Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping up your own sweet, pillowy treats at home, you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe. I absolutely love how these marshmallows turn out: soft, cloud-like, and bursting with just the right amount of vanilla goodness. Whether you’re planning a cozy night with hot cocoa or just want to impress your friends with a homemade delight, this recipe will be your new go-to. Trust me, once you try making marshmallows from scratch, store-bought ones will never quite hit the same.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s especially great about this Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe is that the ingredients are straightforward but combine to create magic. Every item plays a key role in giving you that soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Unflavored gelatin: This is what gives marshmallows their classic bouncy texture; make sure it’s unflavored and fresh for best results.
• Water: Room temperature water helps dissolve the gelatin and dissolve your sugar mixture properly.
• Granulated sugar: The main sweetener adds that essential sweetness and structure.
• Light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth, glossy finish.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a rich, warm flavor that’s classic and comforting.
• Powdered sugar: Used generously to dust your marshmallows so they don’t stick together.

Variations

I like to think of this Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe as a blank canvas. Once you master the basics, feel free to get creative! The base is perfect for adding flavors, colors, or even a little extra crunch.

• Chocolate Marshmallows: When I first tried adding melted chocolate before the final beat, it added such an indulgent twist that my family couldn’t get enough.
• Fruit-Flavored: Try swapping vanilla extract for fruit extracts like raspberry or lemon for a fun summer treat.
• Spiced Marshmallows: A dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice right before pouring into the pan is unbeatable during the holidays.
• Vegan Variation: While this recipe uses gelatin, I’ve heard great things about agar-agar as a plant-based alternative, though it may require some trial and error.

How to Make Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Bloom Your Gelatin

Start by combining the unflavored gelatin with half of the room temperature water in your stand mixer’s bowl fitted with the whisk attachment. You’ll want to let this sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare your sugar syrup. This “blooming” step is critical—it hydrates the gelatin and is what helps set your marshmallows with that iconic fluffy texture.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, kosher salt, and the remaining half cup of water. Stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves—this usually takes just a few minutes. Then, crank the heat up to medium-high and let it bubble away without stirring. You want to keep an eye on your candy thermometer and wait until it hits exactly 240°F. This is the “soft-ball” stage that’s critical for marshmallow success.

Step 3: Whip It Up

With your mixer running on low, carefully pour the hot sugar syrup into the gelatin mixture. This part is a little nerve-wracking, but take your time pouring slowly so it combines smoothly. Once all the syrup is in, crank the speed to high and whip away for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice the batter become thick and glossy—a sign that you’re on track. Your arm might get tired if you’re hand mixing, so I highly recommend a stand mixer for this step!

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Pour

Once thickened, add the vanilla extract and give it a final mix, scraping down the sides to make sure everything is evenly combined. Then dust a 9×13 baking dish generously with powdered sugar — this will help prevent sticking. Pour your marshmallow mixture straight into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a lightly oiled spatula if needed, and sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on top.

Step 5: Let Them Set

This is the hardest part: letting the marshmallows rest uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours or overnight. Patience pays off here because this wait gives them time to firm up into those fluffy, soft pillows you’re craving.

Step 6: Cut and Toss in Powdered Sugar

When your marshmallows are set, invert the pan onto a cutting board to release the slab. Dust with a bit more powdered sugar to keep things from sticking because these are delightfully sticky inside. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and toss the pieces in extra powdered sugar. Store them airtight at room temperature—you’ll want them soft and fresh.

How to Serve Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar or even a dusting of cocoa powder on top when serving homemade marshmallows. Sometimes, I’ll roll them in crushed freeze-dried strawberries or shredded coconut for extra flair. Adding a drizzle of melted chocolate just before serving also makes for a decadent treat.

Side Dishes

Pair these fluffy marshmallows with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or use them to top a bowl of warm apple cider. For an after-dinner dessert, they’re fantastic toasted over a fire or broiled in your oven and sandwiched between graham crackers for classic s’mores.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve tried shaping these marshmallows with cookie cutters to make stars or hearts—such a crowd-pleaser! Another fun idea is threading marshmallow pieces onto skewers with fruit and chocolate for a fun fondue-style dessert. I even package them in cute jars tied with ribbon as homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature, dusting them again with powdered sugar if they seem sticky. They stay soft and fresh for about 1 to 2 weeks like this. Avoid refrigeration because it can dry them out and ruin that fluffiness we love.

Freezing

I haven’t had great luck freezing homemade marshmallows because ice crystals tend to form and affect their texture. For best results, I recommend enjoying them fresh or within a couple weeks of making.

Reheating

If your marshmallows get a little firm, a quick zap in the microwave for 5-10 seconds can help soften them up. Just be careful not to overheat—marshmallows melt fast! I find that room temperature storage and eating within a week gives me the best texture every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about making Homemade Fluffy Marshmallows Recipe from scratch—it’s more than just dessert, it’s a little kitchen adventure. I love sharing these homemade treats because they carry that personal touch and fresh softness you just can’t get from a package. Try this recipe with a friend or family member, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple, fun, and downright delicious homemade marshmallows can be. Give it a go – your sweet tooth will thank you!

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