I figured as long as I was making homemade marshmallows for neighbor gifts this year, I might as well make a batch of peppermint swirl ones as well. People need to have options, right? These were a huge hit with my candy cane lovin’ kiddos. And an even bigger hit when we dropped them into mugs of hot chocolate. Feel free to go the extra step of sprinkling some crushed candy cane dust on top for extra sparkle and crunch. Also, you have to try making peppermint chocolate s’mores by using chocolate graham crackers, Oreos, or other chocolate wafer-type cookies with a peppermint bark square (or just regular chocolate) and one of these peppermint marshmallows toasted over the fire! It’s seriously next level for all my s’mores loving peeps. If you love all things peppermint, be sure to try our Candy Cane Peppermint Pie, Homemade Peppermint Patties, and Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms next!
Why this Recipe Works
These have the same enticing swirl effect as my Peppermint Macarons that makes them totally irresistible! There are no egg whites in this easy homemade peppermint marshmallow recipe and they are naturally gluten-free, so they are really allergy friendly treats. It’s actually pretty easy to make these as long as you have a candy thermometer (affiliate link) and stand mixer, which do most of the work for you. You can increase or decrease the amount of peppermint extract to your liking. I think ½ a teaspoon is perfect for a mild vanilla peppermint flavor, while doubling the amount gives a solid peppermint flavor without Altoid-strength levels.
Ingredient Notes
Peppermint extract: I have found over the years that each brand of peppermint extract is a little different and we like the McCormick brand the best. Be sure not to get confused and use regular “mint” extract, which is more spearmint (i.e. toothpaste) than peppermint (i.e. candy cane). Powdered gelatin: You’ll need 3 of the small envelopes of unflavored gelatin powder to make a batch of marshmallows. Corn syrup: Yes there are substitutes for corn syrup, but no, I have not tested them. I have no qualms about using light corn syrup in occasional treats and this homemade marshmallow recipe is tried-and-true so I’m not messing around with it at this time. Food coloring: I really recommend red gel food coloring (affiliate link) because of its concentrated pigment. But if you just want to dye the entire batch of marshmallows pink instead of go for a swirl, feel free to use the liquid kind.
How to Make This Recipe
Start by “blooming” you gelatin powder in a bowl of cold water. Just stir the powder in, then let it sit for 5 minutes until it firms up into a gelatinous, rubbery puck. Sounds appealing, I know, but stick with me. Meanwhile, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until you hit 235 to 240°F on a candy thermometer (affiliate link) clipped to the side of the pot. Please note that if you live at high altitudes, you should decrease the target temp by 2 degrees for every 1,000 feet you are above sea level. Dump the lump of gelatin into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, then start whisking at medium speed. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup over the gelatin in a thin stream over about a minute or two until it has all been added, then increase the speed to high and beat for 10 minutes until thick, fluffy, and more than doubled in volume. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts during the last minute of mixing to flavor the marshmallows. Scrape the marshmallow mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish lined with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Use a rubber spatula sprayed with cooking spray to nudge the marshmallow into corners or smooth out the top, if needed. Drop dots of red food coloring onto the top of the marshmallow mixture and immediately swirl it in using a knife or toothpick before the marshmallow has a chance to set up. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch to create a dusting powder, then cover the top of the fresh marshmallow mixture with a couple tablespoons of the dusting powder sifted through a fine mesh sieve. Let the marshmallows rest for 4 hours or overnight to set up completely. Once the ‘mallow mixture is set, flip it out onto a clean surface and peel off the plastic wrap. Dust the exposed sticky side with more of the powdered sugar mixture. The freshly cut marshmallow will want to stick to itself, so just separate them and dip them in some of the excess powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture, dusting more on occasionally as needed. Slice or cut the slab into six columns with a greased pizza cutter or pair of kitchen scissors. Then cut the long strips into 1 ½-inch cubes for 36 marshmallows. Toss them one more time in the dusting powder so they are fully coated, then shake a few at a time in your sieve to knock off excess powder before storing in an airtight container.
Recipe Tips
Storage: Keep your peppermint marshmallows in an airtight container on the counter. They will be good for at least a couple of weeks. Tools: Don’t try making these with a hand mixer. It will likely burn out the motor. You’ll need a strong stand mixer that can stand up to the thick marshmallow mixture. You’ll also need a reliable candy thermometer (affiliate link). I have found that the cheap ones are my favorite over the fancy electric gadgets. Don’t rush the setting time: They really do need 4 hours to firm up before you cut into them so the marshmallows can cure. Use cooking spray: As long as you coat things in cooking spray, you should end up with a sticky mess. Also, be generous with your dusting mixture, which makes it easy to handle the peppermint marshmallows.
More Peppermint Recipes
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Peppermint Ice Cream Peppermint Bark Caramel Corn
Peppermint Macarons
Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms
Candy Cane Peppermint Pie
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