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Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows Recipe


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4.3 from 61 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 36 marshmallows

Description

These Homemade Peppermint Swirl Marshmallows are soft, fluffy, and infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect as a delightful topping for hot cocoa or for making festive s’mores, these marshmallows feature a whimsical red swirl that adds a pop of color and holiday cheer. They make wonderful edible gifts for friends, neighbors, and teachers during the holiday season or any time you want a special sweet treat.


Ingredients

Main 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

Coating

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch square pan with plastic wrap and spray the plastic wrap with cooking spray. Also spray a rubber spatula with cooking spray for later use.
  2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, stir all the powdered gelatin into 1/2 cup of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the gelatin forms a firm lump. Transfer this to a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment.
  3. Make Sugar Syrup: Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of water, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt in a medium heavy-duty saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and bring to a boil. Cook until it reaches 235-240°F on a candy thermometer.
  4. Mix Syrup with Gelatin: With the mixer running at medium speed, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over the gelatin over 1-2 minutes. Then increase mixer speed to high and beat for 10 minutes until the mixture is fluffy, thick, and has doubled in volume. Add vanilla and peppermint extracts in the last minute of mixing.
  5. Pour Mixture into Pan: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan, using the sprayed rubber spatula to scrape out and smooth the top evenly into the corners.
  6. Create Peppermint Swirl: Drop dots of red gel food coloring onto the surface of the marshmallow mixture. Immediately swirl the color in with a knife or toothpick before the marshmallows begin to set.
  7. Apply Coating: Whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch in a bowl. Sift 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture over the top of the marshmallows to help set the surface.
  8. Set the Marshmallows: Allow the marshmallows to rest uncovered for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to fully set.
  9. Cut into Pieces: Turn the marshmallow out onto a clean surface, peel off the plastic wrap and dust generously with the powdered sugar-cornstarch mixture. Spray a pizza cutter or kitchen scissors with cooking spray and cut the marshmallow slab into 6 columns and 6 rows to make 36 large marshmallows. Dust again with the coating to prevent sticking.
  10. Store and Serve: Shake off excess powder using a fine mesh sieve. Store marshmallows in an airtight container. Enjoy as a festive sweet treat or gift!

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise sugar syrup temperature to ensure perfect marshmallow texture.
  • Baking spray on utensils prevents sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging.
  • Adjust peppermint extract amount based on preferred strength of peppermint flavor.
  • Let marshmallows set fully for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
  • For fun variation, try swirling in other food coloring colors to match different themes.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American