This Easy Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Recipe is easier to make than you think and will totally transform your cup of hot chocolate! If you think store-bought marshmallows are yummy, you won’t believe how delicious this homemade version is! You can serve them plain or jazz them up with a drizzle of melted chocolate and peppermint pieces!
Why You’ll Love…
You’ll love how easy it is to make these homemade marshmallows! The soft peaks of the gooey marshmallow are so beautiful and perfect for hot chocolate season! This recipe is perfect for cutting into squares, or piping onto any holiday desserts! With the holiday season here, you can get festive by using holiday cookie cutters and topping the marshmallow with a few holiday sprinkles before they set up! These would be the perfect take home gift after a holiday party! Wrap in a little plastic wrap and pop in a bag with a packet of hot chocolate and you have the cutest take home gift!
Substitutions and Additions:
Nothing beats a fresh plain marshmallow, but here are a few other ways to spice up these marshmallows!
As Pictured: I like to add a drizzle of melted chocolate and a few peppermint pieces to the top of the marshmallows! It’s the perfect little topper for any hot chocolate sipping this season!
Vanilla Bean Paste: If you want those perfect flecks of vanilla throughout and make these true homemade vanilla bean marshmallows, sub out vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste! You can find this at most grocery stores or online!
Add a flavoring: You can add in swirls of matcha powder, melted chocolate, or even crushed up freeze-dried fruit! You can experiment with different extracts as well!
If you’re looking for some more holiday recipes, I have all my favorite seasonal cookie recipes linked here for you!
Equipment Needed:
Candy Thermometer – The sugar mixture in this recipe needs to get to 240 degrees before adding it to the gelatin mixture! I find that it’s easiest to use a digital thermometer or a candy thermometer to make sure you’re at the right temperature!
Nonstick Saucepan – I like to melt the sugar mixture together in a nonstick saucepan which helps with clean up later because the sugar mixture can get pretty sticky after it sets!
Stand Mixer – Because the marshmallow mixture needs to whip together for about 10-12 minutes, I like to add everything to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment! If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or electric mixer! I recommend starting the mixer on low speed and then working up to a high speed since the sugar mixture is very hot!
Square Pan – Depending on how thick you want your marshmallows to be, depends on the type of pan you use! I like nice and thick marshmallows, so I like to use an 8×8 square pan! IF you want to make a lot of marshmallows, you can use a 9×13 rectangular pan! Just know the marshmallows will be thinner!
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Ingredient List:
See Recipe Card for Full Details
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in gelatin, vanilla extract, and some of the water. Let the gelatin bloom.
Step 2. In a nonstick saucepan, add in the remaining water, corn syrup, and sugar. Let the mixture bubble over medium heat until it comes to the temperature of 240 degrees F.
Step 3: Then slowly pour the hot sugar syrup mixture into the gelatin mixture. Whip on high for about 10-12 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy!
Step 4. Then pour into a square pan that’s been lined with nonstick spray and powdered sugar.
Storage Instructions:
Store these marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
I like to keep some nonstick spray on hand whenever I’m working with the marshmallow mixture! It always helps to add a little cooking spray to the spatula so the marshmallow mixture won’t stick to the top!
These Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows are the perfect treat to top off your hot cocoa this holiday season! Making homemade marshmallows is even easier than you think and ten times better than any store-bought marshmallows! Take your hot chocolate experience to the next level this winter with these marshmallows!
Cheers!
-Holly Michelle
Easy Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallow Recipe
Equipment
- Candy Thermometer
- Stand Mixer
- Square Pan
- Nonstick Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 packets of Gelatin
- 3/4 cup Water divided
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Powdered Sugar for dusting
- Nonstick Spray or Butter for the pan
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1/2 cup water, vanilla, and gelatin. Let bloom for ten minutes.2 packets of Gelatin, 3/4 cup Water, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add 1/4 cup water, sugar, and corn syrup. Let dissolve and boil until it reaches a temperature of 240 degrees.1 cup Sugar, 1/2 cup Corn Syrup, 3/4 cup Water
- Then slowly drizzle the sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture while the stand mixer is on low
- Then increase the speed of the stand mixer to medium high for about 10-12 minutes, until the marshmallow mixture is light and fluffy.
- In the meantime, grease a square pan with spray and sprinkle in powdered sugar. Make sure to get all the sides as well.Powdered Sugar, Nonstick Spray or Butter
- Then pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan and lightly dust with powdered sugar on the top. Let set for an hour.
- Cut the marshmallows into square and lightly dust the edges with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
