Marshmallows, water, light corn syrup, and food coloring are all you need to make the most fun paint for kids (or grown-ups) ever. 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?)
Marshmallow Edible Paint
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. Now is the perfect time to try out this handy craft for kids.
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.
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.
What you need to make marshmallow edible paint
- 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 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. Â 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.”
For another fun kids craft, check out how to make homemade floam. This project will be one your kids don’t want to put down!
Edible Marshmallow Paint
Supplies
- 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.
- 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.
This post was originally published on this blog on Oct 9, 2017.
- Popsicle Stick Bracelets - August 19, 2025
- Bird Seed Ornaments - May 13, 2025
- Washcloth Bunny and Chick - April 4, 2025
Jackie says
Can I ask what you might use instead of corn syrup? 😃
Amanda Formaro says
That’s a tough one because there really is nothing that mimics LCS perfectly. You could try honey or agave syrup, the only problem is they aren’t clear so it would affect the color. You can also just try skipping the LCS all together, although the consistency might suffer. I’d say to be safe, I’d recommend honey as a sub, but warn that the color will of course be affected. Please also note that we have NOT tested this so can’t guarantee your results. Good luck!
Tracy says
If you don’t have a microwave available to your classroom, would you be able to use marshmallow cream instead?