Homemade Marshmallows

by Suzan Ferreira
Homemade Marshmallows closeup picture of completed, cut marshmallows

Ever wonder how you can make your own real homemade marshmallows from scratch? Homemade marshmallows are simple to make using just a few ingredients you may already have in your pantry. CAUTION!!! Once you’ve tried them you may never want store-bought again!

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It’s firepit season here in the Northeast and what more iconic food can be enjoyed at any outdoor fire than s’mores? Problem being, we like to consume our food organically as possible. Foods that steer clear of GMO’s & unwanted chemicals. As organic marshmallows are not easily found…are they even made?…what’s one to do? Make our own of course 🙂 .

WHAT ARE MARSHMALLOWS ANYWAY?

Marshmallows are one of those curious foods. As a kid, these fun, light & fluffy square orbs of “nothingness” could be eaten in one bite, especially when squeezed & smushed creating a very small piece that could be sucked on forever 🙂 . But what are they exactly?

Marshmallows are made simply of a binder such as gelatin & sweeteners. Period. Store-bought marshmallows may contain carrageenan or agar agar as the binding agents.

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When making homemade real marshmallows, gelatin is the typical binding agent. Vegans do have the option of utilizing agar agar in lieu gelatin using a 1:1 ration for recipe substitution.

FAVORITE WAYS TO USE HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

What are the favorite ways to use our homemade marshmallows? First and foremost, as stated s’mores. Who doesn’t love spending time by a fire, roasting them to a golden brown (a preferred way here on the hill)?

Homemade Marshmallows roasting over open firepit

And then letting all that gooey goodness mix with melting chocolate & crunchy graham crackers? Just sayin’.

Homemade Marshmallows assembling s'mores

What else are they wonderful in? Of course, hot chocolate, but they can be used in so much more. Take a look at my homemade hot chocolate mix recipe, it’s an amazing compliment to these homemade marshmallows, just sayin’ 🙂 Desserts…think rice crispy treats or candies or fudge. Using the marshmallow mixture before it’s set up makes a great substitute for Fluff in peanut butter sandwiches.

VARIATIONS FOR HOMEMADE REAL MARSHMALLOWS

The traditional way to make real homemade marshmallows is by using vanilla. The beauty of making them yourself is that you can make them with literally almost any flavor you can think of.

Adding homemade Kahlua is a wonderful compliment to s’mores or hot chocolate for adults. Be sure to check out how to make your own Kahlua with this simple recipe. Or what about chocolate flavored or strawberry flavored or even cherry flavored. Such compliments to the chocolate!

Homemade Marshmallows display of ingredients needed to make them

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

Now that your palate is ready for some of these yummy treats, how do you actually make them? As stated, they could not be easier. They literally take about 15 minutes to make…and they may last about just that long 🙂 . The hardest part may be in the gathering of the ingredients and supplies you need to create them.

INGREDIENTS

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients & equipment:

  • .75 oz each of unflavored gelatin = 3 packages of Knox (this equals a total of 6.75 – 7 tsp or 21.6g total (*note: this was what was available locally when we decided to try these. Our next batch will be made with Great Lakes Gelatin. This gelatin is non-GMO, Keto & Paleo friendly, & made from grass-fed/pasture-raised beef in a sustainable way)
  • 1/2 C cold water
  • 2 c granulated sugar
  • 2/3 c light corn syrup
  • 1/4 c water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbl pure vanilla extract (or flavoring of your choosing)
  • Confectioner’s sugar – at least one cup
  • 1/2 C cornstarch
  • 9×9 or 8×8 inch pan (lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray, shortening, or light oil)
  • Mixer
  • Medium size saucepan
  • Candy Thermometer

VEGAN HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOW ALTERNATIVE

It’s simple to transform this recipe & make a vegan version! Simply substitute agar agar powder in the same quantity as the recipe calls for the powdered gelatin! Notice it’s the POWDER not the flakes! If you are using agar flakes, substitute the gelatin with 3 times the amount of flakes.

HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS WITHOUT CORN SYRUP

Can you make this recipe without the use of corn syrup? YES! Simply leave it out. We initially made these using organic corn syrup. However, we plan on leaving it out this fall when making them once again for our outdoor Winter Solstice celebrations!

TO MAKE HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

In the bowl of your mixer, combine the 3 packets of gelatin over the 1/2 cup of cold water. Let the gelatin soak for several minutes and then whisk until well combined.

Homemade Marshmallows mixing gelatin in mixing bowl

Combine sugar, corn syrup and 1/4 c water in the medium-size saucepan. On medium heat, whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Attach your candy thermometer and bring to a low boil until the temperature has reached the “soft-ball” stage, approximately 235 to 245 F.

