Coconut Marshmallows
Light and pillowy homemade marshmallows flavored with coconut.
What could possibly be better than a homemade marshmallow melting into a hot mug of cocoa? On a cold day like today, especially when I’m feeling more than just a little under the weather, absolutely nothing.
And it turns out marshmallows aren’t that hard to make in your own home. Sticky, sure, but not that hard. I admit I was a little intimidated at first, which is why marshmallows have sat untouched on my to-make list for several years now. But Steve and I have been enjoying so much hot cocoa this winter and store bought marshmallows just don’t even come close.
Marshmallows begin with a little gelatin and water mixed with hot sugar and whipped till white and fluffy. Then you add stiff egg whites and flavorings and pour it all into a prepared dish to stiffen up. Doesn’t sound so bad, right? Believe me, it’s worth it.
I’m a sucker for nearly all things coconut, and so I thought it would be fun to make this batch coconut flavored, dusted with shredded coconut. But if coconut isn’t for you, simply omit the coconut extract and toss the marshmallows in powdered sugar instead.
If you’ve never had a homemade marshmallow, you don’t know what you’re missing. They’re light and airy, and not overly sweet. And they will do wonders for your hot cocoa, though these little heavenly pillows are perfect all by themselves.
Coconut Marshmallows
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold water (8 fl oz)
- 3 ½ packets gelatin (25 grams)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (460 grams)
- ½ cup corn syrup (4 fl oz)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1 gram)
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- Approximately 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut , for dusting (see Note)
Instructions
- Grease the sides and bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and dust with some shredded coconut.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, sprinkle the gelatin over ½ cup of the water. Let stand for a few minutes to soften.
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, remaining ½ cup water, and salt over low heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to medium and let bring to a boil. Continue to cook mixture, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 240°F. Immediately poor over the gelatin in the stand mixer, stirring until gelatin is dissolved.
- Beat the mixture on high speed until white, thick, and tripled in volume, about 6 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites until they just hold stiff peaks. Add the egg whites, and vanilla and coconut extracts to the gelatin mixture and mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle generously with shredded coconut. Let sit uncovered for at least three hours, and up to one day.
- Use a knife to cut around the edges and cut the marshmallows into squares, greasing the knife if necessary. Toss the marshmallows in more shredded coconut to cover the now exposed sticky edges.
- Store the marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
I’ve never made marshmallows. I too have been intimidated. These are gorgeous and I’m craving hot cocoa now!
I love this recipe! It’s so unique and will make for a perfect treat!
Looks delicious. Would love for you to share your pictures with us over at foodepix.com.
Just found your blog and it’s lovely – so happy to follow and very much looking forward to many new wonderful recipes.
mary x
What a great recipe – I love marshmallows! How fun to make and flavor your own.
It’s been too long since I’ve checked up on your blog. So many delicious recipes here!!
Of course – coconut marshmallows! Why didn’t I think of that? These are going to the very top of my “must make” list – thank you for sharing!
These look lovely, perfect for a freezing January evening when it’s cold outside and that hot chocolate is the toasty hug-in-a-mug you need. And what else could make a hot chocolate better than coconut marshmallows?