daring bakers: mallows
Recipe: mallows
I feel as if every two weeks I’m doing something Daring. Oh wait, it’s because I AM! Daring Cooks, then Daring Bakers, then Daring Cooks then…
the daring bakers knead to bake
I’m not sure if I can keep this up before I start to lose my shit, kids. At least I made it through July.
The official line: The July Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Nicole at Sweet Tooth. She chose Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies and Milan Cookies from pastry chef Gale Gand of the Food Network.
Awesome founders: Lis of La Mia Cucina and Ivonne of Cream Puffs in Venice.
We were given the option of one or both of the cookie recipes this month, so I chose the mallows because I have been wanting to make marshmallows for over a year. First, we start with a graham cracker base. The dough was simple enough to slap together, chill, roll, and cut out. For some reason, the recipe claims the yield is about 2 dozen cookies for 1/8 inch thickness when in fact, I used a larger cutter and wound up making about 4 dozen cookies. No idea what was up with that…
2-inch cutter
set cutouts on parchment to bake
Next up was to make the marshmallow which essentially involved boiling sugar to soft-ball stage (I boiled to 218°F instead of 235°F because of my altitude, subtract 1° for every 500 ft. above sea level), mixing it with softened gelatin, and beating it into whipped egg whites.
heating the sugar
stir in the gelatin
The marshmallow seemed a little oozy and flat when I whipped it, but I just let the KitchenAid do its thing until the marshmallow began to hold its shape a little better – about 5 minutes. Piping with a plain tip, I topped off each cookie and had enough marshmallow for all 48. Then I let the marshmallow dry for about two hours.
sticky, foamy, sweet
pipe onto the cookie rounds
The chocolate glaze was a simple combination of semi-sweet chocolate and a little vegetable oil. I actually found the glaze to be a tad on the thin side. That, and it melted like crazy the moment it warmed above 70°F (it’s summer here, people).
dip head first, then flip
drain off excess chocolate and cool on parchment
These cookies were pretty simple as Daring Baker challenges go. The cookie base had a tender crumb which made it nice to bite through when sinking your teeth into the fluffy marshmallow top. Homemade mallows are ten times better than any store-bought version, to be sure. For some variation, I sprinkled ground pistachios or nonpareils on the mallows while the chocolate glaze was still wet because I had every intention of giving most of them away.
packaged for friends
a little after-lunch snack
Everyone loved the little treats, especially my neighbor’s kids who ran from their trampoline to come and check out the nifty mallows I was offering up that evening. Win friends and influence people, right? Check out what the other Daring Bakers are up to. Thanks to Nicole for hosting and getting me to cross marshmallows off my list of things to try.
so fluffy, it’s amazing they don’t float away
Mallows (Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies)
[print recipe]
by Gale Gand
3 cups (375g) all purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder (1/4 tsp @ 8500 ft.)
3/8 tsp baking soda (1/8 tsp @ 8500 ft.)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
12 tbsps (170g) unsalted butter
3 eggs, whisked together
homemade marshmallows, recipe follows
chocolate glaze, recipe follows
In a mixer with the paddle attachment, blend the dry ingredients. On low speed, add the butter and mix until sandy. Add the eggs and mix until combine. Form the dough into a disk, wrap with clingfilm or parchment and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 3 days. When ready to bake, grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness, on a lightly floured surface. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out small rounds of dough. Transfer to the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool to room temperature. Pipe a “kiss” of marshmallow onto each cookie. Let set at room temperature for 2 hours. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or silicon mat. One at a time, gently drop the marshmallow-topped cookies into the hot chocolate glaze. Lift out with a fork and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place on the prepared pan and let set at room temperature until the coating is firm, about 1 to 2 hours. If you want to decorate the mallows, sprinkle a topping on the glaze while it is still wet. Makes about 4 dozen (using 2-inch cutter).