Homemade Marshmallows heating combined sweeteners to softball stage

PRO TIP: An alternative method according to The Spruce Eats to determine if you have reached the soft-ball stage is by dropping a spoonful of the hot syrup into a glass of very cold water. The cooled syrup should be able to be easily gathered with your fingers into a ball-like shape.

Add 1/4 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp vanilla or your preferred flavoring to the gelatin and give it a quick whisk to combine.

Turn the mixer on to low and begin to very carefully pour the sugar mixture into the gelatin. Turn the mixer to high and whisk to form soft peaks.

It’s fun to watch the transformation. Below is approximately 4-5 minutes whisking.

Homemade Marshmallows closeup view of mixture beginning to form into still peaks for homemade marshmallows

Soft peak stage is found below & ready to transfer into your greased pan. The mix was whisked for a total of 8-10 minutes to reach this stage.

Homemade Marshmallows closeup view of whipping marshmallow mixture to stiff peaks

It is highly recommended to use shortening to grease your pan. This method worked flawlessly. If using an oil, you may want to line your pan with parchment paper as well and grease both the pan and the paper to prevent sticking.

Homemade Marshmallows closeup picture of completed, cut marshmallows

Homemade Marshmallows

Print
Serves: Approx. 64 1 inch Marshmallows Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 39 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • .75 oz each of unflavored gelatin = 3 packages of Knox (this equals a total of 6.75 - 7 tsp or 21.6g total)
  • 1/2 C cold water
  • 2 c granulated sugar
  • 2/3 c light corn syrup
  • 1/4 c water
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbl pure vanilla extract (or flavoring of your choosing)
  • Dusting Powder: 1 C confectioner's sugar & 1/2 C cornstarch

Instructions

  1.  Combine gelatin with 1/2 C cold water in bowl of mixer.
  2. Whisk to combine well.
  3. In medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, & 1/4 c water.  Bring to slow boil until it has reached the soft-ball stage.
  4. Add 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 Tbl Vanilla to the gelatin mix.  Whisk to combine.
  5. Slowly add the hot sweetener to the gelatin, whisking on low to combine.  
  6. Turn the mixer to high and mix for 5-10 minutes until the mixture forms soft peaks and is fluffy.
  7. Prepare utensils and pan by greasing thoroughly with shortening.
  8. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan spreading evenly.
  9. Sieve confectioners sugar on top of marshmallow & allow to set for at least 6 hours.
  10. Turn the marshmallow out onto a work surface that has been dusted with 1 c confectioners sugar & 1/2 c cornstarch, creating a dusting powder, that has been mixed.  Cut to your shape & size.  
  11. Dust the cut shapes all around with the dusting "powder"
  12. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

Equipment: 9x9 or 8x8 inch pan (lightly greased with non-stick cooking spray, shortening, or light oil) Mixer Medium size saucepan Candy Thermometer

DOES SIZE MATTER WITH HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS?

When choosing your pan size, take into consideration how “tall” you want your homemade marshmallows. The 8×8 inch pan will create a higher-end result, the 9×9 inch a shorter end result. If you want to make cutout shapes or very shallow real marshmallows, choose a 9×13 inch pan.

Homemade Marshmallows pan of marshmallow mixture ready to set in 8x8 inch greased pan

PRO TIP: Homemade marshmallow mix is VERY sticky! We highly recommend that you grease any utensils you use to transfer the mixture from the mixing bowl into your pan AND when cutting the marshmallows.

It’s best to let cure for at least 6 hours…the hardest part of making these by far 🙂 . DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! The mixture needs the time to set to allow for ease of cutting.

After the allotted time, remove from the pan onto a work surface dusted with the confectioners sugar & cornstarch mix. Cut into your preferred shapes and sizes dusting & coating with confectioners sugar as you go.

REMINDER: Coat your knife or cutting utensil with shortening to prevent sticking!

Homemade Marshmallows pinneable image for Pinterest

STORING YOUR HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS

These fluffy, sweet little squares of happiness can be stored in an air-tight container. They DO NOT need to be refrigerated for storage.

When considering your next gathering around the fire, celebrating a holiday or event, or just “because”, consider making these simple marshmallows. You’ll never go back to store-bought again 🙂 .

Have you given this recipe a try? Be sure to stop back and give it a rating and let us know your thoughts!

Love, Light, & Laughter ~

Signature of Suzan from It's My Sustainable Life


This recipe was featured at Charming Homes & Gardens & Embracing Home & Family!

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62 comments

Carol L March 23, 2021 - 8:03 pm

Sorry, you lost me at corn syrup. toxic stuff. Don’t mean to be rude, but healthy ingredients are what I’m looking for, and that isn’t one.
Using gelatin is what most people use now, but were you aware that they used to be made with marshmallow root? Hence the name.

