Marshmallow Recipe Ideas: Sweet Treats to Try at Home

Marshmallow recipe ideas span far beyond the simple fluffy cubes we know from the store, offering endless opportunities for creativity in both flavor and presentation. Homemade marshmallows can be infused with vanilla, peppermint, or fruit purees to create unique twists, while dusting them with cocoa, crushed cookies, or toasted coconut adds extra texture and charm. They can be dipped in melted chocolate, sprinkled with nuts or sprinkles, and served as elegant party treats or packaged as gifts. For a cozy option, marshmallows can be shaped into festive figures, like snowflakes or hearts, to float atop mugs of hot chocolate.

In baking, they become the star of s’mores-inspired brownies, rice crispy treats, or layered dessert bars where their gooey sweetness ties everything together. Gourmet versions can even be made with coffee, caramel swirls, or liqueurs to appeal to adults. The versatility of marshmallow recipes means they can be as playful or sophisticated as you like, transforming a simple confection into a treat suitable for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence.

Marshmallow Recipe Ideas

Classic Homemade Marshmallows

Credit @foodiewithfam

A fluffy, pillowy treat made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and vanilla. Perfect for hot chocolate or snacking on their own. Once you master these, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Ingredients

• 3 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 21g total)

• 1 cup cold water (divided into ½ cup + ½ cup)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

• ½ cup cornstarch (for dusting)

Steps

• Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or oil. Line it with parchment paper, then dust generously with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch. This prevents sticking.

• Bloom gelatin: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle gelatin over ½ cup cold water. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften—it will look grainy and thick.

• Cook sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and the remaining ½ cup water. Place over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Then, stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.

• Combine syrup and gelatin: Carefully pour hot syrup into the gelatin mixture while the mixer runs on low. Gradually increase to high speed. Beat for 10–12 minutes until fluffy, glossy, and tripled in volume.

• Flavor: Beat in vanilla extract. Optionally, add food coloring for fun swirls.

• Spread into pan: Use a greased spatula to scrape marshmallow mixture into prepared pan. Smooth out evenly—dust top with more powdered sugar and cornstarch.

• Set and cut: Let rest uncovered at room temperature for at least 6 hours (or overnight). Cut into squares with a greased knife, toss in powdered sugar mixture to coat, and enjoy.

Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallows

Credit @madeofphilo

Simple marshmallows transformed into elegant candy treats. Perfect for parties or edible gifts when decorated with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut.

Ingredients

• 1 batch of classic marshmallows (store-bought or homemade)

• 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (for smooth dipping)

• Assorted toppings (sprinkles, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, shredded coconut)

Steps

• Melt chocolate: Place chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler). Stir until smooth and glossy.

• Prepare marshmallows: Cut marshmallows into cubes or use store-bought. Insert a lollipop stick or skewer into each marshmallow for easy dipping.

• Dip marshmallows: Submerge half or whole marshmallow in melted chocolate. Let excess drip off.

• Add toppings: While still wet, sprinkle or roll in toppings. Place dipped marshmallows on parchment-lined tray.

• Set: Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate 15 minutes until chocolate hardens.

S’mores Marshmallow Bars

Credit @katalysthealth

All the gooey goodness of campfire s’mores packed into bar form—no fire required. Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows baked into irresistible squares.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

• ¼ cup sugar

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows

Steps

• Make crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.

• Add chocolate: Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over hot crust. Let melt slightly.

• Top with marshmallows: Scatter marshmallows on top.

• Broil briefly: Place pan under broiler 1–2 minutes, watching carefully until marshmallows turn golden and toasty.

• Cool and cut: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Marshmallow Rice Krispie Treats

Credit @rachlmansfield

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 10 oz bag mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Steps

• Melt butter: In a large pot, melt butter over low heat until just melted.

• Melt marshmallows: Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.

• Flavor: Stir in vanilla extract and salt for depth.

• Mix cereal: Remove from heat, pour in Rice Krispies, and fold gently until fully coated.

• Press into pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan and spread mixture evenly, pressing gently with a buttered spatula.

• Cool and cut: Let set for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Bombs

Credit @savoryexperiments

Hollow chocolate spheres filled with cocoa mix and mini marshmallows. Drop them in hot milk for a magical, exploding hot chocolate experience.

