Homemade Marshmallows

Making homemade marshmallows has been on my baking bucket list for a long time and this past weekend I finally decided to give them a try.

Now you are probably thinking why spend the time making marshmallows [as many of my friends questioned haha], but the process is really rather simple as long as you have the right tools.  No store bought mallows can stand up to this rich, light and fluffy homemade version thats for sure!  

Homemade Marshmallows
{Yield: 4 dozen 1 1/2" squares}

3 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
1 cup cool water, divided
1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
powdered sugar (to sprinkle on top of marshmallows)

Start by combining the gelatin and 1/2 cup of cool water in a stand up mixer with the whisk attachement, mix to combine and then set aside.

Combine the sugar, corn syrup, Kosher salt and 1/2 cup of cool water in a small, deep sauce pan and place over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.  Then raise the heat to high and cook without stirring until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer, then remove from the stove.

With the mixer set on a low speed, slowly add the syrup to the softened gelatin.  Once all of the syrup has been added, adjust the speed to high and whip until the mixture is fluffy, thick and cooled to a lukewarm temperature.  Depending on the mixer this process could take between 3 to 10 minutes.  It took me about 5 minute to reach lukewarm.  Then add the tablespoon of vanilla extract to the marshmallow and mix again until combined.

The mixture should be cool enough that you can touch it with you fingers without them burning.  Spread the marshmallow mixture into a well greased 13x9 inch pan and using wet fingers or a spatula to flatten.

Sprinkle the powered sugar over the top of the marshmallow and allow it to sit uncovered for 4 hours or overnight before cutting or using cookie cutters.

To cut, wet your knife or cookie cutters as it will help keep the marshmallows from sticking during this process.  Once cut, lightly roll the individual marshmallows in powdered sugar and dust off the excess.

Enjoy these homemade marshmallows in a cup of hot chocolate, dip them in chocolate and sprinkle crushed canes on top or just snack on them alone because they are that good!

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