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Suzan Ferreira March 24, 2021 - 11:21 am

I agree, even organic corn syrup is used on a limited basis here. As I stated in my post, it is an optional ingredient and one that we will be leaving out in the future. That being said, marshmallows are not a “healthy” food to begin with & something that is a rare treat here on the hill.

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Jennifer Dynys December 11, 2020 - 2:56 pm

Hey there, I am featuring these yummy marshmallows at our link party this morning!

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Suzan Ferreira December 11, 2020 - 4:15 pm

Hi Jenn~

I’m honored & hope you enjoy them!

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Melynda Brown December 9, 2020 - 6:12 pm

Hello, this is one of my favorites for Encouraging Hearts and Home, this week! I hope you stop by and say hello, this post has been pinned! Thank you for being a part of Encouraging Hearts and Home, we appreciate all that you share. Have a great week ahead!

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Cherelle | The Inspired Prairie December 7, 2020 - 8:22 pm

This homemade marshmallow recipe looks and sounds delicious!

Thanks for linking up and sharing this post with us on our Embracing Home and Family-link up!

-Cherelle

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Claire Justine December 7, 2020 - 6:17 pm

These look delicious 🙂 yummy!!

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Rachel Harper December 7, 2020 - 4:05 pm

Suzan,
These sound amazing. Pinning and can’t wait to try them.
Look for your feature on Wednesday, Charming Homes & garden Link Party

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Suzan Ferreira December 8, 2020 - 11:30 am

Thank you, Rachel! I appreciate the love 🙂

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Julie Briones December 3, 2020 - 9:41 pm

This homemade marshmallow recipe looks so pretty! I bet they taste amazing! I found this on Centerpiece Wednesday Link Party! We’d love you to join us at Tuesday Turn About! Hope to see you there!

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April J Harris September 30, 2019 - 9:27 pm

What lovely treats! I’m so pleased to see a relatively easy homemade recipe for marshmallows, Suzan. Your ingredients are so much more wholesome than the ingredients list in the store bought variety – and your marshmallows look beautiful! Thank you so much for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Pinning and sharing on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page later today.

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Suzan Ferreira October 1, 2019 - 2:59 pm

Thank you, April, for your kind words and for pinning!

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Sarah Tevis September 30, 2019 - 1:54 am

This is actually really cool. I had never thought about making my own marshmallows, but now I can’t imagine not making them now!

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T.M. September 29, 2019 - 11:27 pm

Oh, girl! I am pinning this!!! I have wanted to know how to make my own marshmallows for some time and this recipe is awesome!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!

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Suzan Ferreira September 30, 2019 - 2:38 pm

Hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Thanks so much for sharing!

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Marilyn Lesniak September 27, 2019 - 11:13 pm

Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too!

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Alexandra September 27, 2019 - 7:19 am

oh wow! i did not even know you could make marshmallows at home! now i absolutely must try it! thank you for the recipe!

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AnnMarie Lewellyn September 25, 2019 - 1:04 pm

I made these and you are absolutely right! I will never buy store-bought marshmallows again! Thanks for sharing on the Farm Fresh Blog Hop!

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Suzan Ferreira September 25, 2019 - 2:45 pm

Thank you, AnnMarie! Hope you can give the recipe a rating as to how you like them!

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Lina Thao September 24, 2019 - 10:51 pm

I have never thought about making marshmallows from scratch. These looks delicious 🙂

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Jenny September 24, 2019 - 8:55 pm

Marshmallows is just one of those things that you wouldn’t think of to make at home. I love this idea and your pics make them look so delicious.

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Suzan Ferreira September 25, 2019 - 10:57 am

Thank you, Jenny! Hope you can give them a try.

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Jenna September 24, 2019 - 8:38 pm

I’ve seen recipes for homemade marshmallows before, but never really thought about trying to make them. Your recipe looks so yummy though that I might need to try it out!

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Suzan Ferreira September 25, 2019 - 10:57 am

Hope you do! Thanks for reading, Jenna.

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Cindy September 24, 2019 - 8:03 pm

How fun! I can’t eat these. But it would be a treat to make them with my grandkids and let them use the marshmallows for s’mores!

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Lisa Manderino September 24, 2019 - 7:14 pm

This is really cool! I am going to have to try it! It is something I would have never thought of to make at home.

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KENDRA September 24, 2019 - 7:02 pm

I’m not a huge marshmallow fan, but I bet I would be after eating these! They look so creamy and fluffy!

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Lisa September 24, 2019 - 1:53 pm

This recipe is great! I’m not the baker of the family, so we’ll share with my daughter, she loves new things. Thank you for sharing.

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Cameron September 24, 2019 - 3:44 am

This recipe looks amazing. I love to bake but have never attempted marshmallows. I am so going to try this!! Thanks!!

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Eva September 24, 2019 - 2:39 am

I love the idea of making these! Do you use gmo-free corn syrup? I haven’t seen it yet but I haven’t looked on amazon, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods yet.

