Heavenly Peppermint Marshmallows 5 Steps to Blissful Treats

There’s a magic that fills the air during the holiday season, isn’t there? The scent of fresh pine, the twinkling lights, and the delicious smell of baked goods wafting from the kitchen all blend together to create a cozy atmosphere. One of my fondest memories is spending lazy winter afternoons with my family, whipping up batches of homemade peppermint marshmallows. These fluffy, sweet delights are perfect for hot cocoa, snacking, or just savoring as they dissolve in your mouth. Whenever I take a bite of one, I’m instantly transported back to those warm kitchen moments filled with laughter and joy. Today, let me share my favorite recipe for peppermint marshmallows with you. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to make these heavenly treats part of your holiday traditions, too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make, even if you’re new to candy-making!
• Perfect for cozying up with hot chocolate or coffee.
• Customizable flavors and super fun to make with kids.
• Lovely gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
• Can be stored for weeks, so you can enjoy them all season long!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious peppermint marshmallows. Gather these ingredients and let’s get started!

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup (don’t skip this, it helps with the texture!)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (about three packets)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (for that refreshing zing!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Red food coloring (optional, but it makes everything festive!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be munching on fluffy clouds of peppermint goodness in no time!

1. Prepare your pan: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with a little vegetable oil or cooking spray. Dust the bottom and sides with a generous layer of powdered sugar. This will prevent the marshmallows from sticking later.
2. Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the cold water and gelatin, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This is called “blooming,” and it ensures that your marshmallows have that light, fluffy texture we all love.
3. Make the sugar syrup: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil. You want to bring it to 240°F (use a candy thermometer!), which takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it!
4. Combine and beat: Once the sugar mixture hits 240°F, immediately remove it from the heat. Carefully whisk in the bloomed gelatin mixture until fully dissolved. Then, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the mixture on high for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes thick, glossy, and fluffy. Add in the vanilla, peppermint extract, salt, and, if you like, a few drops of red food coloring for that festive look. (A little goes a long way!)
5. Set the mixture: Pour the marshmallow mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Dust with more powdered sugar. Let it sit uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long—trust me, it’s worth it!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the classic peppermint marshmallow, why not have a little fun with it? Here are some playful twists and tips:

• Different Flavors: Swap out the peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla bean, orange zest, or even almond for a unique spin!
• Add Sprinkles: Before letting the marshmallows set, sprinkle in mini chocolate chips or holiday-themed sprinkles for extra fun.
• Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows: Melt some chocolate and dip the cooled marshmallows for a decadent treat. You can also roll them in crushed candy canes for a festive crunch!
• Vegan Option: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and follow similar steps for a vegan version. Just be sure to use a bit more liquid to achieve the right consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s get to the fun part. How do you enjoy these lovely marshmallows? Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:

• Hot Cocoa Helper: Drop a few of these marshmallows into a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The melting marshmallows create a wonderfully creamy texture that’s pure bliss.
• Sweet Snacks: Enjoy them straight from the pan (no judgment here!) or try them in s’mores. They add a delightful peppermint twist!
• Gifts from the Heart: Package them in cute little bags tied with ribbon to give to friends and family. Everybody loves a sweet homemade treat!

Imagine serving these fluffy treats alongside coffee during a holiday gathering. They’re lovely to look at and simply irresistible when paired with that warm beverage.

Storage Tips

Hopefully, you won’t have too many leftover marshmallows, but just in case, here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Keep your peppermint marshmallows stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them around longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Reviving Staleness: If they do start to get a little stale, you can revive them by placing them in a microwave for just a couple of seconds to bring back that soft, fluffy texture!

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?

While flavored gelatin could work for a fun twist, it will alter the final texture and flavor. Stick with unflavored for the best results!

Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?

Using a candy thermometer ensures that your sugar syrup reaches just the right temperature for perfect marshmallows. If you don’t have one, you can try the soft-ball test: drop a bit of syrup into cold water, and if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready!

What if my marshmallows won’t set?

If your marshmallows are still too sticky after the recommended cooling time, it may be that the sugar didn’t reach the right temperature. Make sure to double-check that thermometer next time!

Can I use this recipe for different holidays?

Absolutely! Adjust the flavor extracts and colors to fit any season. Think pumpkin spice for autumn or lemon for summer. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

There you have it—my go-to recipe for peppermint marshmallows that will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with joy. I’d love to hear how your marshmallows turn out, so don’t hesitate to comment below! Whether you’re snuggling up with a cozy drink or sharing with loved ones, these marshmallows are sure to bring a smile. Happy cooking, and enjoy every fluffy bite!

Heavenly Peppermint Marshmallows 5 Steps to Blissful Treats

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 marshmallows 1x

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Description

Create delightful peppermint marshmallows in 5 easy steps Indulge in heavenly treats that are perfect for any occasion Enjoy this sweet recipe

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup cold water

3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Red food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare your pan: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with a little vegetable oil or cooking spray. Dust the bottom and sides with a generous layer of powdered sugar.

Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, combine the cold water and gelatin, letting it sit for about 5 minutes.

Make the sugar syrup: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let it boil until it reaches 240°F.

Combine and beat: Once the sugar mixture hits 240°F, remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Pour into a mixing bowl and beat on high for 10-15 minutes until thick and glossy. Add vanilla, peppermint extract, salt, and optional coloring.

Set the mixture: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Dust with more powdered sugar and let sit uncovered for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Notes

Delicious homemade peppermint marshmallows, perfect for hot cocoa, snacking, or gifting during the holiday season.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24 marshmallows
• Calories: 100 calories
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

Keywords: marshmallows, peppermint, dessert, candy, holiday treats