This colorful marshmallow edible paint takes minutes to whip up and can be used to decorate cookies, marshmallows, bread, and even plain old paper (maybe even making this footprint penguin art?)
Why we love this project
Kids and grown-ups alike can use this yummy marshmallow edible paint to decorate cookies or use the mixture as a kid-safe paint to draw designs on paper. Marshmallows, water, light corn syrup, and food coloring are all you need to make the most fun paint for kids (or grown-ups) ever.
Marshmallow paint is a quick and easy way to let the kids decorate cookies all by themselves. Or, host a cookie and marshmallow decorating party, and instead of the harder-to-wield frosting bags, put out marshmallow paint and brushes.
Craft supplies you will need
How to Make Marshmallow Edible Paint
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the 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.
- 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 edible marshmallow paint.
While rainbows are fun and easy to make with edible 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.”
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.
More Kids Crafts
Edible Marshmallow Paint
Edible marshmallow paint is a quick and easy way for kids (or grown-ups) to decorate cookies and marshmallows.
Makes: 1 cup
Supplies
- 1 cup packed marshmallows about 12 marshmallows
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- food coloring
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
This post was originally published on this blog on Oct 9, 2017.
Meaghan Mountford was a professional cookie decorator for nearly a decade before starting The Decorated Cookie in 2008, a blog about decorated cookies, painted marshmallows, and other crafty sweets. She is the author of two cookbooks, Cookie Sensations and Sugarlicious: 50 Cute and Clever Treats for Every Occasion.