Ingredients

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (tempered)

• ½ cup hot cocoa mix

• ½ cup mini marshmallows

• Sprinkles or drizzle for decoration

Steps

• Melt chocolate: Temper chocolate by melting ⅔ in a microwave (30-second bursts) or double boiler, then stir in remaining chocolate to cool.

• Coat molds: Brush or spoon chocolate into silicone sphere molds, coating evenly. Chill until set.

• Fill spheres: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa mix and a few mini marshmallows into half of the chocolate shells.

• Seal spheres: Warm a plate, press empty half-sphere lightly against plate to melt edge, then quickly seal onto filled half.

• Decorate: Drizzle with melted chocolate or add sprinkles.

• Serve: Drop into hot milk, stir, and watch marshmallows pop out!

Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake

Credit @circuscircuscafe

A creamy milkshake blended with toasted marshmallows for a smoky, caramelized flavor. Tastes like a s’more in drink form.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8 large marshmallows (toasted)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Steps

• Toast marshmallows: Skewer marshmallows and toast over stovetop flame or broiler until golden and slightly charred.

• Blend: Add toasted marshmallows, ice cream, milk, and vanilla to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

• Serve: Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream and extra toasted marshmallows.

Marshmallow Pops

Credit @homemadefoodjunkie

Fun, colorful treats where marshmallows are dipped in candy melts and decorated. Great for parties, baby showers, or kids’ birthdays.

Ingredients

• Large marshmallows

• Colored candy melts (pink, blue, etc.)

• Sprinkles, crushed cookies, or edible glitter

• Lollipop sticks

Steps

• Insert sticks: Push a lollipop stick into each marshmallow.

• Melt candy melts: Microwave candy melts in 30-second intervals until smooth.

• Dip marshmallows: Submerge marshmallows halfway or fully into candy melts.

• Decorate: Roll or sprinkle with decorations while still wet.

• Set: Place upright in a foam block or on parchment until hardened.

Marshmallow Caramel Popcorn

Credit @dangthatssweet

Sweet, gooey popcorn coated in buttery caramel and melted marshmallows. Crunchy, chewy, and addicting.

Ingredients

• 10 cups popped popcorn

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup corn syrup

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Steps

• Make caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, bring to a boil for 4 minutes.

• Add marshmallows: Remove from heat, stir in marshmallows until melted and smooth.

• Coat popcorn: Pour mixture over popcorn in a large bowl. Toss quickly to coat evenly.

• Cool: Spread onto a lined tray and let cool before breaking into clusters.

Strawberry Marshmallow Mousse

Credit @the.patisserie.np

A light, fluffy mousse made by folding whipped cream into melted marshmallows and strawberry puree. A refreshing summer dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (pureed)

• 1 cup mini marshmallows

• ½ cup heavy cream (whipped)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps

• Melt marshmallows: Heat marshmallows gently in a saucepan with a splash of water until melted and smooth.

• Make strawberry puree: Blend strawberries with lemon juice until smooth.

• Combine: Stir puree into melted marshmallows. Cool to room temperature.

• Fold: Gently fold in whipped cream until airy and light.

• Chill: Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Rocky Road Fudge

Credit @beth_thefirstyear

Rich, chocolatey fudge studded with marshmallows, nuts, and cookies. A no-bake treat that’s easy yet indulgent.

Ingredients

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or almonds

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies

Steps

• Melt chocolate: In a saucepan, heat chocolate chips and condensed milk until smooth.

• Mix add-ins: Remove from heat, stir in marshmallows, nuts, and crushed cookies.

• Spread: Pour mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan, smooth top.

• Set: Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm, then cut into squares.

Maggie Culp

Hi, I’m Maggie Culp, the founder of PartyVibesFun.com, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, United States! With a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations, I specialize in turning any event into a fun and vibrant experience. From birthday parties to themed gatherings, I’m here to help you bring your party ideas to life with ease and excitement. Whether you’re looking for unique games, creative themes, or party planning tips, I’m dedicated to making sure every moment of your event is filled with joy. Let’s create memories together and make your next party the talk of the town!