SPREAD LOVE

Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Marshmallows are a fun and festive treat that capture the spirit of the holiday season. They are soft, fluffy, and full of peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to hot cocoa or a sweet snack on their own. Plus, they are a great way to impress friends and family during holiday gatherings. When you make these marshmallows at home, you can customize their taste and presentation, spreading joy with homemade treats.

How to Make Candy Cane Marshmallows

Ingredients:

1 ⅓ cups water (divided)
3 envelopes unflavored, powdered gelatin (about 7 ½ teaspoons)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1-2 teaspoons red food coloring
⅓ cup powdered sugar or cornstarch (for rolling)

Directions:

Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add ⅔ cup cold water. Sprinkle gelatin on top and let it bloom.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and ⅔ cup water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil, swirling the pan occasionally until it reaches exactly 240°F on a candy thermometer, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
With the stand mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the melted sugar mixture into the gelatin mixture. Add the peppermint extract and salt.
Slowly increase the speed to high (be cautious to avoid splashes) and whip until the mixture is stiff and white, about 10-12 minutes. When you lift out the whisk, stiff peaks should form and take a few seconds to settle back into the mixture.
Working quickly, pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
While the marshmallows are warm, add droplets of red food coloring to the top. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the food coloring throughout the mixture.
Allow the marshmallows to sit and firm up for at least 4 hours at room temperature or 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Dust your work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch. Use a butter knife to slice around the edges of the pan, then turn the marshmallow out onto the work surface. You may need to pry it out at a corner.
Cut the marshmallow into at least 16 pieces with a sharp knife. If needed, spray the knife with cooking spray to help prevent sticking. If there is excess cooking spray on your marshmallow, dab it with a paper towel to remove.
Roll each marshmallow in powdered sugar or cornstarch on each side to prevent sticking, then serve.

How to Serve Candy Cane Marshmallows

Candy Cane Marshmallows are great on their own or as a topping for hot chocolate. You can also use them in desserts like s’mores or as a fun addition to gift baskets during the holidays. Placing them in a cute jar or wrapping them in festive packaging adds a personal touch that is sure to delight.

How to Store Candy Cane Marshmallows

To keep your Candy Cane Marshmallows fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about 2 weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Candy Cane Marshmallows

Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry for the best texture.
Be precise with your candy thermometer to achieve the correct marshmallow consistency.
If swirling the food coloring, don’t overdo it; a few swirls create a nice effect without turning the mixture fully red.

Variation

You can change the flavor by using different extracts like vanilla or almond instead of peppermint. You can also add crushed candy canes on top for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
A: No, using flavored gelatin will change the texture and the results will not be the same as intended.

Q: What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use the “soft ball” test by dropping a bit of the sugar mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.

Q: How can I make these marshmallows more colorful?
A: You can add more food coloring or even use different colors to create a colorful pattern, just be mindful not to add too much, or it may affect the flavor.