Mini Marshmallows. Making Baking Fun
Mini marshmallows are tiny, fluffy confections that are typically made from a mixture of sugar, water, and gelatin, then whipped to a spongy consistency. They are incredibly versatile and are a staple in many dessert recipes. While they're traditionally white, these sweet treats also come in a variety of colours and flavours, adding both taste and visual appeal to the dishes they grace. Known for their slightly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are a favourite among both children and adults, often used in hot chocolate, baked goods, and even as a fun, edible craft element.
What are marshmallows made of?
Marshmallows are made from a combination of sugar, water, gelatin, and sometimes corn syrup. The ingredients are heated together until they form a thick syrup, then whipped into a fluffy consistency. This process is what gives marshmallows their light and airy texture.
Where did marshmallows come from?
The exact origins of marshmallows are unknown but they are thought to date back to ancient Egypt, where the marshmallow plant grew in abundance along the banks of the Nile River. The Egyptians extracted sap from the plant's root and combined it with honey to create a sweet treat reserved for gods and royalty.
The modern marshmallow, however, owes its existence to French confectioners in the 19th century. They substituted the marshmallow plant's sap with gelatin, creating a stable, fluffy mixture that could be moulded into the familiar pillow-like shape we know today.
The mini marshmallow version emerged later, offering the same sweet taste and soft texture in the perfect fun-sized package.
Why are marshmallows pink and white?
Marshmallows are traditionally white due to the color of their core ingredients which are sugar, water, and gelatin. However, in an effort to make these confections more appealing and fun, manufacturers started adding food coloring. The pink color, along with other shades, was introduced for visual appeal and differentiation, and doesn't typically indicate a change in flavor.
Today, you can find marshmallows in a rainbow of colors and a variety of flavors, yet the classic pink and white endures.
Try these classic pink and white mini marshmallows
Using Mini Marshmallows in Baking
Using mini marshmallows into your baking is a great way of getting creative with texture. Their small size allows them to melt evenly and quickly, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that give baked goods a uniquely soft and chewy texture. As they melt, mini marshmallows also infuse the surrounding batter or dough with their sugary flavour, adding a hint of vanilla that can elevate the taste of cookies, brownies, cakes, and more. Used as a topping, mini marshmallows form a gooey, lightly toasted crust.
So, whether you're looking to add a new twist to a classic recipe or create something entirely new, mini marshmallows are a fantastic way to add an extra layer of taste and texture to your baked goods.
We've also got multi-coloured rainbow mini marshmallows
Ideas for Using Mini Marshmallows in Baking
Marshmallow-Stuffed Cookies: Add a surprise sweet center to your favorite cookie recipe by placing a mini marshmallow inside each dough ball before baking.
S'mores Brownies: Top your brownies with a layer of mini marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chips before baking for an indoor take on this classic campfire treat.
Marshmallow Popcorn Balls: Mix melted marshmallows and popcorn together, then form into balls for a sweet and salty snack.
Marshmallow Rice Krispies Treats: An old-time favorite, combine puffed rice cereal with melted marshmallows and butter for a quick and delicious treat.
Hot Cocoa Cookies: Incorporate mini marshmallows into a chocolate cookie dough, creating a baked version of the classic winter drink.
Rocky Road Ice Cream: Stir mini marshmallows into your homemade chocolate ice cream along with nuts and chocolate chips for a delicious rocky road variation.
Marshmallow Fudge: Melt mini marshmallows into your fudge base for a smooth, creamy fudge that's easy to make and delectable to eat.
Fruit Salad: Toss mini marshmallows with your favorite fruits and a creamy dressing for a sweet take on fruit salad.
Fun and creativity with mini marshmallows
Beyond baking itself, mini marshmallows are great for a bit of fun and creative decorating too.
Marshmallow Flower Cupcakes
Arrange mini marshmallows, cut in half to show the sticky side, in a flower shape on top of frosted cupcakes.
Marshmallow Art
Use to create fun, edible art on a sugar cookie canvas.
Marshmallow Garland
String on a thread to create a sweet garland, perfect for decorating a holiday tree or dessert table.
Marshmallow-Topped Hot Cocoa
Place on top of hot cocoa, and they'll create a delicious, melty topping as they warm up.
Marshmallow Kebabs
Thread onto toothpicks for a fun treat. You could even dip them into melted chocolate and biscuit crumbs for a mini take on s'mores.
Marshmallow Necklace
String onto a food-safe string to create an edible necklace, a perfect party favour for kids.
Marshmallow Popcorn String
Thread popcorn and marshmallows onto a string for a fun and edible decoration.
Tips and Techniques for Baking with Mini Marshmallows
Avoid Clumping: To prevent from sticking together in your recipes, try tossing them in a little bit of the dry ingredients before adding them in.
Melt Evenly: When melting marshmallow, use a low heat and stir constantly to ensure an even melt and prevent burning.
Protect their Fluffiness: If you're baking something like cookies or brownies, consider adding the marshmallows in the last few minutes of baking to maintain their fluffy texture.
Experiment with Colours: They come in various colours, so don't hesitate to use them as a decorative tool for a pop of colour in your desserts.
Store Properly: Remember to store unused in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture and prevent them from getting stale.
Sizing Matters: While versatile, they may not be suitable for every recipe. For recipes that call for regular-sized marshmallows, remember that 8 to 10 mini marshmallows equate to one large marshmallow.
Easy Replacement: A perfect substitute for marshmallow fluff in recipes. For every one cup of marshmallow fluff, use approximately two cups of mini marshmallows.
We've got loads more lollies for you to try. Check out the full range.
This article was reproduced on this site with permission from operafoods.com.au the “Confectionery Distributors”.
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