homemade marshmallows
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup (85g) light corn syrup
3/4 cup (170g) sugar
1 tbsp powdered gelatin
2 tbsps cold water
2 egg whites , room temperature
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
In a saucepan, combine the water, corn syrup, and sugar, bring to a boil until “soft-ball” stage – 235°F on a candy thermometer (218°F at 8500 ft. above sea level). Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let dissolve. Remove the syrup from the heat, add the gelatin, and mix. Whip the whites until soft peaks form and pour the syrup into the whites. Add the vanilla and continue whipping until stiff. Transfer to a pastry bag.
chocolate glaze
12 oz. (340g) semisweet chocolate
2 oz. (55g) cocoa butter or vegetable oil
Melt the 2 ingredients together in the top of a double boiler or a bowl set over barely simmering water.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Smackdown gorgeous!
I just realized that it took me one good year to make my baking agree with the humidity here and I would so much to learn by moving your way. But, I am totally game for it. We need to keep on Bill about that!!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Beautiful!
Marshmallows are on my (always growing) list of things to make myself!
July 27th, 2009 at 2:14 am
Wow, beautiful mallows! I agree about the melting thing too.. and it is Winter where I live!!
July 27th, 2009 at 4:49 am
Your mallows look perfect and it seems that your friends enjoyed them! Great job!
Cheers,
Rosa
July 27th, 2009 at 6:07 am
They look great. I’ve always been a mallow fan!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Very cute! I found the same thing about the chocolate, I just assumed that it was because I had put a little too much oil. Love the sprinkles idea!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Those are lovely! I didn’t know the tip about adjusting for high altitude with the candy thermometer. Thanks for the tip!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:41 am
1. Those look delicious!
2. The quality of your shots is superb too. [Notices the ‘photography’ link, and wonders if it will reveal any tips]
July 27th, 2009 at 7:48 am
So pretty! Anything dipped in chocolate is good for me!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Gorgeous! Your marshmallow cream looks perfect.
July 27th, 2009 at 8:06 am
These are cute as a button! I had fun making them too, despite several problems. Looks like yours went without a hitch! I love your shots of the dipping process!
July 27th, 2009 at 8:44 am
these marshmallow cookies look so scrumptious!
July 27th, 2009 at 8:53 am
I love the looks on your friends faces as they chomp away. Beautiful cookies. I am not a big fan of the chocolate covered marshmallow variety. But man, I am tempted.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Perfection as always, jen. I so wish you could come here and teach me how to take great photos! I loooove the photo with the bite out of the mallow. I don’t like marshmallow, but I would bite into one of yours in a heartbeat! :)
July 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Beautifully done once again and the mallows look really scrumptious. Wish I was part of the crowd partaking in a bite.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:19 am
oh yumm
July 27th, 2009 at 9:23 am
You’ve done really well with these lovely mallows! I still have to master the art of marshmallow making, as I used storebought in the end, but will for sure try this again as everyone loved them!
July 27th, 2009 at 9:31 am
This looks so fun to make! I have never tried a marshmallow cookie before and this looks yummy especially with the copious amount of freshly made marshmallow. The packaged cookies look so good that you could sell them! Great photos as usual.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Oooh, they look wonderful. I’ve only tried to make marshmallows once and it was lots of fun. Yours make me want to make them again :)
~Susan
July 27th, 2009 at 9:53 am
I dont know how you do both groups on top of living life. I commend you! But I think I have found my new favorite cookie. Making marshmallows are so fun. Beautiful work.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:05 am
This is perfect! I craze mallomars virtually all year long, but they don’t make them in the summer. You’ve just increased my quality of life exponentially, until mallomars are back that is.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:05 am
These are so fabulous. I have also been wanting to make marshmallows, but wimped out and made the milano instead. But your giving me courage- I might just try those mallows after all.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Your cookies and pictures are GORGEOUS! What is that fantastic tool you’re using to dip your cookies, there? I love it! I use a team of forks :)
July 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Lucky friends! The box of finished cookies is gorgeous!
