Name: Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup water, divided; 3 (0.25-ounce) packages unflavored powdered gelatin (2 ½ tablespoons); 2 cups granulated sugar (400g); 3/4 cup light corn syrup; Pinch of salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (up to 1 teaspoon for stronger flavor); Red gel food coloring; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 61 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a pillowy, minty treat that feels like a snowy cloud melting in your mouth, then this Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe is your new best friend. These marshmallows combine the nostalgic fluffiness we adore with a vibrant peppermint twist that swirls through each bite, making them perfect for cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa or gifting during the holidays. Not only are they delicious, but they also invite a hands-on, joyful kitchen adventure that results in a truly show-stopping dessert you’ll be proud to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small containers arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a large clear glass bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Above it is a small white bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, and to the right is another small white bowl with a fluffy white powder. To the upper right is a metal measuring cup with a clear liquid inside. On the lower right is a small wooden bowl holding a pinch of white salt. On the left side, near the sugar, is a small glass cup containing a dark brown liquid, and next to that is a small black bottle with a red cap. The scene has strong natural lighting that highlights the different white powders and liquids, with soft shadows around the containers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from achieving that perfect fluffy texture to bringing the peppermint flavor to life and adding a festive red swirl that brightens up every bite.

3/4 cup water, divided: Essential for blooming gelatin and dissolving sugars, ensuring a smooth marshmallow base.
3 (.25-ounce) packages unflavored powdered gelatin (2 ½ tablespoons): The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow texture.
2 cups granulated sugar (400g): Sweetens the marshmallows while creating the right syrup consistency for fluffiness.
3/4 cup light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization and adds a glossy finish to your marshmallows.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the peppermint.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (up to 1 teaspoon for a stronger peppermint flavor): Gives the marshmallows their signature refreshing minty kick.
Red gel food coloring: Creates the bright, festive swirls that make these marshmallows visually stunning.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Keeps marshmallows from sticking after they set.
1/4 cup cornstarch: Combined with powdered sugar to create a perfect dusting mixture for cutting and storing.

How to Make Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bloom the Gelatin

Start by lining a 9×9-inch pan with plastic wrap and spraying it with cooking spray—this is key to an easy marshmallow removal later. Next, mix the gelatin into half of the water and let it sit for 5 minutes to “bloom,” which means it will absorb the water and become gel-like. This step ensures your marshmallows will achieve that perfect chewiness.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Syrup

While the gelatin blooms, combine the remaining water, sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it reaches 235 to 240°F on a candy thermometer. This careful heating cooks the sugar to the ideal stage, creating the structure needed for marshmallows that are both soft and firm.

Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Sugar Syrup

With your mixer running on medium speed, slowly pour the hot syrup into the blooming gelatin. Once all liquid is added, crank the mixer up to high and whip for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture becoming incredibly fluffy, more than doubling in volume—a crucial moment that transforms the ingredients into heavenly marshmallow fluff. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts in the last minute to fully infuse the flavor.

Step 4: Pour and Create the Peppermint Swirl

Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture into your prepared pan. Then, drop dots of red gel food coloring on top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the marshmallow before it sets. This step is where your marshmallows take on their festive peppermint swirl, turning simple treats into eye-catching delights.

Step 5: Dust and Set

Mix powdered sugar and cornstarch, then sift a small layer over the top of the marshmallow to prevent sticking. Let the pan rest at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the patience. This slow setting process lets your marshmallows firm up just enough to cut clean shapes without losing their soft, marshmallow-y essence.

Step 6: Cut and Coat

Turn the set marshmallow slab onto a clean surface dusted with the powdered sugar mixture. Peel off the plastic wrap and generously dust the top. Using a cooking spray-slicked pizza cutter or scissors, cut the marshmallows into 36 squares. Roll each piece in more of the sugar-cornstarch mix to coat every side, preventing sticky marshmallows from clumping together.

How to Serve Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe

The image shows a pile of soft marshmallows on a white plate with dark speckled dots, placed on a white marbled surface. Each marshmallow is a cube with two main layers: a thick, fluffy white base and a swirled top layer of red and white, creating a marbled texture with streaks and patches of bright red. Some marshmallows sit stacked on the plate while others are scattered around it. In the foreground, two small candy canes with red and white stripes lie flat on the white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, with more marshmallows visible, giving a light and cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes or edible glitter atop your peppermint swirl marshmallows. These garnishes add a lovely crunch and shimmer that make serving them that much more special. They’re an irresistible invitation to indulge.

Side Dishes

Marshmallows are best enjoyed with warm, comforting accompaniments. Try adding them atop hot chocolate or spiced coffee for a melty, minty treat, or serve alongside gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark for a seasonal dessert platter that dazzles both kids and adults alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Package your Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe in cute glass jars tied with ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also skewer them with candy canes to create festive marshmallow pops that are perfect for parties or as sweet stocking stuffers that bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the cornstarch and powdered sugar coating, they stay fresh and non-sticky for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep them away from humid spots to maintain that perfect chew.

Freezing

If you want to save these for later, you can freeze your marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving; they’ll retain their soft texture and peppermint charm beautifully.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary for marshmallows, but if you do want a melty effect, gently warm them in a mug of hot cocoa or toast briefly in a broiler to create a deliciously gooey top—pure magic!

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil?

Yes, regular peppermint extract works perfectly fine. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your taste since some extracts can be more potent than others.

Why do my marshmallows turn out sticky?

Sticky marshmallows usually mean there wasn’t enough starch and powdered sugar dusting or they were stored in a humid environment. Adding extra coating and storing in a dry, airtight container prevents stickiness.

Can I substitute gel food coloring with liquid food coloring?

You can, but gel food coloring is preferred because it doesn’t thin the marshmallow mixture, ensuring those vibrant, sharp peppermint swirls.

How long do Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.

Is it possible to make these marshmallows without a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer helps ensure the perfect syrup temperature, you can attempt it by cooking the syrup until it reaches the “soft-ball” stage (dropping a bit into cold water and checking if it forms a soft ball). However, accuracy improves with a thermometer.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about making marshmallows from scratch, especially when they’re dressed up with peppermint swirls that feel like a celebration in every bite. This Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe offers a delightful way to bring a little extra magic to your kitchen and your taste buds. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or preparing handmade gifts, these marshmallows promise smiles and warm memories. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without homemade marshmallows!