Edible marshmallow paint in a rainbow of colors is an easy medium to decorate cookies, marshmallows, and even paper.
This is a fun activity for kids, but even grown-ups can use marshmallow paint for cookie decorating.
Marshmallow paint is the coolest thing ever to a gal like me who makes too much of her life about fun food crafts.
Marshmallows, water, light corn syrup, and food coloring are all you need to make the funnest paint for kids (or grown-ups) ever.
This colorful edible marshmallow paint takes minutes to whip up and can be used to decorate cookies, marshmallows, bread, and even plain old paper.
Need more fun food ideas for kids? Here are the BEST FOOD ACTIVITIES to do with kids.
edible marshmallow paint
Kids and grown-ups alike can use this yummy marshmallow paint to decorate cookies and marshmallows.
Or use the mixture as a kid-safe paint to draw designs on paper.
Now is the perfect time to try out this handy craft for kids. As the hectic holiday season approaches, marshmallow paint is a quick and easy way to let the kids decorate cookies all by themselves.
Host a cookie and marshmallow decorating party, and instead of the harder-to-wield frosting bags, put out marshmallow paint and brushes.
how to make edible marshmallow paint
You will need
- 1 cup packed marshmallows (about 12 marshmallows)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- food coloring
Place the marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. The marshmallows will puff up a bit.
Stir in the water and continue to microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir well to let the residual heat melt the marshmallows fully.
Stir until smooth. If necessary, continue to microwave at 15 second intervals. Stir in the light corn syrup to desired consistency.
Divide the marshmallows among different containers. Stir in a few drops of food coloring (gel paste food coloring used here) until desired shade is reached. Let cool enough for kids to handle.
To paint, use popsicle sticks or clean, unused paintbrushes. Store remaining paint in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days.
Note that the paint does dry well enough to handle, but it does remain a bit sticky. So you won’t be able to stack cookies decorated with marshmallow paint.
more fun food ideas
Need more ideas for letting kids play with their food? Check out this roundup of fun food activities for kids. If you’d like to try drawing on food with edible writers, check out this post for more information.
While rainbows are run and easy to make with marshmallow paint, next I want to explore more complicated designs with finer brushes. It would also work well on flooded and dried royal icing and on fondant to make decorations. There are so many possibilities to using this sweet, edible, vibrant “paint.”
edible marshmallow paint
EDIBLE MARSHMALLOW PAINT -- kid-friendly rainbow "paint" for decorating cookies, marshmallows, and even paper. Great art craft!
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed marshmallows (about 12 marshmallows)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- food coloring
Instructions
Place the marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. The marshmallows will puff up a bit.
Stir in the water and continue to microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir well to let the residual heat melt the marshmallows fully.
Stir until smooth. If necessary, continue to microwave at 15 second intervals. Stir in the light corn syrup to desired consistency.
Divide the marshmallows among different containers. Stir in a few drops of food coloring (gel paste food coloring used here) until desired shade is reached. Let cool enough for kids to handle.
Notes
To paint, use popsicle sticks or clean, unused paintbrushes. Store remaining paint in a sealed container at room temperature for up to three days.
Note that the paint does dry well enough to handle, but it does remain a bit sticky. So you won't be able to stack cookies decorated with marshmallow paint.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 0g
This post for edible marshmallow paint also appears on Crafts by Amanda.
Karen @ Sugartown Sweets says
You are a sugar genius! When I host my decorating party this year, I’m coming back here to watch your video again. LOVE this idea of painting marshmallows with marshmallows! 🙂
meaghanmountford says
Thank you so much Karen!!
Shannon @loveatfirstbento says
This has got to be the absolute coolest thing I’ve seen in a while – I would’ve LOVED me some marshmallow paint as a kid! What a brilliant idea, and I love the idea of using it instead of regular icing and piping bags at a party, that would totally be way easier. Totally genius!
meaghanmountford says
Thank you Shannon! I so wish I had it as a kid, too!
Stacey says
This was so fun! We used marshmallows as paint brushes.
meaghanmountford says
Oh geez, that’s brilliant!! And I bet marshmallows make perfect polka dots, too!
Emily says
This is probably a silly question, but did you use mini marshmallows or regular sized marshmallows? Thanks!!
meaghanmountford says
Hi Emily, Not silly at all! I used regular-sized, but I’m sure you could us a comparable amount of mini marshmallows too!
Kelsey says
Can you make the paint and use the next day?
meaghanmountford says
You can put the “paint” in a sealed container and it should last a few days!
Tara says
Hello! I plan after school activities for K-8 and we are decorating cookies this year. This is a great idea for my K-2 class. How exciting!
In your video, it looks like you have about 12 jumbo marshmallows. Is this right or was the video just zoomed in? Thank you!
meaghanmountford says
Hi Tara! The marshmallows are just regular size! That may be after they were microwaved, and puffed up. You’ll probably have to make a few batches for a whole class, but I would do the batches separately so the marshmallows don’t puff up all over your microwave!
Zissel says
This looks so great.
If not using a microwave, I am wondering how to do this in a pot over a fire.
Would greatly appreciate your input.
Many thanks,
Zissel
meaghanmountford says
Hi Zissel, I would heat very slowly as to not burn the mixture. A double boiler may work!