If you’re looking for a fun, festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, then I have the perfect recipe for you. The Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe is one of those sweet projects that bring out your inner kid and impress your friends and family at the same time. Soft, minty, and totally adorable, these snowmen marshmallows are not only delicious but also a blast to assemble. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll want to whip them up every holiday season—and maybe beyond!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Whimsical & Festive: These snowmen are a cheerful twist on regular marshmallows that instantly upgrade your holiday treats table.
- Delicious Mint Flavor: The subtle mint extract adds a refreshing flavor that’s unique and not overpowering.
- Homemade with Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy stuff—just a few pantry staples for impressive results.
- Fun and Kid-Friendly: The whole family can get involved decorating these little snowmen, making it a joyful holiday activity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to give you that perfect, fluffy minty marshmallow with charming details. I always recommend using high-quality gelatin and fresh candy melts to keep everything tasting top-notch.
- Gelatin: Make sure it’s unflavored; this is the magic that creates that perfectly fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best for that classic sweet base.
- Corn Syrup: This helps to keep your marshmallows smooth and prevents crystallization.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Mint Extract: Adds that refreshing twist that makes these marshmallows a standout treat.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting — prevents stickiness and gives them a snowy finish.
- Orange Candy Melts: For the carrot noses — easy to melt and shape.
- Dark Chocolate (chopped): Perfect for eyes and buttons; just melt and pipe on.
Variations
One of the things that makes this Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe so fun to me is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and played with different flavors and decorations to suit different tastes and occasions, and you can too!
- Chocolate Mint Version: I tried swirling cocoa powder into the marshmallow mixture once, and it was a hit with my chocolate-loving family.
- Fruit Extracts: Swap out mint extract for peppermint or even a subtle raspberry flavor for something fruity and unexpected.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Alternative: While this recipe uses gelatin, for a vegan twist, you could try agar-agar, although the texture will differ.
- Different Decorations: Use mini chocolate chips, edible glitter, or colored icing pens to customize your snowmen’s look.
How to Make Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling the gelatin over about 1/2 cup of cold water in a mixing bowl. I like to let it sit for 5 minutes so the gelatin “blooms” and thickens up—that’s the secret to getting those fluffy marshmallows.
Step 2: Cook Sugar Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then clip on a candy thermometer. Let it cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). This step is key—don’t rush it or the marshmallows won’t set right.
Step 3: Combine and Whip
Carefully pour the hot syrup into the bloomed gelatin bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat on high speed for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture turning thick, glossy, and fluffy. Just before finishing, add your mint extract—this is the magical aroma moment.
Step 4: Set and Cut
Spread the fluffy marshmallow mixture into a powdered sugar-dusted pan and let it rest uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready, dust your knife with powdered sugar and cut out circles in three sizes—small, medium, and large—to stack and form each snowman.
Step 5: Decorate Your Snowman
Melt your orange candy melts and pipe little carrot noses onto the middle marshmallow. Melt the chopped dark chocolate and use a toothpick or piping bag to dot eyes and buttons. I love how adding these tiny details brings these snowmen to life—kids especially adore this part.
Pro Tips for Making Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe
- Perfect Blooming: Don’t skip blooming gelatin—it ensures your marshmallows set with the perfect pillowy texture.
- Candy Thermometer Use: Use a reliable candy thermometer to hit 240°F exactly—undershoot and you’ll have sticky marshmallows; overshoot and they’ll be tough.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Be generous with powdered sugar when setting and cutting; it keeps marshmallows from sticking together and makes cutting cleaner.
- Melting Chocolate: Melt chocolate gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid seizing, critical for neat decorating.
How to Serve Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe
Garnishes
I typically stick to simple yet effective garnishes. A dusting of extra powdered sugar makes the snowmen look like they just walked out of a winter wonderland. Sometimes, I add edible silver glitter for a magical sparkle that really wows guests, especially kids.