July 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
These look incredible. I like that you pipe them straight on the cookies. I probably would have tortured myself and piped them on parchment first, and then moved them to the cookies after they set up. Duh. I’m curious about this recipe, as I’ve preferred the denser version that results from not using egg whites, but the texture of this one might be the perfect balance between light, yet toothy.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Great job, Jen! Your mallows look amazing, and I’m a little sad that mine are all gone now!
July 27th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I could just stare at that last photo for hours…. So fluffy, crunchy, chocolatey- perfect!
And I’m so impressed that anyone could keep up with two daring challenges a month at all. Seriously, that’s an accomplishment in itself, but then you always bust it out of the ball park, too!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
WOW!!
Your mallows look delicious.
I love the pictures they are amazing !!!!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Love the glossy chocolate picture…they look so appetizing. I’ve been wanting to do marshmallows since last year, might try soon!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Such fab pictures! Great work!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Love the step by step photos, your mallows look incredible!
July 27th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
These turned out so great and your pictures are beautiful. Great job this month!
July 27th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Your photos are amazing!
July 27th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I honestly had no idea that you could make marshmallow. I thought it was made in factories and contained scary things, so I stopped eating them. You learn something new every day!
July 27th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Absolutely stunning, Jen. Love the reflection of your window in the wet chocolate!
July 27th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Absolutely stunning photos, as always. Your mallows look fantastic!
July 27th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
tes photos sont fantastiques ! un défi super réussi :)
July 27th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Oh my gosh, I have to try making these! You did an amazing job–they look incredible.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
They are just lovely and the whisk photo is amazing.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
They look great! Good job!
July 27th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
After looking through your photographs I regret making the milano instead of the mallows! They look delicious, wonderful job with the challenge.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Wow these look beautiful.
My first attempt with marshmallows left my hand blender smoking trying to thicken the mixture! In the end I gave up, my second attempt fared better and thankfully my blender seems to be ok now! I am glad I am not the only one who felt that they were whisking for ages.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
At first glance, those looked like chocolate covered Oreos. These look even better! Nicely done!
July 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Absolutely beautiful! I always love your photos, they never fail to impress me. :)
July 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
They look stunning!!
July 27th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Marshmallows were on my list of things to do at home for over an year too. I think your picture of the coated mallow inmerging from the chocolate is just gorgeous, screen liking gorgeous!
July 27th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Your mallows look beautiful! Marshmallows have been on my list to try, too – I thought these were really fun cookies to make!
July 27th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Wow GORGEOUS! Awesome job!!! I have never made a cookie like this before, now I have too! :D
July 27th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Perfect! Definitely for winning people over! Love that last shot with the glass of milk…mmm!
July 27th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
That last shot makes me want to eat about twelve more of these! Beautifully done!
July 27th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I think my favourite pic is the one of everyone enjoying them. That makes it all worth it in the end.
July 27th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Awesome pictures, your cookies are pretty.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
OMG! Yummy for the tummy. :)
July 27th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
They look adorable and very yummy! Baking and sharing helps making friends for sure.
July 27th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
I love the toppings. And I had the same experience with the recipe lying. Two dozen my butt…I ended up with almost 140 cookies!
July 28th, 2009 at 12:27 am
simply gorgeous jen! i am craving these and wish i had gone with the mallows instead. i always find it interesting to read about the things people need to take into account when they are at different altitudes or because of the heat. lovely post!
July 28th, 2009 at 2:55 am
oh … love your pictures ^^!! looks so yummy …. :-) XOXO
July 28th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Simply beautiful Jen!! I love how your mallow biscuits turned out. They look so professional – better than the packaged ones! Incidentally, your sugar heating pic is really huge…
Love the pics!
July 28th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Knock-out mallows, I especially like the pistachio topped ones! Love your documentary photo shoot.
July 28th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Just gorgeous. I lespecially ove the pic with them just stepping out of the chocolate…with a fresh coat! Luscious!! The photographs are BRILLIANT!!
