Homemade Marshmallows

 
Homemade Marshmallows are better than any you can buy at the store and they can be made as big or as small or in any shape you want! Try my Homemade Marshmallows Dipped in Chocolate for another treat that is as fun to make as to eat!
Homemade Marshmallows
Not only do homemade marshmallows taste 100 better than storebought but they have a couple of other amazing qualities. They melt beautifully into hot chocolate. And you can make them any size you want like personalizing them with letter cookiecutters! And if you store them correctly they last a long time. For a gourmet marshmallow treat check out my Blueberry Marshmallows!

Ingredients Substitutions
The hardest part about this recipe is waiting for the marshmallows to set. But its worth it!
Gelatin is a must in this recipe. I have heard that arrowroot and Xanthan Gum can be substituted but if you are looking for a vegan recipe I would highly recommend googling that specifically. For best results allow the gelatin to soak in cold water for a few minutes until it is fully hydrated before using it. This step will guarantee that the marshmallows are silky smooth and free of any clumps.
Corn Syrup Yes it is important. However if you prefer a recipe that doesnt use corn syrup try this homemade marshmallow recipe. It used maple syrup!
Be sure to have lots of confectioners sugar and cornstarch on hand it comes in handy!
Why Does the Syrup Need to Cool to 212F?
After the syrup mixture has reached 252F also known as the hardball stage as indicated in the recipe it should be taken off the heat and allowed to cool down to 212F the boiling point of water. This cooling process plays a critical role in making marshmallows for a couple of reasons. First if the syrup is too hot it can cause the gelatin to break down resulting in marshmallows that are flat and runny. A second reason is if the syrup is too cool it wont blend well with the gelatin leading to a lumpy texture.
Can I Make Marshmallows without a Candy Thermometer?
Yes but it can be tricky and take a few tries to master the timing. But here are a few tips you can use if you are trying to make homemade marshmallows without a candy thermometer
Heat the syrup mixture as directed. Once the sugar has dissolved dip a spoon into the mixture and