Last winter, when my grandchildren begged for a movie marathon during a snowed-in weekend, I knew we needed a treat as playful as the films we were about to watch. They chose Ghostbusters, of course, and I couldn’t resist the idea of bringing the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man to life right in our kitchen. The giggles started the moment I set out the marshmallows and candy eyes. They were already imagining towering marshmallow monsters marching across the counter.
Making these little characters was not only easy but surprisingly soothing. Each marshmallow stack came together with melted white chocolate, and suddenly I was transported back to my own classroom days, crafting simple projects with young children. Sticky fingers, laughter, and creative energy filled the room. My husband, who usually avoids sweets, popped in just to admire the scene and ended up sneaking one of the finished treats.
What struck me most was how quickly these marshmallow figures turned into more than a snack. They became part of the story. The children named theirs, made up silly voices, and lined them up like a sugary army. These moments reminded me that food is about so much more than flavor—it’s about connection, joy, and memories stitched together around the kitchen table.
That evening, after the movie ended and the cocoa mugs were empty, the Stay Puft Marshmallows had been devoured. But the memory of our little edible monsters lived on. It’s a recipe I’ll keep close, not just for its whimsical look, but for the way it brings everyone together, no matter their age.
Short Description
Fluffy Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallows are fun, edible characters made from large marshmallows, white chocolate, and candy eyes. Easy to assemble, they’re perfect for kids’ parties, movie nights, or playful holiday treats.
Key Ingredients
- Large marshmallows (about 12–15)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Black edible marker
- Candy eyes (12–15 pairs)
Tools Needed
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Small kitchen scissors (optional, for trimming marshmallows)
- Clean hands and patience for stacking
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Place the white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely smooth and glossy. This should take about 1½–2 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Base
Dip the bottom of a marshmallow into the melted chocolate and press it gently onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will be the foundation of your Stay Puft body.
Step 3: Stack the Body
Dip another marshmallow slightly on the bottom and place it on top of the first. Repeat with a third marshmallow to complete the body stack. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the chocolate begins to set.
Step 4: Coat and Secure
Using a spoon, drizzle or gently roll the stacked marshmallows in melted white chocolate until coated. The coating should look smooth, like a soft shell.
Step 5: Add the Eyes
While the chocolate is still wet, press two candy eyes onto the top marshmallow. Hold them for a second so they stick firmly.
Step 6: Sprinkle and Dry
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Let the marshmallows rest for 10–15 minutes until the coating hardens.
Step 7: Draw the Smile
Once the chocolate shell is firm, use a black edible marker to draw a smile—or even a goofy grin—onto your marshmallow man. Now they’re ready to charm your guests!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Playful and Fun: Perfect for themed parties, especially movie nights or Halloween.
Kid-Friendly: Children can help stack, coat, and decorate their marshmallow characters.
Quick and Easy: No baking required, just simple assembly.
Customizable: Add hats, bow ties, or sprinkles to make each Stay Puft unique.
Sweet and Soft: The combination of fluffy marshmallows and creamy white chocolate is irresistible.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Chocolate Seizing: If the chocolate turns lumpy, it overheated. Solution: Add ½ teaspoon vegetable shortening and stir gently until smooth.
Marshmallows Toppling Over: If your stack keeps sliding, use less chocolate between layers. Too much will make them slippery.
Eyes Falling Off: Press the candy eyes firmly while the chocolate is still tacky, not hardened.
Uneven Coating: Use a spoon to drizzle instead of dipping fully if your marshmallows start melting in hot chocolate.
Marker Smudging: Wait until the chocolate shell is completely dry before drawing the smile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a platter at a Ghostbusters movie night.
Pair with mugs of hot cocoa or spiced cider.
Add them as edible toppers to cupcakes or birthday cakes.
Wrap individually in cellophane for party favors.
Use them as a centerpiece for a kids’ sleepover snack table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Avoid refrigeration, marshmallows harden in the cold.
To refresh, microwave for 3–5 seconds before serving for a slightly softer bite.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, though the classic Stay Puft look is white, milk chocolate makes a tasty twist.
2. Where can I find candy eyes?
Most craft or baking stores carry them, or you can order online.
3. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, prepare them a day in advance and store in a sealed container.
4. What if I don’t have an edible marker?
You can pipe melted dark chocolate with a toothpick for the smile.
5. Can kids make these without help?
Children can decorate and stack, but adults should handle the melted chocolate.
Tips & Tricks
Use slightly stale marshmallows—they stack more easily without slipping.
Chill the baking sheet for 5 minutes before stacking to help chocolate set faster.
Try dusting the powdered sugar with a fine sieve for an even, snowy finish.
Keep a damp cloth nearby—sticky fingers are part of the fun.
Let kids personalize their Stay Puft with sprinkles or food coloring pens.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate-Coated Stay Puft: Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Holiday Marshmallow Men: Use red and green sprinkles and a candy cane “hat” for Christmas.
Mini Stay Puft Army: Use mini marshmallows and toothpicks to create bite-sized versions.
Vegan Version: Use vegan marshmallows, dairy-free white chocolate, and plant-based shortening.
Spooky Version: Add a jagged mouth with the marker and orange sprinkles for Halloween.
Final Thoughts
These Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallows wasn’t about perfect lines or flawless chocolate coats—it was about sticky laughter, tiny hands eager to help, and the excitement of seeing familiar movie characters come to life. I love how one recipe can transform a snowy day into a memory my grandchildren will carry with them.
Sometimes, the recipes that stay closest to our hearts are the ones that are a little silly, a little messy, but entirely full of love. That’s the magic of cooking at home—you’re not just feeding stomachs, you’re feeding stories, imagination, and laughter. And when the last marshmallow has been eaten, the memory of that sweetness lingers long after.
Ghostbusters Stay Puft Marshmallows
Ingredients
- Large marshmallows about 12–15
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Black edible marker
- Candy eyes 12–15 pairs
Instructions
- Melt the white chocolate chips with the vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth, about 1½–2 minutes.
- Dip the bottom of a marshmallow into the chocolate and press it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for the base. Stack two more marshmallows on top, letting them sit 2–3 minutes to set.
- Coat the stack with melted chocolate using a spoon until covered in a smooth shell. Press on candy eyes while the chocolate is still wet.
- Dust with powdered sugar and let harden 10–15 minutes. Once dry, draw on a smile or grin with a black edible marker before serving.
