Our mint marshmallows make a picture-perfect topper for a mug of hot cocoa. These gorgeous fluffy, red-swirled confections are easier to make than you may think. They only require a few simple ingredients, sugar, egg whites, gelatin, and corn syrup and are flavored with a touch of peppermint extract. Their candy-cane look comes swirling drops of red food coloring into the marshmallow mixture before they’re left to set up. They’re ultra giftable, especially when divided among clear gift bags and tied with a ribbon. And, they’re delicious to eat on their own or incorporated into another treat—winter s’mores, anyone? These minty marshmallows definitely deserve a spot in your holiday project lineup.
Equipment for Candy-Cane Marshmallows
Candy thermometer: You’ll need a candy thermometer to cook the sugar mixture to the appropriate temperature, which is key for ensuring the marshmallows set up properly. You can use an instant-read thermometer instead, just be sure it’s not touching the bottom of the pot when you’re checking the temperature.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is crucial for beating the egg whites to stiff peaks and then beating in the gelatin-sugar mixture until thick and velvety. While it’s possible to do this with a hand-mixer, it will take between 15 and 20 minutes, so we recommend using a stand-mixer if possible.
Square baking pan: You’ll pour the marshmallow mixture into an eight-inch square baking pan (glass and metal work equally well here). In a pinch, you can divide the mixture between two loaf pans.
Toothpick or wooden skewer: A toothpick or wooden skewer is used to swirl the red food coloring into the marshmallow mixture to give it its candy-cane-like appearance. You can use the tip of a knife in a pinch, but you may not get the as much fine detail as you would with a toothpick.
Tip
It’s easier to separate egg whites when they’re cold from the fridge, but room temperature whites whip up into stiffer peaks. If time allows, let the separated whites sit for 15 to 20 minutes before beating, or place them in a small bowl within a slightly larger bowl of warm water for five minutes.