Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that perfectly combines a classic marshmallow fluff with a refreshing hint of wintery peppermint, you’re going to adore my Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe. I absolutely love how these fluffy, minty squares turn out — soft, chewy, and with just the right pop of peppermint that feels festive and fun. Whether you’re making them to gift, serve at a party, or simply indulge yourself, this recipe is straightforward and totally worth the wait. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to nail these to perfection!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice the ingredients list combines simple pantry staples with some special touches that help create that perfect peppermint marshmallow magic. I highly recommend using pure peppermint extract (not regular mint!) and real gelatin—you’ll thank me later. Also, if you grab some candy canes to crush, it adds a delightful texture and sparkle, but that’s totally optional.

• Unflavored Gelatin: This is the base that gives your marshmallows that airy but firm texture—never skip it!
• Light Corn Syrup: It prevents sugar crystallization, keeping your marshmallows smooth and chewy; if you prefer, honey can be a substitute but affects flavor.
• White Sugar: For that classic sweet base that everyone expects.
• Peppermint Extract: Essential for the signature flavor—make sure it’s peppermint, not just mint.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm depth that balances the mint nicely.
• Crushed Candy Canes (Optional): Gives pretty flecks and a crunchy surprise inside each square.
• Red Gel Food Coloring (Optional): Swirled in for festive looks without overpowering the flavor.
• Cornstarch and Confectioners’ Sugar: A combined dusting that prevents stickiness and helps with neat cutting and storage.

Variations

This Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe is a fantastic base for creativity, and I often like to mix it up depending on the occasion or my mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Chocolate Peppermint: Adding mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate complements the peppermint beautifully—I tried it last winter and my family went crazy for it.
• Vegan Adaptation: While this classic uses gelatin, you can experiment with agar-agar as a substitute, though texture might shift slightly—I’ve heard some friends have success with this swap.
• Colorful Swirls: Besides red, I love playing with pastel blues or greens to make these squares pop on holiday dessert tables.
• Nutty Crunch: Tossing in finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios lends a lovely texture contrast and nutty depth I’ve come to appreciate.

How to Make Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Gelatin

Start by lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with plastic wrap and spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. I learned this little extra step prevents sticking like a charm, and it makes clean-up way easier. Meanwhile, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ½ cup of water in your stand mixer bowl to let it soften—this soaking helps it bloom properly, which is key for that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Boil Your Sugar Mixture

Combine the remaining ¼ cup water, light corn syrup, and white sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a rolling boil and let it boil hard for exactly one minute—this timing is crucial to get your marshmallows setting properly without becoming gritty. Once done, carefully pour the hot syrup into your gelatin mixture and prepare for the fun part!

Step 3: Whip to Fluffy Perfection

Using the whisk attachment, beat the combined mixture on high speed for 12 minutes. At first, it looks like sweet syrup, but soon it transforms into this beautiful fluffy cloud that holds stiff peaks. This step might seem long, but trust me, it’s worth the wait—the longer you whip, the better the texture. Then, add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, and fold in crushed candy canes if you want that delightful crunch and sparkle.

Step 4: Spread, Swirl, and Set

Pour the marshmallow fluff into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a greased spatula. Here’s a fun trick I discovered: drop 9 to 12 drops of red gel food coloring on top, then swirl it around with an oiled butter knife or chopstick to create festive, beautiful patterns. Cover with another sprayed piece of plastic wrap pressed lightly on top. Let it rest for at least 4 hours or overnight—I like to make this in the evening so it’s perfectly set by morning.

Step 5: Cut and Coat Your Squares

Combine cornstarch and confectioners’ sugar in a shallow dish for coating. Use oiled scissors or a kitchen knife to cut the set marshmallow slab into 1-inch squares—this keeps them neat and tidy without sticking. Then, dredge each square lightly in the cornstarch mixture. This step prevents your squares from sticking together and adds a delicate finish that feels irresistible.

How to Serve Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting a little extra crushed candy cane or a sprinkle of edible glitter on top right before serving—it adds sparkle and a pop of color that’s both festive and inviting. Sometimes, I also like a light drizzle of dark chocolate just to balance the sweet peppermint with a slight bitterness.

Side Dishes

These squares make a delightful companion to a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha. For holiday gatherings, I pair them with gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts to create an indulgent dessert spread that everyone raves about.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange my peppermint marshmallow squares in festive tins layered with wax paper. You can also stack them in a glass jar tied with a bright ribbon for charming edible gifts. Another fun idea: stick a square on the rim of a holiday cocktail glass as a sweet garnish that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, dusting the marshmallows again with a bit of cornstarch mixture if they start sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy them slowly without any hassle.

Freezing

If I want to store them longer, I freeze marshmallow squares separated by parchment paper in freezer-safe containers. When thawed at room temperature, they maintain their texture surprisingly well—just avoid refreezing to prevent dryness.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat marshmallows since they’re best fresh or at room temp, but if you want them softer, a quick 5-second microwave zap wrapped in a damp paper towel works wonders. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with a melted mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Marshmallow Squares Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not only a sweet treat but also a way to bring people together during the holidays and beyond. I remember the first time I made these—with a few trial runs and tweaks—and how my whole family descended on the kitchen, eager for a taste. Now, it’s a staple whenever I want to impress without fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy every fluffy, minty bite as much as I do. Happy marshmallow making!

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