Your kids may be amazed to learn that a few simple ingredients and a cookie cutter are all it takes to create their own marshmallows in fun shapes. Paired with homemade hot cocoa, they'll make a perfect treat on any cold winters night.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cold water
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners sugar
- Colored sugar
Instructions
- Pour the 1/3 cup of cold water into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over it, and set it aside.
- Combine the sugar, 1/4 cup of water, corn syrup, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Stop stirring and heat the mixture (adults only) until it boils and reaches 240ยบ on a candy thermometer.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup (again, a parents job) over the gelatin and beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 12 minutes. Blend in the vanilla extract, then scrape the batter into a 9- by 13-inch pan lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Let the marshmallows sit until they're dry to the touch (this may take up to 12 hours depending on the humidity in your area).
- Invert the pan onto a cutting board dusted with confectioners sugar. Pour the colored sugar onto a plate or shallow dish, then use 2-inch cookie cutters to cut the marshmallow into shapes. Press the top of each marshmallow into the colored sugar. Store in an airtight container. Makes twenty-four 2-inch marshmallows.