July 28th, 2009 at 11:09 am
They are absolutely beautiful!
Your pictures are amazing!
July 28th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Can you believe I’ve never made marshmallows? I’m just not a fan of the store-bought ones that I’m not motivated enough to make my own! :P But I will take your word for it– when the opportunity strikes!
Hey, now you know how to win kids over! ;)
July 28th, 2009 at 11:55 am
I’ve loved seeing all the mallows over the blogosphere, but your pictures and words really make me want to try and make one, rather than just look at them and appreciate them!! Great job :)
July 28th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
As usual, your photos perfect as well as your culinary creations! Wow! You’re right that making marshmallows are easy IF you follow the instructions carefully haha, which I failed to do at first (two times). I was looking forward to seeing your DK post.
July 28th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
[…] cookie recipe | use real butter Syndicated from mallows cookie recipe | use real butter.At least I made it through July. The official line: The July Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by […]
July 28th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
All I can say is: “I wish I lived next door to you!”
July 28th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Really perfect series of shots on these, Jen. Love them all nestled up in their little container. And the shot of the “enjoyers?” Definitely priceless. I noticed the same thing with the whipping and think I let mine run until the bowl was no longer warm to the touch. Helps the “puff.”
July 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
What beautiful cookies! The ground pistachios are a nice touch.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Wonderful, as usual! Last time I made marshmallows it was with 18 kindergarten kids and we took them to friends at Cochiti Pueblo for a feast day. The morning was cold, light snow was falling and we all huddled with hot chocolate and marshmallows. I will give your treats a try.
July 29th, 2009 at 3:31 am
Such beautiful photos – your friends seem to be delighted with them. I love the look of the toppings – I nowe have to add mallows to my list. (Although I am relieved to only be a Daring Cook and not a Daring baker too!)
July 29th, 2009 at 9:35 am
The shot of the dipped mallow resting on the fork is killing me. That’s such a great shot. The final result looks yummy too!
July 29th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Yum – Gorgeous cookies!! I love the photos, especially the last one =D.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Oh, I wish I could have a nibble of those mallows you made. They look absolutely beautiful. Your photos are exquisite. Kudos!
July 29th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
These look awesome! Can’t wait to try to make these for my dad, who loves mallows..
:)
July 30th, 2009 at 3:41 am
Packaged for friends – lucky friends!!! But my goodness that sounds like an army of little bitty cookies! Makes me glad I made a sixth of a recipe of the milanos!
July 31st, 2009 at 8:48 am
Simply gorgeous! Love the photos!
July 31st, 2009 at 9:01 am
Love the step-by-step photos! Your cookies look delicious!
July 31st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
These look perfect! Lovely sprinkles and ground pistachios.
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:27 am
I am so bummed that my oven has quit! I’ve made marshmallows many times (and love them!) but haven’t taken them any further. These look delicious! I’m starting a file for “things to bake when I get a new oven”!
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:59 am
Thanks everyone, for you’re great comments!
Julie – It is a candy fork or some such thing. Very handy when dipping candies or goodies in chocolate (I think you can find it at any store that has candy-making equipment).
August 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 pm
Geez! How pretty!! If I did not damage my Kitchenaid, I would have made these too…………………………. Argh…………… I will be posting up my long overdue thins later today.
Really pretty mallows you have there Jen! You are such an inspiration!! xxoo
December 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
im 13 and this was very easy to make i had alittle help with my mom but i did it YAY!!!
skrumshus
December 20th, 2010 at 11:28 am
[…] Covered Marshmallow Cookies Source: Use Real Butter, originally by Gale […]
June 13th, 2014 at 5:41 am
[…] Mallow Cookies Adapted from here. […]
February 21st, 2015 at 8:49 am
These sound fantastic. I can’t believe no one thought to add a dollop of (insert favorite flavor) jam on top of the cookie before piping the marshmallow on top. Seriously yummy!