45 min

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Ingredients

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

Directions

Place the gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer along with 1/2 cup of the water. Have the whisk attachment standing by.

In a small saucepan combine the remaining 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup and salt. Place over medium high heat, cover and allow to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan and continue to cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees F, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this temperature, immediately remove from the heat.

Turn the mixer on low speed and, while running, slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture. Once you have added all of the syrup, increase the speed to high. Continue to whip until the mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Add the vanilla during the last minute of whipping. While the mixture is whipping prepare the pans as follows.

For regular marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the sugar and cornstarch mixture and move around to completely coat the bottom and sides of the pan. Return the remaining mixture to the bowl for later use.

When ready, pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using a lightly oiled spatula for spreading evenly into the pan. Dust the top with enough of the remaining sugar and cornstarch mixture to lightly cover. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut into 1-inch squares using a pizza wheel dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining mixture, using additional if necessary. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

For miniature marshmallows:

Combine the confectioners' sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Line 4 half sheet pans with parchment paper, spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray and dust with the confectioners' sugar mixture.

Scoop the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round piping tip. Pipe the mixture onto the prepared sheet pans lengthwise, leaving about 1-inch between each strip. Sprinkle the tops with enough of the remaining cornstarch and sugar mixture to lightly cover. Let the strips set for 4 hours or up to overnight.

Cut into 1/2 inch pieces using a pizza wheel or scissors dusted with the confectioners' sugar mixture. Once cut, lightly dust all sides of each marshmallow with the remaining sugar mixture and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Homemade Marshmallows
Laura Bedford, TX 10-26-2009
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Just as I expected
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I felt quite confident using this recipe after reading the reviews and I am quite happy with the results. This is the first... time I have made marshmallows and it was very easy. I was concerned about my mixer going into it, but it did great. I have a classic kitchen aid stand mixer not a professional one like most tv chefs. It got quite warm by the time it was done, but it didn't seem to struggle or make any weird noises. I did vary a couple things. I omitted the cornstarch and only used powdered sugar which worked great. I also added two teaspoons of vanilla. I noticed that this recipe is the same as Ina's recipe for toasted coconut marshmallows except for the amount of vanilla added (and obviously the coconut). Alton calls for one teaspoon and Ina calls for one Tablespoon of vanilla. I decided to split the difference, but if I was making them just for eating I might use one to one and a half teaspoons. I didn't have any problems with the marshmallow mixture getting all over. To that end I suggest you use a greased spatula to get the mixture into the pan and then spray your hands and pat the marshmallows into the pan. These are great with hot cocoa and my kids loved cutting them into shapes. I am very pleased with how easy this was and how well it turned out. Read more
recipe Homemade Marshmallows
Freddie Mt. Pleasant, SC 10-13-2009
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A fantastic starting point for MAGICAL treats!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

All of these reviews are dead on when they say how easy this is! Here are some tips I can offer as a truly novice cook, after... I made this recipe twice: -That smell when you pour the syrup into the gelatin mixture isn't your mixer... the terrible stink is the natural scent of gelatin. It will subside after a few minutes. -If you're going to add food coloring, do it earlier on while its mixing... it will take on a strange consistency if you do it later. -Use your hands! The spatula Alton uses on the show is incredibly helpful for getting the fluff out of the bowl and into your pan, but is less than sub-par at flattening it into your pan of choice. Seriously, spray your hands with your spray and grab some of your dusting mixture. Be generous, and you'll get your fluff more flat to give you a beautiful finish. -Add some flavor! Cinnamon marshmallows are delicious in coffee! Kids LOVE root-beer flavored mallows. I like to use a few drops of red food coloring and raspberry extract for a sweet treat. -Cookie cutters! I spread my mix out onto a cookie sheet with a 1/2 in. raise to set up. Then I let my little friends use cookie cutters to make shaped mallows. These cute little shapes make the BEST gift when you put them into a mason jar. Tie an ribbon around it and you've got a SUPER CHEAP heart-felt gift for any occasion. (I like mallows when I'm sick or sad...) -Add candy. I think red hots and cinnamon would be fun. I like to toss in a 1/2 bag of Andes Mints pieces (next to the chocolate chips in the baking isle) about 20 seconds before I'm done mixing. My next venture will be to add toasted coconut flakes. AMOR! -Dip them. Chocolate, white chocolate... YUMMY! I dip 1/2 of my square mallows in chocolate after they're cut. What a special touch.Read more
recipe Homemade Marshmallows
Melissa Brooklyn, NY 10-11-2009
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Really Magic, really yummy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I love this recipe! and the only part i found messy was the powdered sugar, but only b/c i couldn't control it as i tried to... evenly cover the marshmallow. Read more
recipe Homemade Marshmallows
K Las Vegas, NV 10-11-2009
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I did it.
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was easy. I was a little worried when I had to get a candy thermometer, but, SO EASY. I read some reviews and they... calmed me. I was so happy. I put the mallow in a big ziplock bag and piped out my needs. I made a skull ,bows and bones, I had enough to even make big mallows. It was a big hit. I was able to put it in the freezer. They were good. I wish I could up load a picture to show you the cake. Thanks Alton. KByersRead more
recipe Homemade Marshmallows
Rose Stuttgart, AK 07-23-2009
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Super messy, but YUM
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've made marshmallows before, but the recipes always asked for egg whites, which I always find a hassle, because then I have... to find a use for the yolk. When I saw this recipe I jumped on the idea that I wouldn't have to worry about eggs. At first I was a little concerned about weither or not the lack of egg white would cut down on the volume or "fluffyness". After making it, I found out that quantity was no problem, and, yes, they were a little more dense than the average marshmallow or some of the other "egg white" recipes, but it made up for it entirely with flavor and quality. I was also worried about my beater breaking, considering I've already worked my way through 4 not so great quality hand mixers, I was worried that this recipe would be the one to break my first ever stand up, but she held out strong. Her engine was a little hot, but she worked like a dream. The yield was ASTOUNDING though. I laid out 6 strips for mini marshmallows and still filled up an entire Mason jar with the cream and had plenty to lick of my fingers. Now I need to find recipes that use marshmallow cream! XD Super, super, messy and STICKY, but very fun to work with. Clean up is actually pretty easy, warm water wipe down and a change of clothes for me and everything cleans itself. I also recommend this recipe for anyone who has older children. It may not be too great for kids under 8, but 8-15 year olds will get a kick out of the sweet sticky gunk. Especially if you offer to dye it some wierd color or give it wierd extra flavors. The sky's the limit with how much fun you can have with this recipe! Read more
recipe Homemade Marshmallows
Mike West Fargo, ND 06-28-2009
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messy but tasty
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made these once last winter. I thought my KitchenAid mixer was going to explode. IT didn't sound too good. But it all... turned out fine. They are very messy, but just soaking in warm water and the sticky stuff dissolves. I'll probably make them again next winter as it gets cold here in North Dakota and they add a nice touch to my hot chocolate.Read more