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Suzan Ferreira September 24, 2019 - 1:28 pm

Yes, we use an organic corn syrup that we get from Target. I know Whole Foods carries an organic brand as well. Thank you for reading!

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Karla Petersen September 24, 2019 - 2:01 am

Really cool! I had already pinned this!!!! Haven’t tried it yet, but my kids will love this!!!

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Suzan Ferreira September 24, 2019 - 1:28 pm

Let me know how you all enjoy them!

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Melissa Jones September 24, 2019 - 1:54 am

That looks like a fun activity to do with my grandkids!!

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Stacey Billingsley September 24, 2019 - 1:14 am

I want to try this! I’ve never considered making my own marshmallows before. These look so good!

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Jen September 24, 2019 - 12:36 am

I never considered making homemade marshmallows before, but these look so good I’m going to have to give it a try!

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Candy K September 23, 2019 - 10:44 pm

I’ve never thought of making my own marshmallows but these look amazing!

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jen September 23, 2019 - 10:33 pm

well…. one guess what we’re going to be trying this weekend. 😉

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Suzan Ferreira September 24, 2019 - 1:30 pm

Be sure to come back and let me know how you like them! Enjoy!

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jody September 23, 2019 - 10:29 pm

This is so neat. I would have never thought to make marshmallows at home in my own kitchen.

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Lisa September 23, 2019 - 7:02 pm

Yum yum yum! Looks like a new activity for me and my son…thanks for posting!

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Holly Bird September 23, 2019 - 6:28 pm

So excited to give this recipe a try! I ave tried to make marshmallows before and it was an epic fail…with the holidays here I use a lot of marshmallows in recipes!

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Suzan Ferreira September 24, 2019 - 1:31 pm

These were definitely so easy to make! Hope you can give them a try, Holly.

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Ramae Hamrin September 23, 2019 - 6:13 pm

I had no idea it was even possible to make marshmallows. I love the idea of using Great Lakes gelatin and adding Kahlua! I would absolutely love to try this!

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Suzan Ferreira September 24, 2019 - 1:32 pm

The Kahlua flavored are definitely on my list to make as well. Thank you for stopping by, Ramae!

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Jennifer Markell September 23, 2019 - 4:58 pm

These look good! I wonder if I could replace the gelatin with agar agar for the same effect? I will have to look into that. We are vegan so gelatin is on the no list! 🙂 I honestly never thought of making my own!

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Suzan Ferreira September 23, 2019 - 5:53 pm

Hi Jennifer ~

Yes, as stated, agar agar can be substituted using a 1:1 ratio in lieu of gelatin. Thanks for stopping by!

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Angela September 23, 2019 - 4:47 pm

Fluffy and yummy they sure look. I wonder if I can get my kids to help with this without a sticky mess? haha

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Suzan Ferreira September 23, 2019 - 5:53 pm

Maybe if your grease their little hands first 🙂

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Tricia Snow September 23, 2019 - 4:21 pm

I would love to make my own marshmallows! Thanks! These look amazing!

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Malia September 23, 2019 - 4:12 pm

This is awesome!!! Store-bought marshmallows often have blue dye in them and my sensitive kid can’t have them. I love that you don’t have any dye in yours and he’ll be able to enjoy smores again!

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Suzan Ferreira September 23, 2019 - 5:54 pm

Oh, that makes me happy! Hope you can make them!

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Heather September 23, 2019 - 3:45 pm

I would have never thought to make them myself. I am going to give this a try so that my boys have homemade marshmallows for their hot chocolate this winter! Thanks for sharing.

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Magan September 23, 2019 - 3:44 pm

I love this! Can’t wait to try it with my kids!

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Jelane September 23, 2019 - 3:40 pm

These look amazing! I bet these taste fantastic toasted over a campfire. Great recipe for Autumn. Thanks for sharing it!

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Suzan Ferreira September 23, 2019 - 5:54 pm

You are welcome, Jelane!

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Robin Frields September 23, 2019 - 2:17 pm

What a great idea! I would have never thought about making my own marshmallows! I love toasted marshmallow syrup in my coffee, can you figure out how to make that next?!

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Suzan Ferreira September 23, 2019 - 5:56 pm

I will let you know, Robin 🙂

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Tiffany September 23, 2019 - 12:26 pm

Oh wow… this is one thing I never would have thought to make at home. But, how fun and I bet delicious.

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Linda September 22, 2019 - 10:50 pm

These homemade marshmallows look amazing! I am sure they taste so much better, Thanks for sharing them Suzan at “Love Your Creativity” I can imagine the possibilities in shapes and color.

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Christine September 21, 2019 - 1:15 pm

These look delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

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Kyndall Bennett September 20, 2019 - 11:05 pm

This is so cool! I’ve thought about making many things from scratch, but I had not thought about marshmallows!!

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