Easy Guide to Freezing Marshmallows (Freeze, Thaw & Enjoy!)

Marshmallows, whether store-bought or homemade, make a tasty sugary treat. They’re versatile, too; you can eat them fresh, toast them over a fire, or use them as a topping on cakes and other sweet foods and drinks. But what about freezing them?

You can freeze marshmallows as this helps to prolong their shelf-life. What’s more, freezing marshmallows does little to compromise their taste or texture, so they’ll still be as delicious once you take them out of the freezer.

Keep reading as the rest of this article discusses frozen marshmallows further, including the following:

• How to freeze marshmallows correctly
• What happens when you freeze marshmallows
• How to unfreeze marshmallows
• Tips on what to do with your frozen marshmallows

How To Freeze Marshmallows

Freezing marshmallows is an easy-breezy process. Here are four simple steps to stashing your marshmallows in the freezer:

1. Group the marshmallows. Marshmallows can easily stick together when frozen. If you don’t want to end up with one big marshmallow blob, start by organizing them into small batches. For large marshmallows, you can batch them into groups of six. Tinier marshmallows can go into groups of six tablespoons each.
2. Place each batch in a plastic bag. Pour each cluster of marshmallows into separate resealable plastic bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible from each bag as you zip up each batch. These Greenzla Reusable Gallon Bags from Amazon.com are a great, reusable option for food storage. Aside from being freezer-safe, they seal securely and are easy to clean.
3. Wrap each bag in tin foil or cling film. Roll up each plastic bag in tin foil or cling film for added preservation. Wrap the bags tightly enough while still being careful not to squeeze your marshmallows too hard.
4. Store in the freezer. Once your marshmallows are sealed and wrapped, they’re ready to be stored. Just pop them in the freezer, and you’re good to go.

Marshmallows Don’t Get Very Hard When Frozen

You’ll notice once they’ve been in the freezer for a few hours that frozen marshmallows don’t get as hard as most frozen foods tend to. Most food contains moisture that turns to ice at temperatures below the freezing point (32°F or 0°C), making the food harden into an icy solid mass. 

Marshmallows, however, don’t have that much water in them: strictly speaking, they’re basically just made of sugar and air. Because marshmallows have so little water, no ice can form when they’re kept in the freezer. As a result, marshmallows don’t harden or freeze solid when frozen.

You Can Freeze Marshmallows for Up to 12 Months

Depending on the brand, a sealed packet of marshmallows can last longer than a month without spoiling. Once opened, however, it’s best to consume them within one to two weeks. 

Frozen (and even refrigerated) marshmallows can last much longer. Freezing is an excellent way to maintain the freshness of marshmallows you don’t intend to use in the near future. 

In the refrigerator, marshmallows can stay chilled for two to three months. As for frozen marshmallows, they can last for up to 12 months in the freezer—these fluffy pillows of sugary goodness will still be safe to eat.

Can You Freeze Toasted Marshmallows?

You can freeze toasted marshmallows, but only if you plan to use them soon after. Marshmallow milkshakes are a great way to utilize frozen toasted marshmallows.

Here are a few simple steps to making six delicious cups of toasted marshmallow milkshakes:

1. Preheat your oven. Take out the oven tray and preheat your oven to 400°F (about 204°C).
2. Prepare the oven tray. Line your oven tray with non-stick aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can use a regular foil that’s been greased with butter.
3. Toast the marshmallows. Spread your marshmallows on the tray and place them in the oven. Toast until they’re an even golden brown color.
4. Freeze the marshmallows. Pop the toasted marshmallows in the freezer for 30 minutes or longer to allow them to cool and freeze.
5. Puree the marshmallows. Once frozen, use a blender to mix your marshmallows with one cup of milk, two tablespoons of malted milk powder, and one pint of ice cream. Blend until the mixture is thick and creamy.
6. Serve. Pour the mixture into glasses, top with whipped cream, and enjoy.

Defrost Marshmallows on the Kitchen Counter

Defrosting frozen marshmallows is simple and quick. When you’re finally ready to use them, take the marshmallows out of the freezer and unwrap the foil or cling film. You’ll then want to remove the marshmallows from the plastic bag and place them on a plate on the kitchen counter for an hour or two until they reach room temperature.

Larger marshmallows take longer to defrost, but it shouldn’t be more than a few hours. If your marshmallows are stuck together, coat them with a bit of confectioner’s sugar or cornstarch to help loosen them up.

You Can Use Frozen Marshmallows Without Thawing Them

You don’t have to wait for your marshmallows to defrost before using them: frozen marshmallows can be used as is! What’s more, they have some household uses as well. 

Here are a few culinary and household ideas to consider the next time you take these sweet eats out of the freezer:

• Sprinkle your frozen marshmallows over some ice cream, or toss a few into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for more sweetness and flavor.
• Add a little frozen marshmallow to a bowl of your favorite cereal.
• Use the marshmallows for making soft, homemade ice packs. You can do this because marshmallows don’t harden when frozen. Pop a few marshmallows into a freezer bag and freeze for a few hours before use.

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Summary

You can do many things with a simple marshmallow: freezing is one of them. Unlike most foods, marshmallows don’t harden when kept in the freezer, meaning you don’t have to wait too long for them to defrost. Toasted marshmallows can be frozen too, but only if you intend to use them soon after. 

When frozen, marshmallows can maintain their freshness for up to 12 months. Frozen marshmallows can be used as they are: sprinkle a few over your ice cream, cereal, or hot chocolate, and enjoy!