Marshmallow Hearts Recipe
Delightfully fluffy and sweet, these homemade Marshmallow Hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day treats or any special occasion. Coated in powdered sugar and infused with vanilla, these soft marshmallows can also be colored with red or pink gel food coloring to add a festive touch.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 marshmallow hearts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Marshmallow Mixture
- ⅔ cup water, divided
- 3 envelopes (¼ ounce each) unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- A small pinch of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Red or pink gel food coloring, if desired
For Coating
- Powdered sugar, for coating the pan and dusting the marshmallows
- Gather Ingredients: Measure all ingredients accurately to ensure the perfect consistency of the marshmallows.
- Prepare Pan: Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray and generously coat it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of water with the gelatin and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it softens and blooms.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, mix the remaining ⅓ cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F (the soft-ball stage).
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the bloomed gelatin while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer. Once combined, increase speed to high and whip until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and lukewarm.
- Add Flavor and Color: Mix in the vanilla extract. If desired, add red or pink gel food coloring to achieve your preferred shade and blend thoroughly.
- Set the Marshmallows: Pour the marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Lightly press down to smooth the surface.
- Allow to Firm Up: Let the marshmallows set at room temperature for at least 1 hour or until they are firm but still soft.
- Cut Out Hearts and Coat: Using a wet heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out marshmallow hearts. Dust each piece with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For best results, use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup temperature precisely.
- If you prefer thicker marshmallows, let them set longer before cutting.
- Store marshmallow hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Wet the cookie cutter between cuts to prevent sticking and ensure clean shapes.
- Feel free to customize flavors by adding different extracts or using colored gel food coloring for various occasions.
Keywords: marshmallow hearts, homemade marshmallows, Valentine's Day treats, marshmallow recipe, vanilla marshmallows, heart-shaped marshmallows