Side Dishes
These marshmallow snowmen are a sweet treat that pairs wonderfully with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or a simple cup of coffee. For parties, I often arrange them next to gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark to create a festive dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday party, I like arranging my snowmen marshmallows standing on a platter lined with coconut flakes to mimic snow. Another fun idea is to skewer a few stacked together on cute wooden sticks for fun ‘snowman pops’ — instant crowd-pleasers that double as edible decor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Mint Marshmallow Snowmen inside an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fluffy and fresh for about a week. If you find them getting a bit sticky, a light dusting of powdered sugar refreshes them nicely.
Freezing
Freezing these marshmallows works surprisingly well! I wrap them individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes and they’re good as new.
Reheating
Since these are marshmallows, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. But if you want to warm them slightly for a hot chocolate topping, just let them sit near (not on) a warm cup or microwave for a quick 5 seconds—too long and they might melt completely!
FAQs
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Can I use peppermint extract instead of mint extract in this recipe?
Absolutely! Peppermint extract works just as well and gives a slightly stronger, more classic candy cane flavor. Just use the same amount. I usually try both depending on my mood—it’s a nice way to mix things up!
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How do I make sure my marshmallows don’t stick together after cutting?
Generously dust your cutting surface, your knife, and the marshmallows themselves with powdered sugar. This forms a protective coating that stops stickiness. I’ve learned the hard way that this step is key for clean cuts and easy handling.
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Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
While I strongly recommend using a candy thermometer for the best results, if you don’t have one, you can do the soft-ball test by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water to see if it forms a soft, pliable ball. It’s a little old-school but works if you’re careful!
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What’s the best way to melt candy melts and chocolate for decorating?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid burning. I always stir well and remove from heat while there are still a few unmelted bits — they’ll melt from the residual heat and stay silky smooth.
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How long do these mint marshmallow snowmen last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just keep them away from heat and humidity for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe turns out each time—there’s just something magical about making your own marshmallows, especially when they become these cute little snowmen. When I first tried this, I was surprised at how easy it was, and now it’s a holiday tradition I look forward to sharing. I really encourage you to give this a go—not just for the taste but for the fun of assembling and decorating. Trust me, the smiles you get when you hand these out are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
Print
Mint Marshmallow Snowmen Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 25 marshmallows
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully festive and refreshing, these Mint Snowman Marshmallows combine the fluffy texture of classic marshmallows with a cool mint flavor. Perfect for holiday treats, hot chocolate toppings, or whimsical gifts, these marshmallows are crafted with gelatin, sugar, and a touch of mint extract, then decorated with dark chocolate and orange candy melts to create charming snowman faces.
Ingredients
Marshmallow Base
- 1 tbsp gelatin (1 envelope)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp corn syrup
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 tsp mint extract
Coating and Decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup orange candy melts
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until fully absorbed and gelatin is bloomed.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Mix Gelatin and Syrup: Pour the hot syrup slowly into the bloomed gelatin while mixing on low speed with a stand mixer. Gradually increase speed to high and whip until the mixture is thick, white, and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Add mint extract during this step and mix well.
- Set the Marshmallow: Grease a square pan and dust with powdered sugar. Pour the marshmallow mixture into the pan evenly. Dust top with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight to set firmly.
- Cut and Shape: Remove the set marshmallow slab onto a powdered sugar-dusted surface. Use a snowman-shaped cookie cutter to cut out marshmallows carefully. Dust cutters with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Decorate the Snowmen: Melt orange candy melts and dark chocolate in separate microwave-safe bowls in 15-second intervals, stirring well until smooth. Use melted orange candy melts for carrot noses and melted dark chocolate for eyes, buttons, and mouth details, applying with a toothpick or fine brush.
Notes
- Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate to avoid under or overcooking the sugar syrup.
- Powdered sugar dusting is essential to prevent marshmallows from sticking during setting and cutting.
- If desired, substitute peppermint extract for mint extract for a stronger flavor.
- Store marshmallows in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Use gloves when handling the melted chocolate to avoid fingerprints on decorations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 marshmallow
- Calories: 52 kcal
- Sugar: 11.7 g
- Sodium: 79 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.5 g
- Fiber: 0.01 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0.01 mg
