Feeling the joy of making Easy Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows, perfect for adding a festive twist to your hot chocolate or gifting to loved ones. This recipe merges the timeless flavour of peppermint with the airy goodness of marshmallows, promising a culinary adventure that’s both enjoyable and delightful to devour.
Why Homemade Marshmallows?
A Personal Touch to Your Treats
Making homemade marshmallows is like embarking on a kitchen adventure. Unlike store-bought ones, these fluffy delights offer a customizable experience in both flavour and shape, adding a personal touch to your creations.
Luxurious Upgrade from Store-Bought
Aside from tasting better, homemade marshmallows boast purity in flavour and texture. Free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, they offer a tender yet chewy texture that elevates any recipe calling for marshmallows.
Essential Tools and Ingredients
Tools for Success
Equip yourself with essentials like an 8×8 pan, parchment paper, a medium pot, a candy thermometer, and a whisk attachment. These tools ensure precision and ease in marshmallow making.
Simple Ingredients, Delicious Results
Each ingredient, from unflavored gelatin and granulated sugar to peppermint extract and red food colouring, is crucial in creating these festive treats. Customize them further with crushed candy canes for that extra holiday touch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marshmallows
Preparing Your Pan and Gelatin Mixture
Start by lining your pan with parchment paper and preparing the gelatin mixture. This step ensures seamless marshmallow removal and sets the foundation for the perfect texture.
Cooking the Sugar Syrup to Perfection
Master the art of cooking the sugar syrup to the right temperature. Use a candy thermometer to achieve the soft-ball candy stage, a crucial step for fluffy marshmallows.
The Whipping Process
Whip the sugar syrup into the gelatin mixture until stiff peaks form. This aeration process is what gives marshmallows their iconic fluffiness.
Adding Color and Flavour
Infuse your marshmallows with peppermint flavour and a festive red swirl. The marbling technique adds both flavour and visual appeal to your creations.
Cutting and Storing Your Marshmallows
Once set, cut your marshmallows into uniform pieces using a sharp knife and a dusting of powdered sugar. Store them in an airtight container for freshness.
Get Creative with Variations and Serving Ideas
Explore Different Flavours and Colors
Experiment with various flavour extracts and colours to create marshmallows for every occasion. From classic vanilla to rich cocoa, the possibilities are endless.
Beyond Hot Cocoa: Versatile Serving Options
While perfect for topping hot cocoa, these marshmallows shine in various desserts or as standalone treats. Get creative and explore different serving ideas to enjoy them to the fullest.
Recipe: Easy Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 broken candy canes
- 1 drop peppermint candy flavouring or 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
- 4 drops red gel Americolor Food Coloring
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bloom gelatin in 1/2 cup of cold water.
- In a saucepan, melt granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, candy canes, and 1/2 cup water. Boil until the syrup reaches 220°F.
- Slowly pour the syrup into the softened gelatin while beating at low speed, then increase to high speed and beat until fluffy.
- Add peppermint extract and beat briefly.
- Dye a portion of the mixture with red food colouring and marin it into the white mixture.
- Pour into the prepared pan and let it set for 8 hours.
- Cut into squares, toss in powdered sugar, and store in an airtight container.
To cut:
- Dust the cutting board with about 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
- Place the remaining powdered sugar in a small bowl.
- Remove marshmallows and cut with a sharp knife
- Toss marshmallows in the sugar.
Notes
If your marshmallow mixture doesn’t smoothly spread, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
This easy homemade peppermint marshmallow recipe brings the essence of the holidays into your kitchen. With just a few simple tools and ingredients, you can create a batch of marshmallows that are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Making marshmallows is a joyous activity, perfect for the holiday season. Share your homemade creations with friends and family, or wrap them up as charming gifts. Enjoy the process and the delightful results of your homemade peppermint marshmallows.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use natural sweeteners instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor of the marshmallows.
How long do homemade marshmallows last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade marshmallows can last up to 5 days, maintaining their freshness and texture.
Can I skip the peppermint flavoring for plain marshmallows?
Absolutely! Feel free to omit the peppermint flavoring for classic homemade marshmallows that are versatile for any occasion.
What can I use instead of a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer ensures precise temperature control, you can use the cold water test method to determine the syrup stage for your marshmallows.
Can I freeze homemade marshmallows?
It’s not recommended to freeze marshmallows as they can become too hard and lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best to store them at room temperature for optimal freshness.