If you’ve only ever had store-bought marshmallows, you’re in for a treat. This quick & tasty marshmallow recipe makes soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows right at home—with simple ingredients and surprisingly little effort. They’re perfect for hot chocolate, s’mores, baking, or just snacking.
This recipe is suitable for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Recipe
Light, fluffy, and pillowy
Much better flavor than store-bought
No baking required
Customizable flavors and colors
Perfect for desserts and drinks
🧾 Ingredients (Makes about 24 marshmallows)
3 packets (about 21 g) unflavored gelatin
1 cup cold water (divided)
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar + cornstarch (for dusting)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper
Lightly grease
Dust with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch
2️⃣ Bloom the Gelatin
In a large mixing bowl, combine gelatin with ½ cup cold water
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to bloom
3️⃣ Make the Sugar Syrup
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and remaining ½ cup water
Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves
Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3–4 minutes
4️⃣ Whip Until Fluffy
Slowly pour hot syrup into bloomed gelatin
Beat with a mixer on low, then high
Whip for 8–10 minutes until thick, white, and fluffy
Add vanilla near the end
5️⃣ Set the Marshmallows
Pour mixture into prepared pan
Smooth the top
Let set at room temperature for 4–6 hours
6️⃣ Cut and Dust
Turn out onto a cutting board
Cut into squares using a greased knife
Dust all sides with powdered sugar mixture
🍫 Fun Variations
Chocolate marshmallows: Add cocoa powder while whipping
Peppermint: Replace vanilla with peppermint extract
Berry: Swirl in fruit powder
Toasted coconut: Roll edges in coconut flakes
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping gelatin blooming
Not whipping long enough
Using a wet knife to cut
Storing without dusting (they’ll stick!)
🫙 Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container
Keep at room temperature
Best enjoyed within 2 weeks
🌟 Final Thoughts
This quick & tasty marshmallow recipe proves that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated. Soft, fluffy, and full of flavor, these marshmallows will quickly become a favorite for drinks, desserts, and gifting.